Welcome to the Hive: Guidance Department

Ms. Abdulla also has a creative side and a love for skateboarding. *Photo: Tahani Abdulla*

By SAMIAH FARDOUS

This fall, Midwood is excited to welcome four new counselors: Ms. Tahani Abdulla, Ms. Cynthia Vizueta, Ms. Hagar Elsayed, and Ms. Angelique Greggs.

I sat down with Ms. Abdulla and Ms. Vizueta to learn more about these two new Hornets.

Ms. Abdulla, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, discovered her passion for counseling during her time teaching English Language Arts.

“What I liked the most about teaching ELA was helping students to see real-world connections,” she said. Ms. Abdulla was inspired to broaden her impact, driving her to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. "I felt like there weren't enough counselors in the world," said Ms. Abdulla, who takes pride in listening to students and guiding them through their challenges.

Outside of her career, one of her hobbies is skateboarding. “I love it,” she said. “I haven’t done it as much since I started working, but I have a bunch of boards.”

Ms. Abdulla also has a love for roller skating that blossomed during the pandemic. “It was trending, and I told my sisters we should all just buy roller skates,” she said, noting that it was more challenging than it appeared.

Creativity is woven into her life as well. She started doing henna designs in tenth grade and began stitching dresses in college.

Her coworker Ms. Vizueta’s journey to counseling was inspired by her early career experiences. “Growing up in high school, I don’t remember having a counselor,” she said.

This realization motivated her to support students in a way she once lacked. As a secretary within the DOE, she found herself drawn to interactions with students.

“My background in undergrad was in social work, so it kind of reopened the doors,” she said, ultimately leading her to pursue a master’s in school counseling.

Ms. Vizueta brings a vibrant energy not only to her work but also to her life outside of school. Running is her primary passion.

“I ran the NYC Marathon – this is my fifth year doing it,” she said. For her, the race isn’t about winning but embracing the challenge.

“I did my first Ironman [triathlon] last month, which was a 15-hour race,” she said.

Friendships often lead to group runs, which have become her preferred way to socialize. “I meet a lot of people through the fitness community,” she said. “A normal hangout for me and my friends is running together.”

This is her first year as a high school counselor.

“It’s a whole new world for me, but I definitely prefer it and I love it,” she said.