Spotlight on Siena Staff is an ongoing series of short videos and articles capturing the reflections, motivations and advice from some of our amazing Siena College staff. Today, we interview VCE Commerce Teacher, Riyad Zakharia as he describes his transition from the corporate sphere to the classroom, where he empowers our students to reach their utmost potential.
I have taken a non-traditional path into secondary teaching, beginning my career in accounting before gradually transitioning into human resources. Over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with diverse teams, leading projects and driving change initiatives in various organisations.
What truly resonated with me in the corporate world was the opportunity to train and mentor graduates and team members, helping them grasp intricate processes and adopt 'best practices'. It was during these experiences that my passion for teaching ignited. Subsequently, I pursued the required qualifications and now, I derive immense fulfilment from guiding our students to unlock their full potential.
Casting my aspirations toward the corporate realm since secondary school, I pursued my education at Monash University, earning a double degree in Bachelor of Business Accounting and Banking and Finance. While embarking on the journey to become a certified accountant, I concurrently undertook my Chartered Accountant diploma, balancing rigorous study with fulltime employment in professional services.
Transitioning into the realm of education, I furthered my academic pursuits by completing a Masters of Teaching (Secondary), a milestone that garnered recognition through an invitation to join the esteemed Golden Key International Honour Society.
Teaching and working within the Catholic school environment cultivates a robust platform for students and staff to excel in academics, careers and personal growth. At Siena, a profound sense of respect permeates among both faculty and students, echoing our core Catholic values and pillars, embodied by our College motto, Veritas.
My favourite teachers in secondary school were the ones who provided real world context to the content they taught. My commerce teachers consistently incorporated their own business experiences into the classroom, seamlessly integrating them into their teaching. This approach enabled me to grasp difficult concepts more easily and it has undoubtedly influenced my own teaching style today. Moreover, it fosters greater engagement in the classroom, particularly when tackling challenging topics.
Siena's unique selling point is the high level of commitment and support provided to our students. Our teaching and non-teaching staff are true professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the success of each student, both academically and in terms of personal wellbeing. This strong support system also lays a solid foundation for our students to navigate their chosen career paths and overcome challenges beyond their time at Siena.
