The Big Short Big questions, Short answers both graduated from the school. Where are you from? Northwest of the United States. Washington area. What kind of student were you in school? I was a decent student that liked to sit in the back of the room. I liked all of the subjects in school, but I especially liked science. Why did you choose to go into education? Education is a second career for me. I was a businessman for many years but my family encouraged me to give teaching a try since I really liked working with kids as I coached sports and volunteered to help out at school whenever possible. It was scary to make such a big career change but I don’t regret it one bit. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do? I would probably do a job that gets me outside in nature. Maybe I would be a backcountry park ranger, work for the forest service, or be a hiking,
What advice do you give your students? Have fun on the weekends, make sure you have some balance in life. You have to study, have fun, sleep in, spend time with family and friends, laugh, be active and then if there is a bit more time, study. You will do great things wherever you go, no matter what, because it is the effort and attitude that matters most. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? That’s a question you should ask my students. I’m sure there are many... Which talent would you most like to have? I wish I could sing and play the guitar. Unfortunately, I can’t do either. Who are your favorite writers? David Coggins (The Optimist) and Matt Christopher (The Lucky Baseball Bat, The Kid Who Only Hit Homers)
Which living person do you most admire? As mentioned above — President Obama When and where were you happiest? I love being in the classroom with my students but I guess I am most happy when I’m with family and friends and Who are your heroes in real life? My heroes are people who have overcome or are working to overcome hardships in life and people who work to help others. My mom is my biggest hero.
near future.
What is your favorite thing about ASIJ? The people that I encounter everyday, especially the students. What is your favorite thing about Japan? Japan is one of the safest, cleanest countries in the world that has so many experiences, culturally and otherwise, to offer. I have so many things that I love about Japan so it’s hard to pick just one.
Illustration by Olivia Hertrick THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
or infamous mark on the world or humanity. So far, I’ve done neither, I think, so this is hard to answer. However, I do admire Dr Martin Luther King and President Obama.
What is your most treasured possession?
wildlife biologist back in my home state of Washington would be a lot of fun too, I think.
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most identify with? Hmmm, I don’t really identify with
