Our Employee of the Month is Patrick Awosika Jr. from Washington D.C.!
Patrick has stepped up as the Interim Site Director thanks to his leadership skills and ability to address challenges as they arise. He demonstrates extreme reliability, flexibility, and professionalism.
Patrick, 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 Patrick below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Patrick Awosika Jr. and I am the coolest nerd you’ll meet. I was born and raised in Washington D.C. I plan on graduating with my BA in Business from the University of the District of Columbia.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
It will be 2 years in March of me working with Apollo.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
There is no such thing as small impact when it comes to our students. Sometimes the smallest of moments goes the furthest with the kids.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I believe in transparency with my students so it’s about identifying what success means for them outside of the classroom. Fueling their passion so it bleeds into their drive for academics.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
This is gonna be super nerdy, so it would be the ability to rearrange atoms and molecules. For example, I would be turn mud into drinking water, or a desert in to a grassland. This ability can answer a lot of the global problems.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I when I was an educator at TR 4th St. I gave one my difficult students one of my bracelets to reminder her to be good for no other reason to be good. I came back to the campus next school year covering a shift and I was happy to hear her behavior had improve to reflect her good grades. The best part she still had her bracelet on.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Traveling. I’m a nerd, so I gotta see different countries in Asia. Then philanthropy, there are a few Nonprofits I would like to support with the DMV area. For example, “Men Can Stop Rape!” for one.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I like to isolate the student in a private comfortable space. Open the door with empathy, so I can gain understanding of what is going on. Highlight perspective vs perception, and reiterate that the student is cared for but rules and regulation are there to prevent chaos.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
I don’t think I’ve been anywhere unusual sorry.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I don’t if this is a talent per se, I don’t forget a face like at all. If I see you or interact with a person for longer 5 minutes their face is locked in permanently. I don’t remember names that well but faces – it’s locked.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be firm but fair. It may start off rough and feel like you’re the bad guy, but I promise you by the end the impact is felt. Your kids will remember and appreciate the lessons they’ve learned.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
Call and Response, “If you hear my voice clap” (number of times).
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I bartend and am an assistant event planner.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
Decompressing for the most part.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I have watched both series Star Trek mainly the remake movies. Honest I am more of a comic book (DC Comics) anime type, but if I have to stay within that realm. Maybe Lords of the Ring, I know that’s more Fantasy than Science Fiction.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
Creating positive lasting memories and hopefully impact lives. I understand the importance of mentorship and how beneficial it is since I am a byproduct of that. So just being able to give back and stimulate the future (students) is what I cherish.
