by Abhishek Singh, co-editor in chief

1.What inspired you to become a teacher?

I like dealing with kids, and I wanted to do something meaningful. [Have] a job that was meaningful.

2.Why did you want to teach History as your subject?

I really like politics and history and the knowledge of how it changes and even today I follow a lot of politics. Actually, I try not following lots of politics but I like history and how it relates to politics.

3.How long have you been teaching?

I had three years, with two of them being a substitute teacher. This is my first official year of being a teacher.

4.Did you do anything before being a teacher?

I was doing a lot of acting, like comedy, I was a standup comedian and a pilot for Spike TV for two years. Afterwards, I wasn’t chosen but yeah I tried being “that guy.”

5. Comedy huh? Did you prank anyone while you were in high school or college?

Hahahaha, yeah I did. I was that type of kid. I don’t remember what I did but I do remember doing them. I can’t say what I did because you [Abhishek] would use it against me. But I was the class clown, and I am sure I was doing some types of pranks.

6. What teacher impacted your life when you were in school?

I had a bunch of favorite teachers. I was popular, I was on the football team and I really liked to learn. I got up early, did my work and I had a good time. Can I pick out one specific teacher? Probably not. I don’t remember having any bad teachers but one math teacher that sent me to summer school because I had a 69 in math and not a 70. I got a 98 in summer school, or something like that

7. What makes you different from all the other teachers?

I don’t know. I don’t go around and see what other teachers are doing and then rate myself based on that, I just do what I do. I don’t want compare myself to anyone else. I try being an individual.

8. What sacrifices have you made since being a teacher?

I guess slowing down. I didn’t stop doing comedy or acting, I mean I would love to go back to it one day. The time factor, nobody realizes how much time is outside the class. Inside the class is great, but outside is really where the work is.

9. Has being a teacher changed who you are? For better or worse?

I don’t think that I changed. I think this is how I was when I started.

10. Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?

I have a good memory, I guess! I play a little guitar, and football. When I stopped playing football, I didn’t love it as much as when I was playing it. I was never the guy to follow it, I just loved playing it. I’m not home every Sunday changing my plans just to watch the football game!

11. What do you believe the ups and downs of being a teacher are?

I haven’t really gained a lot of experience for being a teacher like its so minimal that I think I don’t have any down sides. All ups at this point!

12. Have your students impacted you as a teacher?

I don’t wanna single people out but I had a lot of students who make me feel as I am doing the right thing. There is definitely more than one.