Page 26 - Priorities #53 2012-June/July

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TRUDELLE Scientist, marathon endurance runner, and all-around great guy An interview by Sean Mclain Brown
After 29-years teaching at the Priory, Paul Trudelle is as vigorous as ever, sharing his enthusiasm and child-like wonder for science, and encouraging students to “serve those in need.”
SMB: When did you first know you wanted to be a teacher and what do you love most about teaching?
PT: I had hints that I would be a teacher as a young boy probably because both of my parents taught (dad-science, mom-primary). During my first years of teaching I thought I would move on to another type of work but I grew to love teaching more & more. I love seeing students get excited about science especially on days when discussion or lab “comes alive” with questions and insights. On days like this, I honestly feel I have the coolest job in the world.
SMB: Why science? What is it about science that gets you really excited?
PT: Science is soooooo fascinating, a never ending story of questions, hypotheses, experiments, data analysis, revising ... it just goes on and on. I am particularly enthralled by astrophysics, cosmology, astronomy & astrobiology. Of course, I love talking with others who feel the same way. Often the best part of my teaching day is discussing “science stuff” with students after class.
SMB: Who inspired you most in your life and why?
PT: My father by his gentle love & the joy he shared with our family. He used to take me grunion hunting, volcano hiking, and star watching. I had many inspiring teachers as well.
SMB: What do you believe is most challenging issue we face as a species?
PT: To learn to accept and even celebrate our differences locally & globally seems to be a challenge worth taking. We must continue to strive to live up to the call of Jesus to not only respect but love all people, starting with ourselves, our family, friends & those we interact with each day - even those we don’t like or understand. God seems to believe so much in the potential of humans, we should too.
SMB: What is your hope for your past and present students?
PT: Our mission says that Priory is here to “assist students (and alums) to become lifelong learners & stewards who will productively serve a world in need of their gifts.” After 29 years at Priory, this has become my personal hope as well.
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