Ariana A. Carrasco Zapana
Walking through a burned-out forest, surrounded by flames in the middle of the night, was none other than our beloved math teacher, Mr. Jefferson. As a former firefighter with the elite Lone Peak Hotshots in Utah, Mr. Jefferson has crossed many dangerous paths. However, today he’s forced to face a different kind of challenge: teaching math to uninterested students.
“I like that it makes sense,” Mr. Jefferson said, when asked why he chose to teach math. “I like that there’s creativity in solving problems.” His passion for math is only matched by his devotion to creating meaningful connections with his students.
Mr. Jefferson’s firefighting days were marked by danger, intensity and camaraderie. He remembers a particularly challenging operation where his team used the technique of “fighting fire with fire” to contain a gigantic blaze. “I remember feeling the heat of the fire 100 yards away. It was very intense.” And while his line of work was filled with long nights and lots of danger, Mr. Jefferson recalls the pride and sense of belonging that came with being part of an elite crew, something that still resonates with him.
However, after years of being in a physically demanding job, Mr. Jefferson knew it was time for a change. “There were people in their twenties and thirties getting hip and knee replacements, and I didn’t want that,” he admits. While he regrets leaving firefighting when he did, he loves his new career and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Mr. Jefferson’s diverse job experience, from fighting fires to cleaning horse stalls to announcing polo games, has prepared him for the unexpected. Born in Eastern Pennsylvania, he brings a unique perspective to teaching in his classroom. “The ability to listen to students and explain things in different ways” is, in his opinion, the key to being a successful teacher. His experience as a firefighter taught him valuable skills, including dedication and leadership. But being a teacher has taught him a completely new lesson: “the ability to listen and understand.”
As he walks through the halls of our school, Mr. Jefferson radiates a sense of pride and belonging. “This community… everyone is so caring,” he said. For Mr. Jefferson, Grier is more than just a school; it’s a community. “I look forward to coming here every single day no matter what,” he said, “because I get to connect with amazing students and colleagues.”
For Mr. Jefferson, the switch from firefighter to teacher has been more than just a career change, it’s been an opportunity to rediscover his purpose. “I love interacting with students and watching them grow,” he said, his eyes lighting up. Deep down, he knows he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.