As the class of 2025 begins to graduate, teachers and students take time to recognize graduating seniors. Nika Safavizadeh has been nominated for her hard work and dedication. The effort she puts into her work, her relationships with teachers, and her involvement in Women’s Empowerment Club. This shows her kindness and dedication towards her peers and her academics. Through her efforts in school and outside, it’s clear that Nika is passionate about connecting with students and staff.
Nika Safavizadeh will start her journey enrolled in Wake Tech in the fall to do social work, and later will transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill to major in psychology. Her excitement for her education and meeting new people will go a long way for her through her next years of studying.
“She has a great personality. It was just fun seeing her interact with other students and just the way she and I would interact as well, the things that she would share with her life and in class,” says Daniela Oseugeda, teacher at Athens Drive.
These moments help create a supportive environment where trust and connections grow. The teacher-to-student relationship can help build connections not just with other teachers but with students as well.
“She wasn’t just a student who would show up to class. In general, she was always happy to be here; she wouldn’t just come in and do her work. She would talk to the students around her, and she was always happy to see me. We had a good relationship, not just with the content but just in general,” says Oseugeda.
Her effort and involvement in class show how Safavizadeh is seen. “She has helped me be more open and ask more questions in class because I’m usually a quiet person. She helped me know it’s okay to make mistakes,” said Safavizadeh. The mutual respect and gratitude towards each other prove that simple actions can help students not just push harder but also be more comfortable with others.
When asked how to describe Safavizadeh in one word, Oseugeda said, “Genuine, when you see her and greet her, she’s genuinely happy to see you. It’s nice to have her presence in the class,” said Oseugeda. Moments like these make stressful situations easier to navigate.
“One of my favorite memories is when she decided whether or not to do band her second semester. I remember she was stressed about telling Doc about it. She shared with me that everything was fine and he was happy for her,“ said Osegueda.
Safavizadeh was always aware of her surroundings and the people around her. She would always look out for her friends and classmates.
“She would work on her assignments, and also the students that would sit near her, like sometimes they would work together on something or she would remind them sometimes to be on what they were supposed to be doing,” said Oseugeda.
Safavizadeh has grown and improved; she has made lots of friends throughout her years at Athens Drive. She has grown out of her bubble and grown socially.
Safavizadeh shared some thoughts and advice for upcoming freshmen coming to Athens Drive next year, “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and don’t feel like you’re gonna be judged. Everybody here is new and doing their own thing. Just be yourself.”
