Mr. Frank and Goose: Ask Me Almost Anything

Ryan "Sassy" El Abbassi • Sep 22, 2025

Mr. Frank and Goose are new staff additions to Talawanda this year so Tribune asked them almost anything:

1.  Where did you live and what did you do before you came to Talawanda? I currently live in Connersville Indiana with my Fiance. Before coming to Talawanda I was a counselor at Franklin County High School in Brookville, IN. I enjoyed my time at Franklin County, since this is where I graduated from in 2012, but it was time for me to move on.

2.   How are you liking Ohio so far? It's been a great transition so far. The biggest adjustment is just trying to learn the different graduation requirements for Ohio students. Outside of work, since I lived in Brookville, IN for my whole life I have been to many restaurants and places around Oxford, Hamilton and the greater Cincinnati area.

3.   What is the ratio of corn in the Oxford area compared to the ratio of corn where you’re from? Honestly, I don't know the exact number, but I will say Franklin County is one of the largest counties in Indiana just like how Butler is in Ohio. Franklin County is mostly agricultural land and doesn't really have any huge cities or towns like Butler county does. My best guess would be Franklin County has about 10-15 percent more agricultural/farm land than Butler county does, but who knows.

4.   If you weren’t a guidance counselor, what job would you like to do? Originally I wanted to become a police officer and then go into SWAT or to go undercover. I got my bachelor degree from Indiana State in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Unfortunately, this career path didn't work out and I went back to school in 2019 for my Masters in Education. If I had to choose a different path I would become a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry or try to become a superhero actor specifically Captain America or Ironman.

5.   What is your best “guidance counselor” advice to high school students? I'll give you two. 1 Don't chase "the" Path, build "your" path. Talk with parents, teachers and mentors about options: college, trade school or the military. Remember: there's no single "right" answer. Lastly, use your strengths + interests + values as your compass to guide decisions. 2. Be curious, take risks, and don't fear failure. try new things- join clubs, pick up hobbies, or explore classes outside your comfort zone. Right now, you have freedom- no mortgage, car payments, or kids- so this is the best time to take chances. Lastly, failure isn't negative- it's one of the greatest learning opportunities you'll ever have. Learn from it, adjust, and keep moving forward.

And for Goose:

1.  What is your secret pet peeve about your colleague Kondo? He's bigger than me. I am small, but mighty.

2.  What is your favorite snack? Any snack/food you can give me is my favorite even if I'm not supposed to have human food.

3.  We heard you were named after a character in Top Gun.  Is that true?  Maybe.. Maybe not. I would like to think I wasn't named after a movie character, because I am the best there is.

4.  Who is better at their job, you or Kondo? What kind of question is this! Obviously me, but Kondo is pretty good too.

5.  100 geese versus you, Goose.  Who wins? 100 geese, even though I'm intrigued to try I don't think I can win against 100.