According to new SCHS staff member Alex Chavarria, being a teacher requires hard work. Though his occupation as a special education teacher is very time-consuming, Chavarria enjoys teaching because of the rewarding feeling that comes with seeing his students reach their goals in and after school.

“If [my students] are able to live on their own and be successful that way, that’s when I feel like I’ve done my job,” he said.

Chavarria, who used to work at a middle school, now teaches civics and economy and United States history to SCHS students with special needs. He also teaches two On Your Own classes, in which he helps students learn social skills and how to succeed as adults.

This task is difficult, especially with the challenges of a “new campus, new district, new students,” but Chavarria describes himself as a hardworking person. He spent the majority of his summer helping eighth graders transition to high school and was happy to be able to squeeze in a vacation to the Dominican Republic for a week with his girlfriend.

“We both needed it because we both work a lot,” he said.

When he can, Chavarria enjoys spending time with his family, working out and watching football, baseball and basketball on ESPN. He also watches TV shows, most of which are “super ‘80s,” according to Chavarria. He likes watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reruns and “The Big Bang Theory,” and he recently started watching “Ballers” on HBO.

Chavarria also enjoys hanging out with dogs but has no pets of his own.

“My parents have two Maltese poodles, and my girlfriend has a Yorkie ‒ very big dogs.” Chavarria said with a laugh.

Chavarria, who likes to do a lot of self healing and reflection, recommends the book “I Got You” by Rob Hill Sr. He said the self-help book, in short, is about how to be a better person. In times like these, Chavarria believes all could benefit from advice in the book. Chavarria said the main thing people should be is caring.

“It doesn’t matter [what] your politics, your race, …gender or economic status [is],” Chavarria said. “Just care for one another.”