Staff Interview: Mr. Hyeongbin Chu

Interviewed by Caiden Kim. Transcribed by Victoria Oh.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Mr. Chu. I'm 28 years old, and I spent about eight to nine years in the States. I started boarding school in my junior year of high school, but before that, I lived in Korea during elementary school. Because of that, I personally feel like both cultures are pretty well mixed within me. I've always liked STEM subjects, and I loved them as a student. Back then, I considered myself more of a scholar. I found joy in learning itself, rather than thinking about how to apply that knowledge or use it in the real world. I simply admired the subjects themselves.

That interest eventually led me to teaching. I started teaching in college as a part-time tutor, and it was something I felt comfortable doing without too much effort. Over time, it became a huge part of my life. I continued pursuing that interest, and now I'm here as a teacher at Valor. I still want to learn more about having an educator's mindset, which is why I'm going to graduate school this summer. One day, I hope to become a professor.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love playing games, just like you guys. When I was your age, I was obsessed with RPG games and League of Legends. I also loved sports. I played soccer and skied a lot because I lived in New Hampshire, where it snows often. There was a ski resort next to my school, and we went almost every day. I stopped playing sports as much in college, but deep down, my love for sports is still there, especially when I watch European football.

As a member of the VIS community, can you share what your experience has been like?

What I'm very grateful for is that, technically, this is my workplace, but it feels like much more than just a workplace. I really feel like I'm part of a community. VIS is very welcoming and warm, almost like a second home to me. I stay here during the weekdays, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with the students. I see parts of myself in many of the students, in many different ways. That helps me understand them better, but it also helps me reflect on myself and look back on who I was when I was younger. One challenge is that VIS is still a pretty young school, so sometimes there isn't as much structure already set in place. But that can also be a good thing because I feel grateful that I get to be part of building that structure. There are so many things we offer here, and when I see students finding joy in those opportunities, that is the most fulfilling moment for me.

What are your thoughts on pineapple pizza?

I've heard of it, but I've never eaten it in my life. I think I'm pretty open-minded when it comes to experimental foods, but pineapple pizza is not really my type. Never. That being said, I'm willing to try Canadian pizza — the one with pineapple and ham. That might work.

Are you really leaving Valor? If so, why?

Well, I've never officially mentioned it, but the answer is no. Yes, I got into graduate school, but it's a very special program designed for people who work at schools.

I'll spend my summers — two summers, specifically — working on my graduate program, and then I'll come back when the school year starts. After that, I'll also be doing a case study, kind of like how you guys do Capstone. So I'll be working closely with my peers at graduate school, but I'll still be here at Valor.

What is one good thing that has happened to you this week?

Let me think about it… Hmm. Well, I got paid last week.

For any struggling students in your classes, what advice would you give them to succeed?

I think this advice isn't just for my class, but for life in general: your mindset is really important. If you truly want to become good at something, you have to mean it.

Let's say you're trying to learn something in my class. You have to take it to heart. Personally, I have a lot of affection for the things I teach, and sometimes I even surprise myself with how much I enjoy them. Even if it's the same topic, when you look at it repeatedly, it can give you new insights.

So my advice is: do it like you mean it.