Meet a Staff Member
10 minutes with….
Calvin Beck-Godoy
Title: Teacher at Marian College
How long have you been at Marian:
About a year an a half
Tell us a little about your life outside of teaching/working? Eg. Family, hobbies. Passions
Gym is my number one passion. Keeping me healthy physically and mentally. I generally work out for at least an hour 3-5 times a week. I’ve started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the last 3 months. I play the guitar for at least 15 minutes a night. But the thing that ties all my passions together is journalling. This flowers poetry which I’ve been able to create a book and a few songs with.
I don’t believe any of this would be possible without the constant gatherings and dinners organised by my family, friends, and me. I love nothing more than a BBQ with people I love. A nice view helps too!
Camping and travelling are always in the corners of my mind as well. We must take ourselves on the grandest adventures of our lives. Don’t hesitate to fly where you wish to soar.
How did you end up teaching/ working at Marian College?
I was a CRT at 3 schools including Marian, and as fate would have it, there was an opportunity to teach the subjects I majored in. My first formal conversation with Mr Pisani was incredibly important. I was able to discuss the position and my intentions before applying. I was lucky enough to join the team at the end of Term 1 2022. It was a very stressful period catching up to speed and having my own class for the first time in my career. I like to call it the trial by fire. I know now more than ever that stress is necessary to build strength.
What do you like most about teaching/working at Marian College?
I like that if you are a staff member or a student that has a passion for anything, there are opportunities to build a community. Bike club is my favourite example of this. Mr Fenech turned his hobby into one of the most unique experiences at Marian College. I also love that I’ve had the joy of coaching for sports I loved as a kid. Creating the opportunity for awesome experiences. I’ve also received lots of support for helping to curate a garden in the 7/8 area. It’s been a very rewarding project and I’m excited to work on it over the warmer months.
What are the biggest challenges facing teachers today?
Financial stress combined with the projections of trauma brought by everyone! Challenges are not a negative thing. We are in a culture that is slowly learning how to trust the process of growing and learning. I trust that we can all use each other as support. I love to say that God saves his toughest battles for his toughest warriors. The strength it takes to create. We aren’t looking to ‘be done with it’. We are learning how to live life fruitfully. But with that said… Specifically, lack of sleep is the biggest challenge! Unfortunately, coffee lowers our quality of sleep after 2-3 pm and creates a vicious cycle of recovery!
What are the biggest challenges facing teenage girls today?
The idolisation of the media projected version of the ‘good life’. Without an understanding of the complexity of varying techniques used by media to persuade, many girls get swept into a stream of complex algorithms that stress them into impulse purchases and lowered self worth.
Favourite food & drink?
Nachos and a choccy milk
Favourite holiday destination?
Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Phillipines
Favourite TV show & Movie?
House
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
Psychologist, Personal Trainer, or Carpenter
Which 5 people in history would you like to invite to a dinner party?
Salvador Godoy, Pablo Neruda, Eddie Mabo, Jahsey Onfroy, Bob Marley