Tampa, Florida--Teacher John Grillo says each day in the classroom is an opportunity to click with his students.
- John Grillo/Middleton High School
- “The thing that I love about this job is the day to day challenge of taking young minds that don't know what I know and try to take that information and put it into their mind.”
He teaches computer systems technology at Tampa's Middleton High.
His lesson's are cutting edge and high tech but what he loves about his job is teaching old school values. He says being a mentor and role model is high on his priority list.
- John Grillo/Middleton High School
- “I look at us as a family and we are as family we are to help out one another. I just decided at one point and time that I wanted to do something for the next generation and not just on the technical level but character and old school work ethic that seems to be disappearing on a daily basis.”
- Ayaz Hermani/Junior
- “When you enter Middleton it's tough and he makes it tougher and then you kind of get used to it and then it's great.”
For students it’s a growing process that teaches them the importance of community.
- Garrett Suarez/Freshman
- “It's different from middle school when you have a mentality and think of what little work can I do to get the assignment turned in. Here you have to change your mindset to what can I do for my class”
It's also re-booted their enthusiasm for learning.
- Victor Basantes/Senior
- “This class is so inspiring and everything that he teaches you is just going to stay there and it's the way he explains it to you. It's incredible.”
Mr. Grillo says at the end of each day he goes home knowing that he's given his best to his students and he can't wait to do it again the next day.
Ginger Gadsden, Tampa Bay's 10 News