Our Employee of the Month is Laurence Vargas!
Laurence is a rockstar of an Area Coordinator and manages our New Jersey instructors. He has a strong work ethic and has really helped our programs grow and flourish. Laurence truly cares about the success of every one of his instructors and the students at each of the sites he oversees.
Laurence, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.
Check out our interview with Laurence below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Born and raised in the Bronx, but currently residing in North Bergen, NJ. I was a Sports Management Major at Rutgers University and have spent my 17 year career in management positions. I built the largest youth program for the NYC Parks Department while working on Randall’s Island, with over 12,000 kids annually. I co-created 2 summer camps in NYC that have been extremely successful and still operate to this day. I was the Director of the largest beach in Westchester County, NY. I’ve consulted for several companies, helping them increase revenue and efficiency. During covid, I co-founded an educational company that builds curriculum and trains educators in Computer Science. I have worked with people all over the country and even globally. My goal is to eventually split my time between here and Barcelona with my family.
2. How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I started August 2022.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
How to deal with people from all walks of life.
4. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I believe it’s important to explain to them why they are being asked to do something. Everyone, including children, want their actions to have purpose.
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To always know the right thing to do and say.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I’d be volunteering at an animal shelter and traveling throughout the mediterranean.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
To be clear with directions and explain why cooperation is important.
8. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I’ve trained in an Indonesian martial art, Silat, for several years and occasionally teach children at a mosque in Queens.
9. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be confident in your delivery and presence.
10. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Same as 8
11. How do you spend your summer breaks?
I like to have one big vacation and then spend as much time outdoors as possible.
12. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars although the most recent Star Trek movies were cool.
13. What do you like most about working with Apollo?
The staff keeps me on my toes and I enjoy the freedom to be creative.
