Having an instructor who is determined to make lessons engaging as well as effective for everyone is a pivotal trait in a good teacher. It allows students to receive a positive perspective on education and be inclined to make the most of their lessons. Since their teachings impact us as we go through our high school years, having a driven and dedicated teacher is crucial to our academic and personal growth. One of this year’s new teachers, Mr. Trani, is committed to helping students succeed and making education enjoyable. He was inspired by his high school history teacher who always strived to make lessons interesting and engaging for students. Because he has been fond of history since high school, he can transmit his passion and wishes to share his knowledge through his teaching and encourage students to learn. 

I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Trani about how history has affected the way he navigates the world. As he expressed, “History has taught me countless life lessons. It shows the world isn’t black and white, and there isn’t always a side you can fully agree with. Viewing perspectives from either side allows you to formulate your view and how to interpret history in a meaningful way. History prevents mistakes from being repeated, no matter how big or small.” Although Mr. Trani initially studied computer science, he realized history was one of his passions after writing his Senior Capstone paper. Writing 12 pages on Imperial Japan allowed him to realize history came naturally to him, and he wished to share that knowledge with others.

When I asked Mr. Trani for advice he would give to students, he stated, “Keep pushing forward. Life is hard but giving up doesn’t make it easier. If you’re struggling with something, step back and come back to it later. Taking some time to regroup always helps… I’d be a hypocrite if I said I’ve never given up. I used to pursue a Computer Science major before I swapped to education. But I gave up on the direction, not the goal.” It’s important to recognize the effort and commitment that Mr. Trani demonstrates in his teaching. His dedication makes him an admired and appreciated figure in the ACP family, and we could not be more grateful for the inspiration he provides to students. Thank you, Mr. Trani, for being such an influential role model at ACP and enthusiastically sharing your knowledge with students. Go Knights!