Interview – Mr. Pepino

Emma: What is your favorite type of writing?

Dr. Coccia: When I was young, I used to love to write fairy tales and fables. This goes back to another wonderful teacher I had over the years. As an adult, I do not have many opportunities to write for pleasure. When I wrote my dissertation, my research was a phenomenological study. I researched the experience of women in leadership and worked closely with six women to learn their stories. My advisor introduced me to Theory U by Otto Scharmer. This book discusses the importance of establishing trust and emphatic listening to open our minds, hearts, and wills to allow the truth to emerge. The professor was so enthusiastic about Scharmer's work, and it was very helpful when I completed my study. I was looking forward to hearing Dr. Scharmer speak at a conference last year, but it was postponed due to the pandemic

Emma: What is your favorite quote?

Dr. Coccia: My favorite quote is from Jane Eyre. "Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs." I try to always remember that, even when it is challenging to do so!

Mr. Pepino – Alyssa Cavella

Alyssa: Throughout your time at Eustace, what was the biggest change you had to endure? Mr. Pepino: Although I love teaching and connecting with many students, having six classes this year has been a huge change. My schedule does not allow me as much time as I’d like to prepare my lessons. I feel that this change also affects the way in which I interact with my students. I get caught up in the stress of juggling six classes and sometimes miss those moments to truly connect with my students. Despite this challenge, I have learned to persevere and adapt in order to be a positive role model for my students. Alyssa: If you had a chance to change something in the past, what would it be and why? Mr. Pepino: I wish that when I graduated college, I would’ve spent a couple years living in California. I have traveled there several times and the culture there just amazes me. Everyone is just so relaxed and the whole atmosphere is just way less rigid than the East Coast. I truly enjoy traveling to California and I wish I would’ve spent more time there. I don’t carry much regret at all, this is just something I wish I had done.

Alyssa: What is your favorite thing about teaching at Eustace? Mr. Pepino: Eustace is truly a family. I can confidently say that my favorite thing at Eustace is the people around me. The students constantly amaze me with their intelligence and growth. My fellow colleagues are amazing and I thoroughly enjoy their company. When I am at my job, I feel secure and supported by everyone around me. I highly doubt that everyone is able to say this about their jobs. I consider myself lucky to be able to come to work each day knowing I can depend on students and faculty to bring joy into my morning. Alyssa: What is one thing that you wish you could implement or change at Eustace? Mr. Pepino: One thing I wish I could implement at Eustace is more faculty and student interactions. The bond between students and faculty during field day and the faculty-student bowling tournament is amazing. These type of activities are a valuable way for students to connect with their teachers outside of the classroom. Faculty are also able to see their students in their element outside of the classroom. However, I feel that these types of events should happen more throughout the year. Some examples would be a faculty-student ping pong tournament or a softball tournament. Alyssa: Do you think change is a positive thing or a negative thing? Why? Mr. Pepino: I believe that change is positive when it is implemented correctly. When people are not flexible, change can negatively affect the community. When change occurs, it is necessary that the change is a step forward instead of backward. If a change is made in order to take a step forward and it is implemented correctly, then I truly believe change is a positive thing. Alyssa: If you had a chance to go back to college, would you go? If so, what degree would you pursue? Mr. Pepino: If I had a chance to go back to college, I would go back and get a degree in cinematography. I have always been interested in film and if you ask my students, I have many stories to tell. I love my degree in Statistics but I would just like to broaden my horizons and follow another one of my passions. Alyssa: For the students you have had freshman year and senior year, what has been the biggest change in their personalities and skills you have noticed?