Featured Teachers: Paul Baca
Get to know some of our teachers through the Proust Questionnaire, liberally adapted from French writer Marcel Proust (1871–1922).
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was fascinated with sharks when I was a child. I was certain I was going to be a marine biologist. (Even if I had no idea what this meant as a child.) I remember book fairs at our elementary school and ordering every shark book and shark poster I could find. And if the marine biology stint didn’t work out I was going to play major league baseball!
What is your favorite animal?
Polar Bears! What a wonderful creation, majestic, serene, determined, and patient. Besides those are my initials, PB!
What is your favorite color?
Difficult to offer just one; I prefer the blues, greens, and oranges.
What are your most marked characteristics?
I have been told I possess a fair amount of patience, that I bring a certain level of calmness to a potentially difficult situation. I would like to think that I am somewhat rational.
What do you think are your greatest faults?
I have a tendency to over-think everything. Many times I have wished I would have acted more and thought less.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Let me first say that I have a tremendous amount of respect for those parents that have children older than my own two sons. They have walked the road I currently travel. As a father of two sons my idea of perfect happiness would be the blessings of good health and happiness of my sons. This is what all parents want for their children.
Who are your favorite writers or poets?
I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have a favorite. I am constantly receiving suggestions from friends and family. My more recent finds include, He Still Moves Stones, by Max Lucado, and The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. My son Brian offered me a collection of books from his high school years here at St. Michael’s. Our English Department is wonderful!
Who are your heroes?
Those wonderful people, young or old, who possess that innate ability to leave a situation better than when they came upon it. Their mere presence instantly changes the dynamics of the group for the better. We are all enriched by their interaction. All of this of course is done with a great sense of humility.
What quality do you most admire in people?
I truly admire those who possess a great sense of logic. I am often fascinated by those who seemingly have an unlimited supply of what appear to be outstanding decisions. I admire those who can articulately describe their decision-making process and educate those around them in doing so.
Where would you like to travel?
I will begin with the not so glamorous. I would love to visit every major league baseball park in professional baseball. I have taken care of the Southwest and the West coast. I need to now make my way through the Midwest and East coast. I would love of course to travel Europe, specifically Spain, France, and Italy. A summer in Costa Rica may not be too bad either!
If you had not become a teacher, what would you have liked to have done instead?
I truly believe I am doing exactly what it is that I am supposed to be doing at this very second, teaching at a Lasallian school. I am blessed. I am thankful for my place here at St. Michael’s High School.
What do you most value in friends?
I value mutual respect, honesty, and sense of humor. The camaraderie I feel with my closest friends is very uplifting. What a group!
What in your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
To have simply survived this life, never allowing yourself to be fully present in your own life and in the lives of others would be tragic.
What is your favorite word?
NO!
What is your greatest pet peeve?
When people snap or pop their gum. This drives me crazy! Or when people crease paper with their finger nails. This honestly hurts my ears.
What natural gift would you like to possess?
I wished I was musically inclined. I would love to play the guitar or piano. I have a tremendous respect for all of the performing and visual arts. What a wonderful gift.
What is your motto?
It is okay to rest, take a timeout if you need to, but you always have to get back in the game, always.
What is your present state of mind?
Hopeful, thankful.