In the mass of people and teenagers that despise math, Mr. Gregorio Alarcon is an anomaly. He’s loved math since the beginning and now he helps students understand and learn more about this subject. He strives to make his students believe that they can do well in math and make sure they pass the class.

What made you become a math teacher?

My favorite subject was History, but I was good at math. So I majored in economics because it mixes History and Math. Then, I became a math teacher because I wanted to help students get better at math.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go to Antarctica because it’s the least explored continent in the world. Exploring the frozen lakes, icy glaciers and looking at the unique animals there would be an amazing experience.

What specific food would you eat there and why?

Well there’s not that many options in Antarctica, but what comes to mind is fish. I know in Antarctica they fish in the frozen lakes, so I think that I would eat mostly seafood. Tuna, salmon, fish and maybe other sea animals that I don’t know about, but would like to find out.

What’s a life lesson you’ve learned outside the classroom that you can share?

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Teaching made me realize that some people may look intimidating but then I find out they’re really nice. You shouldn’t judge people from the first impression, get to know them first before being judgmental.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is being able to connect with students and being able to communicate with them. I love seeing my students grow and succeed as time passes.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I go hiking every weekend. I try to go once a week and I either go to Griffith park or the Hollywood Hills. I’ve been wanting to go to the Culver City Steps too.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I’m looking forward to inspiring students to want to be better at math. I would like to do that by trying to remove barriers in math and letting them know that it’s really easy, but portrayed in a hard way.