Hobbies

artist statement

No matter how much we artists think we can uncover through our work, every photo subject contains countless more mysteries waiting to be found. My processes involved empathizing and understanding peoples’ stories, which can be seen through their portraits. I capture a person’s hidden worlds, trying to discover the inner workings of their minds: worlds filled with elation, anxiety, hope, and fear. As my gaze intensifies, I wonder what else could be going on deep within the thoughts of those on the picture; what are they thinking that I cannot yet see. It’s in the smile that hides a million secrets, the eyes that show a painful upbringing, and the hands that show the calluses from pushing her wheelchair. Taking portraits of these people have broadened my horizons through the people I photograph: through them, I have become a storyteller. A picture has the unique ability to pique interest, often giving the viewer enough insight to see context, but not enough to truly understand the picture’s world. Through my photos, I bring to the forefront many issues that are at the forefront of my heart, and leave it to my audience to use their newfound interest to delve into previously unknown thoughts. █

tara varzi ‘20

A Farewell to our retirees A Farewell to our retirees

Mrs. Simpson

Leaving the HIES family for new adventures in retirement.

ZAK KERR, associate editor design: MAGGIE BELENKY, managing editor

This This year marks the 43rd year of Mrs. Niki Simpson’s time at HIES. Simpson began working at HIES in 1972 and even met her husband at the school. In 1978, Simpson left the school to follow her husband who decided to join the Navy. After five years, Simpson returned to HIES and has remained a part of the HIES community ever since.

Forty-three years is a long time in any respect. Naturally, Simpson has witnessed much change over her many years at the school. child went there already that they would be able to go there the next year,” Simpson said.

“It was really a first-come, first-serve basis,” Simpson added.

Simpson has also witnessed the changes of the campus such as the addition of new buildings, the transition to computers, and the changes made in education. Her decision to retire came simply from the fact that Simpson feels as though she is ready to, “do something different.” Simpson also feels that she has accomplished everything her vocation to education has demanded. image courtesy of Niki Simpson

not necessarily enjoy working in the business world and started leaning towards education. Ultimately, Simpson moved from Louisiana to Atlanta where she attained the position as an Administrative Assistant at HIES.

“When I first started, I sat where Ms. Kline sits in the front office. And I just remember immediately feeling a part of everything. People were very kind and then I found out that Ms. Buckalue taught there. She and I both grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the high school that I went to was a block away from where she lived. We never knew each other until we both got to Holy Innocents’,” Simpson said.

Because Simpson had a major in Speech and Drama, she raised interest with the school administration about starting a theater department. Eventually, because of Simpson’s efforts, HIES established the drama program and Simpson began directing plays at the school. Once the drama program became part of the daily curriculum, Simpson left her job as a secretary and became a full-time teacher. Eventually, however, Simpson would make a transition from directing plays to teaching English.

“When I came back to Holy Innocents’, after my husband got out of the Navy, they already had a drama teacher. And if I directed any more plays, I wanted it to be with high school instead of lower and middle school. So I taught English which I absolutely loved,” Simpson said.

Simpson has taught thousands of students in her 43 years at HIES. In addition to instilling upon her numerous student’s new knowledge, she too has been able to learn from her students.

“I’ve learned to be creative; I’ve learned to remember what it was like to be a student; I’ve learned to think outside the box; I’ve learned to listen, to appreciate my students, and to be creative and go beyond what I knew because I wanted to do more and because they did more,” Simpson said. While Simpson has learned many positive lessons from her students, she has also learned difficult lessons that have helped her grow as a teacher.

“I remember one day, early on in my career, going to Ms. Malcom just in tears because I couldn’t get to a student. And she looked at me and said, ‘You can’t save them all. You’re not the right person for that person. And you have to accept the fact that sometimes there is a better person for that person and it’s not you,’” Simpsons said.

“That was probably the most difficult thing I had to learn,” Simpson added.

Throughout her time as a teacher, Simpson has had many rewarding moments such as seeing her students improve, seeing them stand-up before the class and give a speech, and having the opportunity to preside over graduating ceremonies. Simpson also takes great pride in the fact that she had the opportunity to teach her former students (all of which she remembers) children.

“I believed in my students and knew they could be the best. I wanted to help them get there,” Simpson declared.

As Simpson quietly exits the HIES family, she reiterates the points of her Tassel Turner speech.

“Go not like a quarry slave to the dungeon. But dance. I hope you dance every dance that life gives you. No matter how hard it is. There are going to be times that it’s difficult but you can make it. Don’t give up. If life isn’t going the way you want it to, maybe life is telling you that this is not the best way,” Simpson said.

“The way I got to Holy Innocents’ is when I finally figured out that education was what I was supposed to do. Certainly not at all what I expected. But I absolutely loved it. Life is saying, ‘Let me guide you. I have a better plan,’” Simpson added. █