Mr. Mejia teaches biology (Biology 101, College in the High School) and taught AVID to sophomores, juniors, and seniors here at PHS. Mr. Mejia has been teaching for nine years. He enjoys spending time with his son, reading stories, and spending time with friends. His favorite movie is The Sandlot, his favorite show is King of the Hill, his favorite colors are purple and crimson, and his favorite food is chile relleno. I asked a few more questions so we could get to know him better.
What was your favorite subject when you were a student?
“I really enjoyed math. Algebra, geometry, and precalculus.”
Was there a specific moment or a particular person in your life that made you want to become a teacher?
“I think not a particular person, but just like my particular experience in the education system, all my teachers have been influential. But, I think if I really had to wind it down to one person, I’d probably say Omar Escalera.”
If you weren’t a teacher, what career path do you think you’d be on?
“I would mind doing something in the medical field. I know my original plan was to do pharmacy and be a pharmacist. I really like the idea of like supporting my community, help them out. So then another thing, I think right now that I’ve been doing teaching for a while, is maybe being a chiropractor or a veterinarian.”
What’s a hobby or interest you have that would surprise your students?
“I play basketball. I like to garden and cook. I’ve grown pumpkins, different herbs, rosemary, and tomatoes.”
Can you describe the feeling when you see a student finally “get” a difficult concept?
“I definitely get excited and confident that I was able to support that student and learning this concept that they were able to bridge to their background knowledge.”
What’s the funniest thing you’ve overheard in the hallway or in your classroom?
“The whole situation where there was this guy who was trying to talk to Lilly and Lauren was like ‘hey, leave my girl alone’, and he just backed up.”
If you could have a limitless budget for your classroom, what’s the first thing you’d buy?
“I feel like this classroom that I have now has everything I need. If I were still in the other classroom, I’d probably remodel the whole desk situation.”
What is one item on your desk you can’t live without?
“Probably my laptop. ‘Cause it just has all these connections to everything.”
What are you currently reading, or what’s the last song you listened to?
“I’m listening to an audiobook called ‘Good Inside’. It basically says we need to take care of our own needs to communicate and build relationships with other people. The last song I listened to was probably Mozart.
One piece of advice to leave with every student.
“I think just communicate, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid of sharing your idea. Don’t be afraid of talking to new people.”
