Mr. German Gurrola is one of the newest additions to the science department at Glendale High School. Originally from Mexico, he was born and raised in San Diego and has been teaching in Los Angeles for eighteen years now.
In his free time, Mr. Gurrola enjoys gardening and making music, and he has recently taken up video production. He plays many instruments, including the guitar, drums, bass, and keyboard, all of which he taught himself.
With extensive experience in tutoring and mentoring from a young age, Mr. Gurrola has always been passionate about helping and teaching others. He grew up with several great teachers who inspired him to become one himself. If he had not become a teacher, Mr. Gurrola says he would have pursued some kind of social work or anything related to helping people.
Mr. Gurrola said that his journey before coming to GHS was awesome, and he really enjoys his job. One thing he always tells his students is that “if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” Even though being a teacher is tough, he says it’s a really wonderful and enjoyable experience, especially during the vacations when he can spend time with his family.
Some of Mr. Gurrola’s favorite parts about being a teacher are helping his students, getting to know them and being inspired by their stories. However, a difficult aspect for him is not being able to do anything about some of the difficulties many students and their families face. He always wants them to do better in school, but he knows they may be going through difficult things.
Mr. Gurrola finds GHS to be extremely beautiful, and he has been wanting to teach here, especially after hearing many good things about our school. He believes that his colleagues are very dedicated and professional, and he loves how diverse the community is and wants to learn about other cultures.
While living in Mexico, Mr. Gurrola would attend school in the United States, constantly going back and forth between the two countries every day, which was such a unique experience. As an immigrant, he understands how difficult it can be, and he acknowledges how immigrants have played a huge role in shaping America.
Mr. Gurrola would like GHS students to know that he is here to support them and their families. He wants to help them with anything they need, in terms of academics, their careers or their futures.
This school year, Mr. Gurrola hopes to get to know the GHS community better so that he can better appreciate it and help with anything he can. If any students are interested in getting into education, he says that if you like people and enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories, you’ll be great at your job.
Lastly, Mr. Gurrola would like to advise teenagers to always take it easy and not rush. But at the same time, they should try new (and safe) experiences, because the worst thing that could happen is that they won’t like it.
The students of GHS are so excited to see what Mr. Gurrola will bring to our school, and we have very high hopes for his future here! If you are ever on the fourth floor of the 4000 Building, be sure to stop by and say hello!
