For many students and teachers alike, the path to the future may seem uncertain. However, for Robert Nunez, his path has been clear for a long time. Mr. Nunez is a first-year AP Language and English teacher at LTHS, but he has been wanting to teach for a long time.
In this day and age, many high school students still struggle with finding their career so early in life. However, the decision to teach was easy for Nunez.
“I just knew my strengths and what I was obsessed with: Language,” Nunez said. “My dad is the ultimate, natural teacher, and he gave me qualities that I believe are essential for making a good teacher. I often reflected on how careful my dad was with his words and breakdowns for teachable moments, and eventually I became consciously aware that I absorbed these talents. Mix that with a love for words, writing, nuances in languages, etc. and that’s the story.”
Of course, knowing his passion didn’t make him a perfect teacher right away.
“I would think most teachers would agree that the early teaching experiences show a teacher everything they shouldn’t do,” Nunez said. “Going to college, having a passion, envisioning one’s future only gives a person an idea of their own creative fantasy. That’s just not the reality when the new teacher steps into a room full of children and thinks ‘this is intimidating.”
Despite his struggles, Nunez’s passion for teaching has never wavered.
“I love it when I’m teaching and students are connecting to my style and the material,” Nunez said. “That’s the fun part that ultimately leads to stronger relationships. From the first day to the last day a classroom has a widely different personality, and I really like experiencing the development of that strong, fun comfort zone towards the end of the year where everyone becomes themselves.”
Nunez has taught at a number of different schools before coming to Lebanon Trail, including Hebron most recently. However, he shared a favorable view of his new school.
“LTHS is truly one of a kind,” Nunez said. “I enjoy the care of education: It’s truly valued here, and unfortunately, that is not present in every school. LTHS clearly has a strong community starting at home with the parents and ascending to our leadership/admin. From my very first day I felt so positive and supported, truly.”
Ultimately, Nunez shared some final thoughts on his job and life.
“There are multiple times a year since I started teaching when I’m having the best day and think to myself, ‘I can’t believe I do this for a living,’” Nunez said. “This is for two reasons: when you love your work, it doesn’t feel like work, and I was not very studious growing up. I found school to be an obligation, but my dad always reminded me of how important it was. I’m surprised and proud of myself because I accomplished something big in my life and know exactly what it’s like for students who struggle. I was there and now I’m here. I want to help them and show them how everything can be alright, not that it will, but it can. It just requires a little more work, belief, and persistence.”
