Why I am going back to school

I decided to become a teacher only within the past few months, but it's been in the back of my mind ever since I was a student at ND-BG from 1986 to 1990. During my high school years, I had some of the best teachers among any of the Catholic schools I've attended. Mr. O'Brien guided me through such epics as Homer's "Odyssey" and Virgil's "Aeneid." Mrs. Johnson helped me better understand Christ in the New Testament. And Mr. Maguire explained calculus and algebra like nobody's business.

All of them were excellent educators and role models. But as much as I enjoyed religion and math, I felt my calling was in English and decided to pursue a career in journalism. For the past two-and-a-half years, I was a staff writer with The Evangelist. I enjoyed interviewing the clergy and laity of the Albany Diocese, but I felt like it was time for a change.

I hoped to be able to incorporate my faith into my work, as I had done with The Evangelist. It occurred to me that most of my friends from high school and college had become teachers -- and every single one of them loved it. I have a cousin and aunt who teach, and this brought my own decision to pursue such a career even closer to home.

ND-BG seemed to be the perfect place to begin my new career, ten years after I graduated from the school. Everyone has supported me in my decision, from family members and co-workers to my friends and former teachers. They agree that it's a good move for me personally and a great time for anyone to get into the teaching profession.

But I'd be lying if I didn't admit being a little nervous. I've always been a good student, but being a good teacher is a whole different ballgame. Interacting with people has never been a problem for me; but while interviewing tends to be an experience that's one-on-one, standing in front of a class of 30 students leaves you exposed and in the spotlight.

What I lack in teaching experience, however, I believe I more than make up for in other areas. I'm not nervous speaking in public because I've been involved in theater since the age of 8, when I performed in "Oliver" at Proctor's in Schenectady.

Having been an ND-BG student will help in my teaching and campus ministry at the school I love.

I'm prepared for teaching, especially religion, in another way. Before I became a writer, a Yankee fan or an impersonator (I've been known to imitate a few celebrities/friends/family members in my time), I was a Catholic. From the time I was baptized as an infant, I've been raised in the Church, and I've attended Catholic schools all my life. My upbringing in the Catholic faith will help me impart my knowledge and insight upon ND-BG students as they grow into adulthood. It will be nice to give something back to the school where I learned so much about my religion.

These weeks leading up to the school year are busy; reading textbooks, meeting with teachers, learning about lesson plans and mentally preparing myself for this new career have taken up much of my time.

Students probably wish summer would last forever, but not me. I'm ready to start teaching, and it will be great to be back at the school where I had some of the best teachers of my academic life.

A friend and fellow graduate of ND-BG from the class of 1990 kids me that I can tell people at our tenth-year reunion I haven't gone anywhere since we graduated. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

(Editor's note: Mr. Quirini left the staff of The Evangelist recently to pursue teaching. He will file occasional reports during the coming school year about his experiences, today's teenagers and Catholic education.)

(08-24-00) [[In-content Ad]]