Mr. Diaz is not only an educator, but he is also a wise mentor to those in the Clavius program. He has taught a various science courses and levels in his eight years of teaching at Loyola. I sat down with Mr. Diaz to learn more about this bright member of the Loyola faculty. Here’s what I found out.

Alejandra: What got you interested in teaching science?

Mr. Diaz: In college, I realized how science was not that hard. I wanted to making it accessible to students since many believe it is hard alongside helping others and making a difference.

Alejandra: Was it a specific experience, class, or someone that you met in your life that got you interested in science?

Mr. Diaz: In high school, I did not like science. I wanted to be a physical therapist, but then I realized that I did not want to do that.

Alejandra: With the variety of classes that you have taught, which is your favorite class to teach? Which is your least favorite class to teach?

Mr. Diaz: My favorite class to teach would have to be AP Biology because you get a full picture of biology. Even though it is a hard class, you will feel accomplished when you finish it. Even though I liked teaching all the courses I have taught so far, my least favorite would have to be geology, which I taught once during my first year.

 Alejandra: Were you different in high school compared to how you are now? If so, how?

Mr. Diaz: In high school, I was quiet, shy, and weird, and now I’m less quiet, less shy, and less weird.

Alejandra: What were you known for in high school?

Mr. Diaz: I took many art classes, so I was probably as an art kid. I also won a 4th place award for one of my paintings in a county fair.

Alejandra: What are you known for now?

Mr. Diaz: I think I am known for being organized.

(For this question, I asked students and faculty as well and they agree that he is organized, but also added funny.)

 Alejandra: What are you involved with at Loyola?

Mr. Diaz: I am a Clavius mentor and also help out with freshman retreat which is nice, plus I don’t teach freshman, so it is an experience.

Alejandra: What was it like graduating college?

Mr. Diaz: I went to University of Chicago in Champagne. It was exciting and scary all at the same time.

Alejandra: What are some of your favorite TV shows? Why?

Mr. Diaz: I like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead because the acting is good and the plot keeps you guessing throughout the show.

Alejandra: What are some of your fears?

Mr. Diaz: Some of my fears are heights, dolls, and clowns. I can go on hikes, but I won’t go near the edge. My mom had this doll from the 60s that would just be there and stare at you. Clowns.

Alejandra: What are some facts no one knows about you?

Mr. Diaz: I have been to five continents, but I have not been to Africa or Antarctica. I also enjoy cooking and drawing. My favorite dish to make would have to be pizza or steak.

Alejandra: Do you want to give anyone a shout-out?

Mr. Diaz: I will give a shout-out to my honors Biology class from last year. They kept things interesting, were excited about learning, and had interesting personalities. They were the only class that wanted to watch The Miracle of Life.

Alejandra: Do you have any advice for the seniors?

Mr. Diaz: Stay motivated even though you are almost done. Cherish what you have left high school this second semester and get a 90 this semester, so that you don’t have to take the final.

Thank you to Mr. Diaz for taking time to speak with me. Now that you know a little more about him, don’t be afraid to say hi in the hall, swap predictions about Game of Thrones, or chat about a good pizza place.