A photo of Mr. Palmer at Chicano Park, San Diego (via Mr. Palmer)

November 10, 2023                                                                                                                                                        Shane Mckinney | Staff Writer

Mr. Palmer teaches World Cultures and Geography to freshmen in room 155. On  November 3rd, I decided to interview Mr. Palmer so more students can get to know him better. Here's what he had to say:

The Expedition: What got you into teaching? 

Mr. Palmer: I didn’t really know what I was going to do. It started when studying history and then getting a tutoring internship as a second job. I liked working with students so the tutoring program ended up hiring me for a part time job. After that I decided I wanted to go into teaching after I got my degree in history and my teaching credential.

The Expedition: What is your favorite part about teaching? Why?

Mr. Palmer: It is something different everyday, so it never gets boring. It makes me very proud to see what new students can accomplish. I can challenge you and push your ideas and you guys impress me with what you are capable of and the complex ideas that you guys have.

The Expedition: What are your favorite subjects to teach? Why is that?

Mr. Palmer: History of course and ethnic studies have been my favorite classes to teach. I like storytelling and exploring people's identities while discussing justice and bringing awareness to stories not often told.

The Expedition: What are your favorite hobbies?

Mr. Palmer: I like to cook, I like to challenge myself with new recipes. I like to watch cooking shows like Top Chef and Chopped and challenge myself with the recipes that they make.

The Expedition: What are your favorite sports?

Mr. Palmer: Soccer. I grew up around soccer. My family grew up watching soccer so I always love watching the World Cup.

The Expedition: Do you have a favorite team?

Mr. Palmer: My favorite national team is Brazil and my favorite regular team is Barcelona.

The Expedition: What is your favorite food? Why?

Mr. Palmer: My favorite food is PB&J because it is really satisfying to eat, it's really balanced with the salty peanut butter and the sweet jelly.

The Expedition: Would you eat it for the rest of your life? If not, what would you eat for the rest of your life?

Mr. Palmer: Yes, I would eat it for the rest of my life. I really enjoy it. It is a part of a childhood memory because I used to eat it alot in elementary school.

The Expedition: Do you have any favorite movies?

Mr. Palmer: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are good. I like fantasy and sci-fi movies.

The Expedition: What are your favorite shows?

Mr. Palmer: I love a good funny show that I can turn my brain off while watching like The Office and New Girl.

The Expedition: What is your favorite music/artist? Why?

Mr. Palmer: I like alternative rock. Paramore and Tokyo Police Club are also a favorite.

The Expedition: Are you a morning or night person? Why? 

Mr. Palmer: I'm a night person. I am just naturally more awake at night. During the school year I'll be in bed by 10pm at the latest and I'm up at 6:30am at the latest. During the summer I'll fall asleep at 2am and wake up at 10am.

The Expedition: What is your favorite holiday, and why?

Mr. Palmer: Halloween. I love the vibes of Halloween. Growing up I used to help decorate my uncle's house every Halloween. 

The Expedition: What is your favorite fast food, and why?Favorite restaurant and fast food? Why?

Mr. Palmer: I like Del Taco for fast food. They have really good fries. 

The Expedition: What can you not go a day without?

Mr. Palmer: Coffee. I love coffee. 

The Expedition: Do you have any pets? Would you want any more? Why or why not?

Mr. Palmer: I don't have any pets but I want a xoloitzcuintli, because they are so cool and they are an ancient breed from Mexico and it would be cool to have a dog from my culture. My household is allergic to animals so it helps that it doesn't have any hair.

The Expedition: What's your favorite go-to joke? 

Mr. Palmer: Your face.

Mr. Palmer is a very nice so don't hesitate to ask him any questions if you have any. Like I said earlier, you can find him in room 155 so feel free to say hello.