Written By: Patrick Novak, Staff Writer
ADVENTURE: Poly Teacher Thomas Finwall, soon to retire, reflects on a wonderful, excitement-filled teaching career.
Thomas Finwall did not always want to be a teacher. In college, he started out studying computer science, yet after experience with coaching, he realized he had a passion for teaching. Indeed, throughout his career, Finwall was both a teacher and a coach: he used to coach girls water polo at Cal State San Bernardino, as well as North and Poly High School. To Finwall, seeing how his students grew and matured proved particularly rewarding.
Finwall believes teachers serve a critical role in the development of their students as people: “I think back to four or five teachers,” Finwall recounts, “that I’ve had in my past that had been major influences to decisions that I have made.” According to Finwall, people tend to ignore the advice of others, leading to poor decision-making and a realization that being stubborn directly stunts one’s growth as a person. “It’s amazing that life will teach you that there are a ton of people out there giving you really great advice,” Finwall accentuates, “that care for you and have your best interest at heart.” Finwall is deeply appreciative of his students that have not only been willing to learn but help those who may not be as well-versed in his classes’ subject material.
Finwall has had many funny moments throughout his career: “They [used to have] trees in the middle of campus in the walkway,” Finwall recounts, “I was talking to somebody and literally stepped into a hole in the ground and fell. All these kids were sitting around and I rolled with it and jumped up and said ‘I’m okay!’ and everybody laughed but I was clearly nervous.” In Finwall’s perspective, it is important to create a lighthearted atmosphere for his students, with him often joking around in class.
Finwall appreciates both his relationships with his students and colleagues. Friendships made with colleagues have helped him grow in a positive way. In particular, he likes to walk into other classrooms and watch other teachers, so he can get ideas on more effective ways of teaching that he can implement into his own teaching style.
However, Finwall will soon retire. Even though Finwall will miss teaching, he is looking forward to retirement: he plans on golfing every day and working out regularly. “I feel better now” Finwall emphasizes “than I did in my 30s and 40s”: he takes his health seriously and has been gradually exercising and eating better for the past few years. Furthermore, traveling the world and seeing many different places including Asia and Europe is on Finwall’s to-do list.
Students and teachers, throughout the campus, will miss Mr. Finwall very much. However, it is time to wish him a happy retirement full of new adventures.