From a dentist, to chasing a dream of basketball coaching, to a calculus teacher, our own Mr. Mitchell has seen and experienced much. The wisdom and knowledge he holds, reflects no differently. AP Pre – Calculus, and Calculus AB teacher Mr. Mitchell has his very own story to tell, “I thought, ‘I love basketball, I want to be a coach’, but I didn’t want to be a P.E. coach, so I went toward a subject, math.. so I went into teaching math, because I wanted to be a high school basketball coach way back.” The way of going to teaching others to play basketball to a journey of teaching others the basis of calculus, was a two decade and counting journey for this kind hearted teacher, and the teaching of math for him, is not even the best part.
For 19 years he has taught math to his students, now more than ever wanting to go into harder math topics and concepts. Like a lot of teachers, it can be hard to get to the students personally, “I wish students knew that we want you to succeed, we are not your enemy..” said Mitchell. Though, for him, he has nothing but glowing praises from his past to his current students. Not only being always understanding and patient with his students, but a great master of his study. Mitchell has continuously taught his students with kindness, optimism, respect, and compassion, something he is known for from all his students. With many students he keeps in his mind that he remembers along his journey, he would say that its his most joy. The relationships formed through compassion, is his favorite thing about his years in teaching. “Over the years I’ve met some very interesting and impressive young people.. and then even to see them afterwards if i run into them somewhere to see what they’ve become.. is probably my favorite thing…seeing young people become a success.”
Through many years of teaching for him, I concurred that the wisdom that he holds would be something we might need. This is what I received, “Enjoy… where you are in life. Too many of us are trying to get to the next thing and then we forget where we are…if your constantly looking for the next thing…I wouldn’t say your wasting time.. but your not enjoying where you are. That’s my advice.”
We thank Mr. Mitchell for his time for this interview, for pursuing his dreams so he could one day be here with us, and for always teaching his students with compassion.
