by Nicholas Valenzuela

Mr. Steve Caudillo, an alumnus of St. John Bosco High School, joined the school’s faculty last year to give back to the place that has given so much to him.

Q: Do you prefer cats or dogs?

A: I grew up with a wonderful cat, but now I really enjoy having dogs.

Q: As a student, what was your best subject?

A: History, of course!

Q: What is the biggest difference you see between your time as a Bosco student and your time as a Bosco teacher?

A: So much has changed since my days as a student at Bosco. Pay phones, Rosie’s “roach coach,” lockers and the 440-yard dirt track are all gone. Yet, despite these changes, the heart and soul of SJB remain the same.

Q: What teacher or coach had the biggest impact on you?

A: Several teachers had a profound impact on my life during my time as a student at Bosco. Mr. O., my history teacher, as well as Coach [Joe] Griffin, Coach [Jack] Hastert, and Coach [Tim] McIntosh.

Q: Where did you go to school for your degree?

A: I started at San Jose State, but transferred to Cal State Dominguez because of a family emergency. 

Q: What year did you graduate high school, and what year did you graduate college?

A: 2006 and 2012.

Q: What jobs did you have before teaching at Bosco?

A: I worked various jobs, teaching at numerous schools, working at a car parts store, running a business networking association and selling auto insurance.  

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a future in teaching?

A: I’ve always wanted to teach because I enjoy working with young people. My hope is to encourage and support them just as I was supported when I was a student here.

Q: Where did you work before here?

A: I was running a networking association in Long Beach and substitute teaching/coaching.

Q: Why did you decide to come back to Bosco to teach?

A: Bosco has always been home to me. I have been coaching here on and off since 2009. Bosco gave me so much, and I wanted to give back.

Q: Why did you decide to coach track?

A: I fell in love with track as a high school athlete, running for Coach McIntosh and seeing our hard work pay off with league titles. When I came back from San Jose State, Coach McIntosh offered me a position on his staff.

Q: Why do think that it’s important to learn history?

A: Whether it’s world cultures, American history, or our own family stories, learning history is essential. We study and share it to help guide our future actions.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Dodgers & Cowboys.

Q: What is your favorite period so far this year, and why?

A: I love them all—each with their unique personality. It’s been a joy getting to know them better.

Q: Why do you think kids like hanging out in your room during breaks and lunch?

A: Probably because I have a microwave.

Q: If you could have lunch with one person from history, who would it be and why?

A: Johnny Carson: The King of Late Night.

Q: What is your favorite century in history to read or teach about?

A: Twentieth century California.

Q: What is your favorite band, artist and song?

A: I’m all over the place, from Mozart to 2Pac. My main go-to is rock though. 

Q: What’s your favorite cuisine?

A: I love Japanese food. 

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Italy.

Q: What is your advice do you give to students in your class that you want other Braves to know?

A: Who you are in high school doesn’t define your future. You’ll discover so much about yourself along the way, but your journey is just beginning.