By: Mr. Perez
Guest Writer
Damien’s new teacher, Mr. Peltomaa, has been a great addition to the faculty so far. However, how much do we really know about the hard-working 24-year-old?
Mr. Peltomaa graduated from Damien in 2013 where he played defensive end and linebacker for football and threw discus and shot put for the track and field team.
Mr. Peltomaa said, “My favorite thing about Damien has to be the friendships that are forged and the brotherhood that exists among the classes. Damien isn't for everybody, but those who give it a chance and really put some effort into it find great lifelong friends and will support you throughout your life.”
He went on to attend Cal Poly Pomona where he studied History. His senior dissertation was written about the Viking invasion of England. After that, he went across the pond to the University of York in Yorkshire, England where he lived for a year while studying for his Masters in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
“The most interesting aspect of living in England for so long was observing the news cycle about American politics or world economics through a perspective different from an American one; that was one aspect that was really eye opening and helped expand my worldview,” Mr. Peltomaa asserted. “I would recommend living abroad to anybody who considers it. I would not be the person I am today without that experience.”
Today, you can catch Mr. Peltomaa teaching AP European History, AP Human Geography and English II. While they are not meeting in person, he is still connecting well with his students and making the most of the online class time.
“I never envisioned myself coming back, but I had a really great experience here and I met my best friends at this school. Guys I still talk to everyday and see all the time. It was such an important place for me during my more formative years so I really appreciate this opportunity and want to serve the Damien community the best I can,” stated Mr. Peltomaa.
Damien contacted Peltomaa to take on the position during an incredibly painful time for both the students and faculty. He understands this and wants to be respectful of that and act in a manner that is becoming of a Damien Spartan and honor the values we strive to instill in each of our students.
“I think the transition has been tough for some of the kids, but overall the students have been supportive and have taken to me about as well as can be expected. My first priority was to make sure that the classes continued as well as they could and to try and provide some form of stability within the classroom for them.”
Teachers at Damien love talking with students and encourage students to talk with them about anything weighing on their mind. Faculty is not only here to instruct and discipline, but to talk and guide as well. They are all human as well and understand how students feel. Mr. Peltomaa has had no problem integrating himself into the role and becoming a role model for the students.
“I can't speak for all of my students, but I feel fairly confident in saying that there is a good percentage of my students who feel comfortable with talking to me about a variety of topics,” said Mr. Peltomaa.
Returning to an Alma Mater to teach is always a treat for the students because they are getting someone who knows and understands the culture. Damien has a rich history in bringing in alumni. There are over 20 alumni on staff and Mr. Peltomaa is the latest one to make us proud.
“I think a certain segment of the Damien community enjoys it when one of their own comes back to teach and give back to the community in some sort of way,” stated Mr. Peltomaa. “The students enjoy hearing stories about which teachers I had, what the classes were like, what Damien was like when I was a student. They find it pretty funny that you [Mr. Perez] and I were classmates and we sat next to each other in a lot of our classes because of our last names as well!”
In his time here, Dr. Heminway has made many fantastic changes. All the changes occurred while Mr. Peltomaa had been away. He was very impressed by everything Damien had done in the time he has been gone.
“Damien has changed in a variety of ways, that second lunch area didn't exist, we didn't have the IB program, or the ALC yet,” exclaimed Mr. Peltomaa. “At its core, however, Damien is still the same school that is making progress in a variety of ways. It will continue to grow and improve as time moves forward.”
While reminiscing about his past to his students, Mr. Peltomaa is also looking to his future.
“I would love to return to Damien next year and would not mind assisting with the football team! (the American football team as the English would call it). I would need to talk to coach Bechtel and see if there could be a place on his staff for me.”
From graduating from Damien to becoming an international scholar and traveler, Mr. Peltomaa has returned to the Spartans ready to educate, inspire and to leave his mark on all of us. He has already been a wonderful addition to the faculty and he is not finished integrating himself further.