Five Minutes with Mr Martin

Do you collect anything?  

I collect D&D miniatures.

How long have you worked at BSC? 

For 4 years.

If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be? 

A snowboard or a ski—something that slides around.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Too many choices! I love my food, but probably hamburgers. You can’t go wrong.

If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go? 

Alaska, because I love the snow and the outdoors. Alaska represents a place with a lot of snow and true wilderness. Or southern Tasmania for similar reasons

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? 

I’d love to be able to fly, and telepathy would be pretty cool too.

Is there anyone who has influenced you as a teacher? In what way? 

My senior year form teacher, who was the head of mathematics at my school, was a brilliant mathematician. He was also a very fun person to be around. We did a lot of work, but had a lot of fun too, so he had big influence on me wanting to become a teacher. 

What book/TV series/podcasts are you into at the moment? 

I listen to the Critical Role podcast on the way to and from work, which is a D&D podcast. I am currently reading the Mistborn series, and Good Omens is one of my favourite TV series that I go back to regularly. 

What is your favourite animal and why?

I love all animals, so it's very difficult to choose. But broadly, probably otters.

What is your favourite movie? 

Let’s go basic and back on brand. I've always loved Disney movies because of the songs and the music. I went down a road and discovered I love musicals, so The Lion King is probably my favourite.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play? 

I love watching a lot of sports, but I also love playing pretty much anything. My favourites are playing basketball, field hockey and AFL. I love to watch ice hockey, AFL and basketball.

What makes your job rewarding? 

I love seeing the moment when someone goes from not understanding a concept to grasping it, then to mastering it. In other words, watching a student go from a complete beginner to the various levels of expertise. The other side is just the day-to-day interaction with young people, helping and guiding them through those developmental years. 

What would you sing at karaoke night? 

Well, it’s hard to get the mic off me—it’s more what wouldn’t I sing. A Whole New World from Aladdin, and I’d probably sing both parts, so no duets. 

What’s your most fond childhood memory? 

I go camping every year with my family and my parents' friends from high school. There’s a group of about 10 families who go to Tocumwal on the banks of the Murray. I took my baby daughter for the first time this Easter, and it was lovely.

When you were little what did you aspire to be? 

When I was really little, I wanted to be a fireman.

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? 

Ryan Reynolds

Thanks, Mr Martin! 

Interview by Lara K (Year 9) & Oliver P (Year 10)