The media portrays high school in so many ways. Depending on the point of view, you can the jock, nerd, cheerleader, emo kid, drama queen, skater boy, Mr. Awkward, etc. I believe in breaking barriers, and it shouldn't have to matter whats on the outside. Keep in mind I don't say inside because you are who you are and regardless of what clique you're in, some people just don't get along. But that's a whole 'nother topic. High school most importantly is a time to blueprint your way into adulthood. By the end of it all you should have already chosen the path you're taking for the next 4-8 years (10 if you're intense). Without the influence of the teachers who taught to your interest, way all may be stuck figuring out what to do.Thankfully, I had some of the greatest.
Mr. Brian Brown: Looks like a fun guy, doesn't he? Well he was SUPER fun. Also, he taught physics. Now, at this point in my life, I had a firm belief that I was pretty much a boss in any math based science. He allowed me to develop an interest in how this whole universe works. From a physical perspective, he basically answered some of life's FAQ. Why is the sky blue, why does toast always land butter side down, etc. Just like Mr. Evan Lothian before him, he made being smart fun and cool, and it didn't take me long at all to have the courage to tackle the hardest class our school had to offer, AP Physics. Very helpful, he was always around after school or class to talk about pretty much anything, and his influence in my life to tackle something in the field of science is something I couldn't be happier to accept. Whenever I would visit old teachers, he would always be on the list.
Mrs. Jana Batiloro and Mrs. Courtney Griffith: I don't know what it is about English teachers that come in pairs, but even in high school they did. At least in my memory. It was probably because, like the previous two, they seemed like such good friends. You can really tell by the same type of picture they share on their profiles. I enjoyed Mrs. Batiloro for freshman English and Mrs. Griffith for senior English. They shared the same qualities like the the English teachers I had in middle school, but they were more "mature" in language and content. It was no secret that in high school we were pretty much blending the relationship between student and teacher in terms of professionalism. It didn't happen too much with Mrs. Batiloro since I was still a freshman, but I recall having numerous conversations with Mrs. Griffith about anything really. Talking to her like she was my big sister, not a teacher. It really influenced the way I should look at people, when you should act with a more refined or casual respect. The biggsest influence Mrs Griffith had for me was that she was the one who got me into college. She proofread my essays and allowed me to get accepted into all the college I appled to, and for that I thank her for giving me that feeling of satisfaction and MOST importantly, acceptance. Both these teachers allowed me to break out of my middle school mold and blend myself right into high school from a social perspective.
Mr. Raymond Strelecki: this man had to have some influence in me, I took a class with him every year in high school, and I didn't have to. I believe his influence lies in my guilty pleasure of web designing and technology in general. Though I don't practice the art so often anymore, he really got me into computers and made me realize how awesome (and complicated) the internet really is. Whether or not this is a good thing, he allowed me the time to figure out ways to get passed the security blocks that they put into the school computers. In an apparent technology relient world, he got me prepared to take on the new things that technology had to offer. He was probably responsible for my interest in gadgets and all that cool tech stuff. Most importantly, he would probably be the reason why one day I'm going to have a side job designing web sites for people, not HUGE companies, but for small businesses or for personal reasons. Actually, I almost chose a career in web design and graphic art... who knows how that would've turned out.
Mr. Rocco Iacovone: ok, if you can get through the fact that he looks like a porn star, he was a great film teacher. His biggest influence on me? Obviously film, and 100% the reason why I'm making videos on YouTube right now. I took classes with him every year in high school, and though they didn't turn out as academically challenging as I thought, they were still rewarding in the sense that it not only took the spark of filmaking and acting that Mr. Orr had given me... but it set it on fire. High school included years of me in front of a camera acting in short movies. It allowed me to start the LipSyncBros with Wayne. It gave me the courage to follow through on signing with John Robert Powers. Although I'm not so active in persuing an acting career, I can't deny that it always picks at the back of my brain. Thanks to this professor, I can be very comfortable in front of a camera, talking to however many people want to watch. It allows me to share and keep track memories of my life, which now is harder to forget. I tend to take videos instead of taking pictures. I think its a better medium for memory. Mr. Brian Brown: Looks like a fun guy, doesn't he? Well he was SUPER fun. Also, he taught physics. Now, at this point in my life, I had a firm belief that I was pretty much a boss in any math based science. He allowed me to develop an interest in how this whole universe works. From a physical perspective, he basically answered some of life's FAQ. Why is the sky blue, why does toast always land butter side down, etc. Just like Mr. Evan Lothian before him, he made being smart fun and cool, and it didn't take me long at all to have the courage to tackle the hardest class our school had to offer, AP Physics. Very helpful, he was always around after school or class to talk about pretty much anything, and his influence in my life to tackle something in the field of science is something I couldn't be happier to accept. Whenever I would visit old teachers, he would always be on the list. Mrs. Jana Batiloro and Mrs. Courtney Griffith: I don't know what it is about English teachers that come in pairs, but even in high school they did. At least in my memory. It was probably because, like the previous two, they seemed like such good friends. You can really tell by the same type of picture they share on their profiles. I enjoyed Mrs. Batiloro for freshman English and Mrs. Griffith for senior English. They shared the same qualities like the the English teachers I had in middle school, but they were more "mature" in language and content. It was no secret that in high school we were pretty much blending the relationship between student and teacher in terms of professionalism. It didn't happen too much with Mrs. Batiloro since I was still a freshman, but I recall having numerous conversations with Mrs. Griffith about anything really. Talking to her like she was my big sister, not a teacher. It really influenced the way I should look at people, when you should act with a more refined or casual respect. The biggsest influence Mrs Griffith had for me was that she was the one who got me into college. She proofread my essays and allowed me to get accepted into all the college I appled to, and for that I thank her for giving me that feeling of satisfaction and MOST importantly, acceptance. Both these teachers allowed me to break out of my middle school mold and blend myself right into high school from a social perspective.
Mr. Raymond Strelecki: this man had to have some influence in me, I took a class with him every year in high school, and I didn't have to. I believe his influence lies in my guilty pleasure of web designing and technology in general. Though I don't practice the art so often anymore, he really got me into computers and made me realize how awesome (and complicated) the internet really is. Whether or not this is a good thing, he allowed me the time to figure out ways to get passed the security blocks that they put into the school computers. In an apparent technology relient world, he got me prepared to take on the new things that technology had to offer. He was probably responsible for my interest in gadgets and all that cool tech stuff. Most importantly, he would probably be the reason why one day I'm going to have a side job designing web sites for people, not HUGE companies, but for small businesses or for personal reasons. Actually, I almost chose a career in web design and graphic art... who knows how that would've turned out.
Coach Steven Fenton and Mario Caruso: Together, these two men are the ONLY reason why I play volleyball. One was my coach and the other I'm proud to call my mentor. I played for Coach Fenton for 3 years and he molded me into the volleyball player I am today. I learned everything I know from that man, and I am really grateful that he found his way into my life. Mario did the polishing. He allowed me to play and refine my game which allowed me to perfect my technique. In high school, these two men definately take influence to a whole new level. I seriously can NOT imagine my life without their existence. They gave me pointers on how to get better, they worked me out in order to get better, and every bead of sweat from playing volleyball I dedicate to them. Every game I play every swing I take, every serve I serve, every attack I dig, every point I score... its them. Since my high school years I've gone back to practice with my high school team, as long as Coach was there. He's moved on to better things now, a family, and a better school to teach and coach at. Mario, sadly, has moved on to a better place. May God rest his soul and give him peace. I'm proud to have played in (and won) the tournament dedicated to him. THANKS.
Honarable mentions include Mrs. Strain, my Chemistry teacher who you'd think would have more influence but what I really only got from her was how to write a really good lab report. Senora Kochan, a very strict, difficult Spanish teacher who helped get me where I am on a spanish speaking level. Mr. Kutch (there might be a Z in there somewhere) who I took enginerring classes with, another career path I almost took. Mr. Apel, who scared the living crap out of me and taughtme teachers an be really aggressive and choose favorites. I also want to mention my guidance counselor, but for the life of me I can't remember her name. Which is a shame, because she was the one who sent out all my applications for college.
High school was not only a place for learning, but growth. A smooth transition out of puberty into a small sample of being an adult. Big life decisions. Lots of influences. High school tends to get realyl easy when you find teachers that you can relate to, teachers that influence you, and those who you can just talk to as a person, and not a teacher. Don't be afraid to see a teacher for more than just that, a teacher. They are people and have wonderful things to share and say about life. If you let them in, they can help choose the road you need to eventually walk down. Such is thepath of life.
ta ta kids
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