26 Sep Then…And Now: SET High Education Specialist, Ms. Kataf
During summer breaks in high school, by day Zena Kataf was a camp counselor for special needs kids. By night? Getting paid to put together Legos! And now? Ms. Kataf is an education specialist at our tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in San Diego. Read on to learn more about her now…and then!
What is your role at SET?
I am an education specialist.
What do you love about SET- what sets it apart from other schools?
I love the accepting community that sets it apart from other schools.
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
I wanted to be a plastic surgeon.
Any after-school and/or summer jobs while in high school?
In high school, my first job was working at the Lego Store in the OC. I’ve always loved Lego and was excited to get to build Legos as my job. I had to wear a black polo and some dorky khakis with a yellow apron that was always too long on me. I would work that job in the evening and in the morning I would be a camp counselor for children with special needs. I always had two jobs during the summer in high school.
What activities were you involved with in high school?
In high school, I rode horses and competed around the Southern California area. I was ranked #2 in Orange County in 2015 for the hunter/jumper division. I was also the team captain of the equestrian team at my high school for two years.
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
I loved Pierce the Veil, Basshunter, and Rebelution.
What was your go-to after school snack in high school?
I would always go to In-N-Out since it was next to my school, but if the line was too long there was a local place called A’s Burgers right next door. If I wanted something to drink I would go get milk tea at my favorite place called Harmony Tea Bar in Mission Viejo.
What did you eat for lunch in high school? What about now?
In high school, we had a bistro at our school that was gourmet that would serve any food you can think of. I miss that place so much! Now for lunch, I just pack a turkey sandwich or chicken and rice. I am my own chef now. 🙂
What was your favorite class in high school? What class would you like to take now at SET?
My favorite class in high school was Stats because my teacher was such a kind and true educator that I had so much respect for. He made me want to learn and show up to school. At SET, if I were a student I would take any class Mr. Ashe teaches!
How did you get around in high school?
I drove to high school. Now, I still drive to work.
Fun Fast Facts About Ms. Kataf
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done (besides teaching!)?
Cliff jumping in Maui
What’s your secret talent?
I can say “Unique New York” 10 times fast
What superpower do you wish you had?
Elasticity; I wish to be taller
What is your most used app?
Photos; I like to look at photos of my cats a lot
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life every day, what would it be?
The Popeye’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Prioritize your happiness first over others
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About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers. Students at our California Distinguished School (twice awarded!) build a healthy camaraderie with classmates inside an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality, helping them develop their individual character and direction in life. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enroll now. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at www.sethigh.org.