Travel, Art, and Education

When Dyeemah Simmons ’14 declared her majors in English and studio art, she never dreamed she would find herself in Thessaloniki, Greece, just months after graduation. Simmons, the Art Fellow at Anatolia College, now shapes the education of young artists in elementary and high school.

Working with other fellows from across the United States and teachers and faculty from throughout the world, Simmons assists art teachers, runs extracurriculars, and guides students who wish to apply to American colleges. Simmons also works closely with students applying to art schools, counseling them on constructing portfolios and representing themselves.

At Oberlin, Simmons was a member of Oberlin Young Educators (OYE), co-chairing the group for one semester. She also tutored elementary students at several Oberlin schools, participated in the Student Docent Program at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, and was a writing associate.

Simmons’ new position allows her to combine her avidity for teaching with her love for creation. As an art fellow, she has space to try new things, which led her to found a photography club and teach students how to take, develop, and print black and white photographs.

Looking ahead, Simmons hopes to continue working in education and the arts. Her success in this position will help her decide if she wants to continue classroom work or seek alternatives, she says.

“At this point in my life, this is the perfect job for me,” Simmons says. “I feel incredibly lucky that I am able to indulge in all of the things I love: travel, art, and education.”