During the past few months, I was able to sit down with the affable “Mr. Mike” for an extensive interview.  I hope you enjoy Part One of the interview-Tori

Question- What did you major in during college? Did you know what you wanted to do going into college?

“I started my post secondary journey at Penn State Behrend in the Electronics Engineering program. While there I had an opportunity to explore some other career paths through some of my elective courses that I had selected as part of my Engineering major. I dabbled in Architectural Design and Drafting, I loved to draw in my drafting class in high school, as well as Architectural Science. The message to seniors here is to make sure when you select your elective courses in college, choose electives that you may want to explore as an optional career and may enjoy. While in one of my math classes at Behrend, I had a teacher who really had an impact on me, that’s when I knew I wanted to be a teacher. So, I go to my dad and tell him that I would like to change my major, he informs me that I should finish my Engineering program and if I still want to be a teacher afterwards, I could pursue it at a later date, I don’t think he wanted me to go down the teaching route. So, I completed my degree and ended up in the work force. I ended up moving to Myrtle Beach for about two years before deciding that I had enough and headed back to school, SRU (Slippery Rock University) this time, to pursue my dream of becoming a math teacher. Then, during one of my Educational Psychology courses, I thought it might be cool being a Psychologist, but being already in education I said to myself I would go back later and continue on to the Masters in Secondary School Counseling that way I figured I could help people and still be in education. So, I ended up completing my Bachelors in Mathematics Education and landed my job here at New Castle. A few years later I did finally get to go back to school at Westminster College where I completed my Masters in Secondary School Counseling. Long story short, even though one may think they know what they want to pursue as a career leaving high school changes with the experiences they encounter along the path they may have started on. Always be open to change and never turn down opportunity.”

Question- What do you do in your spare time?

“I listen to music, work around the house… I don’t know, I go see plays and I also sing with my kids. I like to golf.”

Question- Do you have any stressors?

“Interviews.” I’m sorry.

Stay posted for the second part of this in-depth interview in this upcoming Fall’s Eye of the Hurricane!