Our school has recently picked up many amazing new teachers. One of them is Mr. Mandry. Everyone who has met him knows him as an interesting guy and an awesome science teacher. But how well do you really know him? Wolf News reporter Michael C. decided to interview him to find out.
Michael: Who or what inspired your love of science?
Mr. Mandry: My kids. My son is a science nut, and he loves rocks. And so I started in geology.
Michael: You were a professional golfer. How was that?
Mr. Mandry: Oh, it was the love of my life. I started playing when I was three years old, and I absolutely had a blast playing it, and making it a career was just phenomenal. Every day it was exciting to get up.
Michael: Why did you decide to become a teacher instead?
Mr. Mandry: My kids challenged me to go back to school, and I didn't know what to do. So, when I was subbing - I started out substituting - I fell in love with teaching, and so I decided to challenge myself to that career and get a masters. So I went ahead, and not only got my credential but I got a masters too, because I wanted to be an exceptional teacher.
Michael: Where did you teach first?
Mr. Mandry: Here. This is my first teaching job. I subbed at St. Norbert's, at Servite, and Connelly before taking on the title of Science Teacher at St. Francis.
Michael: How did you end up at SFA, and how does it compare to the other schools you've been to?
Mr. Mandry: Oh, this is just the best school ever. I ended up here because I grew up in Yorba Linda, and this has just been a wonderful experience. I love it here. The teachers, the faculty, the administration, they're all just awesome. I could not imagine it being so fulfilling!
Michael: What is your favorite aspect of science?
Mr. Mandry: Geology, and my rocks.
Michael: What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
Mr. Mandry: Sharing exciting ideas with students. I love to share new ideas with students. You guys all keep me young. You do.
Michael: What do you dislike about being a teacher?
Mr. Mandry: Grading. I dislike grading because I'd rather you guys all come to class and be excited to come and not have to worry about grades. In the real world, that really doesn' t happen.
Michael: Do you have any role models?
Mr. Mandry: Uh, I would have to say that Albert Einstein is my role model. And Jesus. Jesus was a phenomenal role model.
Michael: Besides teaching (and golfing), what else do you like to do?
Mr. Mandry: I like to fish, and I like to ride motorcycles and go out on a boat.
Michael: What was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?
Mr. Mandry: Playing in the Los Angeles Open and the birth of my children. Marrying my wife, too, was another one.
Michael: What is the most frightening thing that has ever happened to you?
Mr. Mandry: When I was told that my daughter needed a kidney transplant, and ultimately didn't need it.
Michael: Who are the people who mean the most to you, and what is your relationship with them?
Mr. Mandry. My wife and my children, without question.
Michael: What are your goals for this year?
Mr. Mandry: I finished my masters, so my goal is to start my doctorate.
Michael: Do you have anything planned for next trimester?
Mr. Mandry: Yes. We are going to incorporate Earth Science.
Michael: Would you like to say anything else about yourself?
Mr. Mandry: I just love this school. I just love this school. It was the best decision I ever made, career-wise.
So now we know a little more about Mr. Mandry. As you can see, he is a very interesting person. He loves, Jesus, his family, golf, and geology and he is on Par to become a great Teacher!