Back-To-School X Vera Ahiyya

My name is Vera and I am an early childhood educator and author of two books. I recently earned my degree in Library Media Science and hope to one day become a school librarian. 

I was originally born in Germany. I was raised in El Paso, Texas and went to college in Sherman, Texas. I have lived in Austin, Boston, Brooklyn, and now Portland, Oregon.

I moved to Portland with my husband a little over a year ago. We are adjusting but definitely miss Brooklyn!

I am passionate about a lot of things. I think I am most passionate about ensuring that young children have the tools they need to make the world a better place for everyone. I love using picture books as a way to engage children in important conversations.

Making the choice to be an educator has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It is exhausting, tiring, sometimes thankless, but often rewarding. 

My entire family tree is full of educators. The importance of education was instilled in me at a very young age. I take pride in being and educator. Simultaneously, I recognize that there are many things about the United States' current education system that require change in order to truly reach the needs of every child. 

Education means freedom.

After the murder of George Floyd, I was pushed to remind my students about the power of their voice. We were learning virtually at the time, so I filmed myself reading a book about race. I then encouraged them to use their voices to speak up against racism. That video went viral and a close friend, Roda Ahmed, encouraged me to turn the words of that video into a children’s book. That video inspired my first children’s book, You Have a Voice.

A theme that shows up in my books often is the idea that children are ready just as they are. They show up for school, experiences, or life ready to explore and discover the world around them.

People outside of education can help by rebelling against what we have been told is the "norm." The norm that says that early elementary students are too young to have important conversations with students. The norm of white euro-centric curriculum, that only tells one side of a very important story. The norm of a "nuclear family." The norm of color blindness in society. The norm that says disability means helplessness. The norm that says "you can’t do/say that" in public schools. By pushing back against pre-conceived norms, we all become a community that is more thoughtful and inclusive.

One important element to back-to-school outfits is being comfortable. Educators are up and down, singing and dancing, wiping away tears and helping to tie shoes all day long. We want to be able to do all of those things and be comfortable. Bonus if we can look cute, too!

My personal style is full of color and life. I love fashion. I love clothes and I love expressing myself through the clothes I wear. I have aphantasia, which means I cannot picture things in my "mind's eye." I think that’s why I'm so drawn to clothing that is bright and expressive.

An item I cannot go without, that I don’t wear as often anymore, are my tutus. My tutus helped me reconnect with the person I’ve always been during a period in my life when I thought I had lost her. They hang in my closet and remind me to always be true to myself, and to have a little fun doing while doing so!

Marcella is such a pleasure. The clothing is comfortable and so stylish. The pieces are flattering, as well. I think my favorite pieces would be a tie between the Pearson Pants and the Fillmore Dress. As a plus-size person, it can be difficult to find pants that are made well, and are flattering. The Pearson Pants does both and more!