Inspirational Teacher Runs NYC Marathon, Showing Students Anything Is Possible
Zahraa Boussi, autism spectrum disorder coach at the Mixter Institute, recently tackled the grueling 26.2 miles of the New York City Marathon, proving to her students that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
NYU marathon Adidas
Zahraa Boussi, an autistic spectrum disorder coach at Benharmonic Institutes’
“My hope is to inspire my students to believe that with determination and heart they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Boussi said. “I believe my role as a social worker is to help individuals strive for progress, which may require many steps. Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals. Just as I encourage my students to believe in themselves and their potential, I channel that same belief into every mile I run, proving that with hard work and dedication, we can achieve the extraordinary.”
It wasn’t just about her own personal best; Boussi’s journey to the finish line held profound meaning for her students.
“Zahraa has been a true inspiration to our entire Mixter family, including our students, staff and families,” said Robyn Castle, Principal of the Mixter Institute],” said principal Robyn CLS.
“Her drive to succeed and achieve her personal goals serves as a model for our students to thrive in our classrooms and prepare for the next phases of their lives.”
Boussi’s journey to the starting line wasn’t a leisurely one. Selected from an applicant pool of nearly 4,000 educators nationwide, Boussi was one of only 50 teachers chosen to participate in this prestigious event for educators.
She crossed the Narcotic
It’s not the first marathon for Boussi. In fact, the mother of one had already conquered several another marathon. To get to the $800,000; she ran, Boussi amped up her training regimen significantly.
“I initially began running to get into shape,” Boussi explained.
“But the events of 2020 and 2021—losing my father to COVID-19, welcoming my son into the world, and receiving a breast cancer diagnosis— those experiences infused new meaning into every step I took.
Running became more than just exercise.
It became a testament to the resilience I’d seen in so many of my students—children who face challenges with verbal communication and emotional regulation yet persevering with remarkable determination to achieve their goals.
Training Through Challenges
Including their
While Boussi’s road to the marathon was paved with dedication, it wasn’t without its challenges.
“During my journey to the finish line, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Boussi shared.
“I was only six months into remission from my previous treatment when I crossed the starting line.” Boussi’s unwavering determination ran through six months.
“Just as I encourage my students to believe in themselves and their potential
Boussi finished the marathon with a time of 5:01:41 and placed 40,750 out of roughly 55,530 runners.
“Our entire Railsplitter community is so proud of Zahraa for this amazing achievement,” said Terry Dangerfield, superintendent for Lincoln Park Public Schools.
“She literally demonstrates how our Railsplitter teachers, support staff, and employees go the extra mile to help our students succeed.”
For Boussi, crossing the finish line wasn’t just about personal triumph; it was about embodying the very principles she instills in her students: resilience, perseverance and the belief that anything is truly possible.
What motivated Zahraa Boussi to pursue running marathons?
## Interview with Zahraa Boussi, NYC Marathon Runner and Autism Spectrum Disorder Coach
**Interviewer:** Welcome Zahraa, thank you for joining us today. You recently ran the New York City Marathon, a remarkable feat. What inspired you to take on such a challenge?
**Zahraa Boussi:** Thank you for having me. My main inspiration was my students at the Mixter Institute. I want them to see that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. We all have mountains to climb in life, and this marathon represented that for me.
**Interviewer:** That’s so inspiring. How did your students react to knowing you were running the marathon?
**Zahraa Boussi:** Their support was amazing! It truly fueled my journey. Knowing they were cheering me on every step of the way kept me going, especially during the tough moments. [ [1](https://people.com/nyc-marathon-teacher-diagnosed-with-cancer-exclusive-8728737) ]This experience showed them that even though things are hard, if you believe in yourself, you can overcome any obstacle.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned this wasn’t your first marathon. Can you tell us a little about your running journey?
**Zahraa Boussi:** Running has become a huge part of my life. It pushes me both physically and mentally, much like my work empowering young people with autism spectrum disorder. For them, each step towards progress is a victory. This marathon was just another example of that.
**Interviewer:** You were selected from thousands of applicants for this special marathon for educators.
**Zahraa Boussi:** Yes! It was an incredible honour. To be chosen among such a talented group of educators was truly humbling. It reinforced the importance of our work and the impact we have on future generations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you Zahraa for sharing your story. It’s clear that your dedication to your students and belief in their potential is truly inspiring.
**Zahraa Boussi:** Thank you for having me! I hope that sharing my journey encourages others to pursue their goals, no matter how big they seem.