New science teacher takes on unfilled position

Jasmine Thompson • September 4, 2024

Science teacher Ani Zohrabyan helps out freshman Brandon Gomez in her period 4 biology class on Aug. 29.

After she had dreamed of entering the medical field, Ani Zohrabyan realized that blood was too much for her. This discovery put her on a different career path.

“I did an internship and I could not see the pain. I could not handle the blood,” said Zohrabyan, the new AP Environmental Science, biology and health teacher.

This year will be Zohrabyan’s first year of teaching after working in the district as a teacher’s assistant, substitute teacher and student teacher. She fills a teaching position that was unfilled for all of the 2023-2024 school year after long-time science teacher Jim Morrison became the school’s Magnet Coordinator at the beginning of the 2023 school year. At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS), Zohrabyan hopes to enhance students’ learning by creating a comfortable atmosphere and improve students’ test scores while teaching AP Environmental Science, biology and health.

“My philosophy is more inquiry-based than lecture, so I hope that would help…because they’re the ones driving their learning,” she said.

When Zohrabyan realized that the medical field wasn’t for her, Zohrabyan decided to study to become a veterinarian. Shortly after, she discovered she could not stand to see animals in pain either. After she realized that becoming a veterinarian or doctor wasn’t in the cards for her, Zohrabyan turned to an assistant position in biology, realizing that sharing her knowledge with students had become a passion.

“I can’t see animals in pain, especially since they can’t communicate their feelings. Zohrabyan said. “Then I got a position in a biology classroom… I returned to school, got my credentials and here I am.”

Zohrabyan chose DPMHS because of its family-like atmosphere after working at a school with an overwhelmingly large department. Although Zohrabyan was very nervous for her first week of teaching, she has settled in and is ready to take on this school year.

About the Contributors

Jasmine Thompson, Staff Writer

Jasmine Thompson is a sophomore and first-year staff member on The Pearl Post. Her goal this year is to get accustomed to the program in order to advance in staff her junior year. Outside of The Pearl Post, she is the current vice president on the class council and plays for Birmingham Community Charter High School’s Varsity Volleyball team.

Kristin Intal, Visual Editor

Kristin Intal is a senior and in her second year on staff. As the Visual Editor, she plans to support other staff members through photography, art and editing skills. Outside of class, she strives to participate in a variety of activities, such as martial arts and volunteering.

Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa, Yearbook Editor

Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa is currently in her senior year of high school and is one of this year's Presitge Yearbook Editors. This is her first and last year on staff. She also is this year's ASB president and enjoys being involved on campus. Outside of school, she loves to sing and volunteer at a hospital in the laboratory.