Teacher Quirks Spark Wonderment

Faculty members' odd interests highlight uniqueness, individuality 

Have you ever wondered what exciting hidden talents or interests your teachers have? From every department comes educators with different backgrounds and hobbies. Our diverse population of teachers are all experts in their fields of study, but what about outside the classroom?

We all love our bear student athletes, but what about our teachers? Social-studies teacher Dion Crushshon ‘88 states, “I play basketball all the time,” about “three times a week.” He enjoys setting up fun basketball games, earning the title “the commissioner” from his peers. A hidden talent of Crushshon is his ability to walk on his hands. He states, “My hidden talent that I like to pull out on Legacy Day is walking on my hands.” He goes on to say that when his Legacy group is on the turf he will “just empty [his] pockets and walk on [his] hands for ten-fifteen yards, and everyone's like “oh my gosh, what are you doing!”

What is dancing without music? Spanish teacher Laura Rodríguez-Durán, who was raised in Spain says that “ever since moving to the U.S., I like to listen to reggaeton music very loudly in the car.” She suspects that many people wouldn’t think she likes this type of music based on her calm, collected personality. Rodríguez’s favorite artist is Karol G, a Columbian singer and songwriter who produces reggaeton music. She describes how she also likes listening to music in different languages, depending on the country she is in, stating “I don’t listen to Spanish music in Spain, only in the U.S.” and will listen to music in English when in Spain. “I take to different personalities when I'm in one country or the other,” Rodríguez states when asked why she may do this.

Who would have guessed that English teacher Anil Chandiramani would be into video gaming? Chandiramani says that one of his interests outside of teaching is “playing and being good at League of Legends,” a popular multiplayer battle-game that inspired the Netflix show “Arcane: League of Legends”. This game is relaxing to him and is “highly addictive”. A favorite food of Chandiramani is one many of us share: pizza. As an American staple and a food served on our school’s lunch menu every Tuesday and Thursday, almost all of us have grown to love the quick, tasty dish. “Specifically Costco pizza,” Chandiramani states when asked where he liked to get his pizza, “I have it at least once a week if not twice.”

Do you read the decorative magazines people place on their household tables? Bill Colburn ‘88 says that he reads magazines and “books that are kinda like coffee table artist books.” These books are often left untouched, and according to Colburn, “They always have essays and I always read the essays.” These essays often give a more personal view that provides unique insight into the book’s topic. Colburn also states that these books are “not easy reading but interesting to me,” and “what they've chosen to write in the coffee table book is fascinating”. 

We are extremely lucky to have such a great group of teachers and staff helping us learn and grow. Next time you see your teachers, inquire about their interests! Who knows, maybe you’ll share a similar passion with them!