Zombies, Stranded Islands, and Bad Grades - Interviewing Mr. DeJong

G: So welcome, Mr. Dejong, to this interview. I'm gonna ask you seven questions today, and you're just going to give me the best response possible. 

DJ: The best response possible? 

G: To the best of your ability. Okay, let’s get started. What is the weirdest situation you have had with a student/students, and how did you respond?

DJ: I don't know what the weirdest question a student has asked me. thinks for a few hours Not sure if this is what you're going for, but, ah, several years ago, I think I was complaining to a class that they were just being very whiny. And finally, a student -I think it was one of the only girls in the class- turned around to the boys and said, "Shut up." Turned around to me and was like, “Mr. Dejong,” and actually asked me- she was in grade 11 or 12, not like she was in grade two, and actually asked me maturely. And I'm like, "Okay. Sure." And suddenly, all the boys were whining like they were in grade three, four, or five, and she realized that they were behaving immaturely.

G: That's amazing.

G: Desert island.

DJ: Five items. smiles mischievously

G: Yes.

DJ: A motorboat, plenty of gas and-

G: Wait, wait, wait! Hold up. I'm gonna change my question. You can't bring transportation- laughs

DJ: laughing

G: ... or anything off the island, five items that keep you living, or anything that helps with your-

DJ: So I'm not allowed a satellite phone as well?

G: Ummmm, no.

DJ: A method to purify water. Um, fishing gear…

G: Okay.

DJ: Water, food. Um, generally you need something to keep the mind entertained- right now, I don't know what that'd be if I were alone. Something for fire. Something for shelter.

G: Okay. Next question. If you could teach any subject other than science, what would it be? And it can't be any sort of math or science.

DJ: Trades. Woodwork, electrical…

G: And why?

DJ: Woodworking is fun. Electrical is fun.

G: Okay. Another theoretical! If a zombie apocalypse broke out in the middle of Science 10, what is your first step to protect your students and yourself, and why? Or do you ditch your students? 

DJ: Are the zombies coming for the students or coming from the students?

G: They're coming from... let's say it started in Parkgate, and they're moving towards the school.

DJ: Zombies are not known for their intelligence. So, depending on the situation, closed doors, closed blinds. But they would be able to break through the windows…

G: Yep.

DJ: Uh, if possible, get into the elementary building 'cause you'd be able to secure that a lot easier. Um, yeah..

G: Okay- Next question! What is the worst grade that you've ever received in a class throughout your secondary and/or post-secondary schooling?

DJ: Don't remember what the grade is, but it was definitely below 50%. It was history. Oh no, history, I may have passed. English. Was it English 10 or English 11?... ponders 

G: Okay, moving on- what is the greatest teaching moment you've ever had?

DJ: The greatest teaching moment… See, I'm not sure whether this is what you're thinking, but the part I like most, uh, in terms of teaching is when alumni come back after a year at university and say, "Thank you, I realize why you were so mean in high school." Why I have high standards- I should put it that way.

G: How many times do you think that has happened?

DJ: Several times.

G: Okay, and lastly, what is one thing you hope that your students will remember about you years after leaving your class?

DJ: That faith and science are not incompatible.

G: Okay. Thank you for this interview and your time. 

DJ: Do I get to, uh, see a copy?

G: awkward silence.. No..