By: Brooklyn Swalwell (11)

 

New biology teacher Isaac Torres is settling into life at Helias Catholic while learning what it means to be part of the Crusader community. Originally, he was pursuing a business degree; he soon realized it wasn't going to work out.

“The classes were horrible. I hated it,” he said. “I took maybe a semester and a half, and the classes were just horrible. I figured I should probably do something to help people, and I liked science.”

That decision soon led him to his fifth year in education and now at Helias Catholic. After submitting an application several years ago, he received an unexpected call asking if he was still interested in joining the Crusader community.

“Well, I just got a call. I had put in an application about 3 years ago, and they asked if I still wanted to interview, and I said yes,” Torres said. 

Since arriving at Helias, he has been impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.

“People are just so happy here. The teachers to the students are just happy to be here,” Torres explained. “Everyone just seems so friendly and welcoming.”

Another surprise to him has been how smoothly everything runs around school and how everyone is prepared.

“That everyone knows what to do, that everyone has a procedure. It's like a well-oiled machine; at my other schools, you would make things up on the spot and as you go, but here there is like a procedure for everything,” he said.

as a biology teacher, he hopes students leave his classroom with a strong understanding of science. More importantly, he wants them to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals.

“I hope they learn that they can reach their goals,” Torres said.

Before coming to Helias, he knew the school had a reputation as one of the area's Catholic schools. Having previously taught at Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, he had heard from former colleagues about Helias's long-standing tradition and influence in the community.

Now that he is a part of the Crusaders, he is looking for ways to become more involved. He currently leads a discipleship group and is open to sponsoring clubs and activities in the future.

“I'm usually not the type to get super involved, so this is out of my comfort zone,” he said. “But if people asked me to sponsor a club, I would do it.”

As he continues his first year at Helias, he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the school community.

“I'm just happy to be here and be a part of everything.”