Previous mathematics teacher shares present experiences with FC community

The start of this year brought about many changes to the FC campus, administration and student life. One of which was the absence of four year mathematics teacher, David Lee.

Since his departure at the end of the 2013-14 school year, Lee has taken up a part time teaching position at Buchanan High School, where he previously taught for a total of 19 years. Due to an increase in free time Lee has been able to pursue his many interests and spend a greater amount of quality time with family members.

In addition, after a six year absence Lee has once again decided to coach tennis. He was originally one of the essential builders of programs at both Buchanan and Clovis West. Lee currently holds a coaching position for Alta Sierra’s junior high tennis team.

Below Lee expands upon the details of his current day to day life and the changes that have occurred in the last few months.

Skyler: What drew you back to the Buchanan Campus?

Lee: There were a couple of reasons I went back to Buchanan. First of all I’ve taught at Buchanan for so many years that it really is kind of like a home to me because of the staff I work with there and the administration. Just the feeling of the school itself is a good feel for me because I have been a teacher there for about 16 or 17 years. A number of the teachers that I had worked with are still there. So there’s a sense of going back to my home and the fact that I could also work part time there. At Fresno Christian I was working full time and that was just a little more than I wanted to do and so with a part time offering at Buchanan I was able to have more of a sense of being retired. Plus my daughter is a junior at Buchanan. It’s a chance for me to spend time with her.

Skyler: How has your teaching experience been at Buchanan?

Lee: The kid’s at Buchanan are great and I really enjoy the subject that I am teaching(Algebra II). Life has kind of simplified for me. It’s not as hectic and so I’m more at peace with myself because I’m not feeling so rushed. It gives me a chance to witness to the kids at Buchanan because there are Christian kids in my classes but there are also many kids who are not Christian. As a teacher of faith I can be a good example to them. That’s not to say that I don’t miss the kids at Fresno Christian because during the three or four years I taught at Fresno Christian I have never had a class room show more kindness and love for me than I experienced there.

Skyler: How has teaching at a larger school like Buchanan been different from teaching at Fresno Christian?

Lee: I think being at a small school you really get to know your kids well. I felt like I got to know all of my kids at Fresno Christian so much better than at a public school because the class rooms are small. At Buchanan there are kids in my class that I know by name and recognize them and know something about them but you really don’t get to know them in any depth. At Fresno Christian it’s a little different because you’re around the kids daily and because there are fewer numbers you get to know them as a person.

Skyler: Besides teaching what do you do with your free time now?

Lee: I really love camping we have a little pop up trailer and I think camping is really an excellent way of getting the family together because you’re out there and your away from the TV and get a chance to spend time with each other and also to really enjoy the nature that God has given us. We also love sports. As you know I’m a big 49er and Giants fan and I’m a big Bulldog fan. I attend a lot of sporting activities. All of my kids love sports and my wife loves sports. Also my daughter is playing basketball at Fresno Pacific,  so I go watch her play and my youngest daughter is still playing tennis at Buchanan. Now that I’m teaching at Buchanan it’s very easy to support her and her tennis. Besides camping, we just love vacationing when we have the opportunity.

Skyler: How would you say your life is different now than it was a year ago?

Lee: I would say that the stress is a lot less because my work load isn’t quite the same. I would say that because I’m part time I’m able to do more things with my family. It just gives me more time to spend around my family. I would also say that as I mentioned earlier I don’t have the same connection with God daily that I had while I was at Fresno Christian. You guys have a very special opportunity at FC to worship the Lord daily in a school setting and I miss that. I still get into my bible and am with the Lord that way but worshiping daily with His family is something that I don’t get as much.

Skyler: Lastly do you have any parting wisdom for the students at FC?

Lee: I would say that the students should not take lightly what privileges they have at a Christian school because sometimes you don?t realize what you have until it’s gone. I would tell the students there to enjoy and make the most of their opportunities at Fresno Christian because Fresno Christian not only offers an opportunity to be with the lord but because it’s a smaller school you can participate in so many activities… There are so many activities that are available there at Fresno Christian that kids should get involved in. Get involved in those things because you only go through high school one time and you?ll look back and ask why you didn’t do more.

To find out more about David Lee’s work at FC read Lifelong ambition motivates math teacher.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skyerklee.

For more features, read the Feb. 27 article, Sophomore discovers musical talent, excels.

Follow The Feather via Twitter @thefeather, Instagram @thefeatheronline and Facebook @thefeatheronline