Why did you want to become a teacher?

I spent more than a decade working in the banking industry and I never felt real fulfillment in my career. As a person I’ve always loved making connections with people and I’m passionate about seeing and helping people succeed and grow, and there is no other profession in the world where you can make a positive impact in someone's life then being a teacher. So a few years ago I took the risk of leaving a career that I understood and decided to take the plunge and retrain. It was a risk, but the rewards I’ve had since becoming a teacher have been immeasurable. 

What is your first memory from school?

I remember on my very first day of K1 I was so scared and worried that when my Mum dropped me off I started crying uncontrollably and vomited all over the floor! Eventually after about 5 minutes the lovely teachers were able to calm me down and make me feel comfortable.

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

Watching the students engage and have fun whilst learning in my lessons. That little smile on their faces and that “oh yeah, I get it” moment is pretty priceless.

If I walked into your classroom on a typical afternoon, what would I see going on?

Ideally, you’d see an enthusiastic teacher walking around the classroom emparting wild stories and sharing mind blowing information with the students, and as a result, lots of happy smiling faces along with a few faces deep in contemplation and reflection. 

What’s the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?

There isn't one particular incident that comes to mind. But sometimes when I get caught up in a story or an explanation, I have been guilty of forgetting that I’m talking to young people and I go into full boring adult mode and speak in language or use phrases that are completely alien to students. This subsequently leads to deafening silence across the group when I ask “did everyone understand that, and are there any questions” at the end of the explanation.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe-even though it's a work of fiction. It might be a good way to see what someone else got up whilst stuck on a desert island.  Some sort of bushcraft or survivalist book. As for movies, I would have to go for the Indiana Jones quadrilogy (even the 4th one is a little entertaining despite being about ancient aliens!) 

What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?

Trying to plan fresh, exciting and engaging lessons for all of my students. Or trying to kick my caffeine dependency.

What inspires you?

The students. They push me to try and be a better teacher everyday.  But also my wife and children. They inspire me to be a better husband and father.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I’ve been blessed to achieve a few things in my life. But one of my greatest achievements was to get my first international cap for Hong Kong. I was 17 at the time and it was against Taiwan. It was a very proud moment for myself and my family.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I once took part in a Channel V “next male VJ” competition in Hong Kong. It was all very random, but out of over 500 applicants and 2 days of guelling tests, interviews and screen testing auditions and was shortlisted to the top 10. 

Fortunately the youtube clips no longer exist (I hope) and I was not selected to be the new face of music VJ-ing.

I once accidentally bumped in Joseph Gordon Levitt (yes the actor from the Batman movies) in Tsui Wah and paid for his dinner, because the restaurant only took cash and he was sporting what I presume was a Super Back Master card.