by Andy Ortiz

New math teacher Mr. Rey Barrasa believes in two things – discipline and faith – and hopes to instill these values in his students at St. John Bosco High School. 

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the City of Rosemead down the street from Don Bosco Tech.

Q: What college did you attend?

For my undergrad, I graduated from California State University, Fullerton. For my master’s, I graduated from Loyola Marymount University, where I am also currently working on my doctorate.

Q: Where did you teach before Bosco?

My first teaching experience was at Pasadena High School from 2008-2012. I began teaching in Catholic schools in 2013. I was at St. Benedict School previously before St. John Bosco.

Q: What are your greatest strengths?

My greatest strengths are my passion and willingness to always improve. I am one to never settle for anything less than what I deserve through my hard work. My mental toughness and desire to not give up have provided me multiple opportunities for growth.

Q: What made you want to become a math teacher?

It was teachers, such as Bosco’s own Sal Perez, who made math fun. He was my high school teacher at Don Bosco Tech, and my college professors continued to help me enjoy math. I became a math teacher to help give back to others who struggle with or hate math.

Q: What was it about Bosco that made you want to work here?

Being part of a Salesian community has always been something my heart has wanted. I can’t deny that I was very surprised that St. John Bosco called me. As I have told my closest family and friends, it was the Holy Spirit who guided me here.

Q: Who do you look up to? Who is your idol?

My dad will always be someone I idolize. He has shown me that in life there are no shortcuts. Everything we have in life is either because we earned it or because God wanted us to have it. You get what you put in and not a penny less.

Q: Marvel or DC?

Marvel! My two sons even have names associated with X-Men characters.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

My favorite part about being a teacher is being able to give back. I was that young teenage boy that drove teachers crazy, so I understand even more how to guide these young men on their journey in life. To be a part of making a difference – to help these young men make this world a better place – is why I enjoy being a teacher.

Q: What is your favorite part of Bosco so far?

The best part of Bosco so far is the support I have received from all the teachers and the relationships I have started to build with my students.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of music?

I love all types of music. I am a huge believer that music is the language of the world. My playlists can go from West Coast Hip Hop to Chente and Ramon Ayala and then to Metallica and Rage Against the Machine.

Q: What’s your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory has to be Kairos and having a close brotherhood with my friends, with whom to this day I am very close. I continue to say that Bosco Tech was not my first choice, but it ended up being the best decision my parents made for me.

Q: What are your favorite movies and TV shows?

All time favorite movies…

1) The Shawshank Redemption, 2) Training Day and 3) Scent of a Woman.

All time favorite TV shows…

1 )The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, 2) Everybody Loves Raymond and 3) Moonshiners

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?

My favorite hobbies, besides spending time with my kids, are training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which I’ve done for 14 years, and brewing beer, which I’ve done for 15 years.

Q: How do you want to help your students succeed in your classes?

I want to have open communication with them, show my support in the classroom and outside the classroom during school events and for them to know that together we are one team and I am here to take them to a place they cannot take themselves.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would like to give to students taking your classes?

To always be a good person. This world is cruel and ugly, and life is too short. Be a good person to yourself and to others

Q: What would be a perfect day for you?

A perfect day for me would be taking my kids out into nature, crossing streams of water, enjoying lunch in nature, and then coming home and enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Q: What kind of books do you read? What is your favorite book?

I enjoy reading books that help with self Improvement. I am a huge fan of The 7th Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and They Call me Coach from John Wooden.

Q: What pets do you have? If you don’t have any, what pets would you want to have?
I have two Dogs. I am a huge dog lover. I have Bubba, who is a pit bull, and Bella who is a Rottweiler.

Q: What saying or philosophy do you live by?

My favorite saying is: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is the present.” That is why today is a gift. Live today, forget about yesterday and look forward to tomorrow. My favorite philosophy is to find something you love and you never have to work another day in your life. My other favorite philosophy is from John Wooden’s “Two Sets of Threes:” never lie, never cheat, never steal and don’t chine, don’t complain and don’t make excuses.

Q: Are there any last things you would like to share with us?

Life moves at a very fast pace. It is ok to sit back and slow down – to get to things when you get to them. Do not be so caught up in the pace of life that you forget to live in the moment. Living in the moment is where you always need to be.