It was Paul Navarra’s third year in college, studying political science in his hometown state, Oregon, hoping to one day be a politician who could change the world for the better. That was until one day he was invited to talk at a school about his experience studying in Argentina. From then on the current VP’s mission changed.

This is Navarra’s second year working at The Columbus School. The current Vice Principal’s day generally consists of an hour-long meeting in the morning, mostly talking about students or habits the school needs to address and take action on. After that, he will visit a few classes and take note of things the teachers are doing well, and some they could improve. During the afternoon he will have reunions with students’ parents for different learning plans, and extraordinary student cases that must be resolved promptly.

“At first I didn’t like Navarra because I didn’t know him. But as the months passed I learned that he truly cares about the school and its students, and I appreciate him for that.” Andres Lopera, Grade 12, said.

LIFE ACCORDING TO NAVARRA:

How do you prepare for your day?

“Three days a week I get up and ride my stationary bike and read for 45 minutes, it’s my alone time which I enjoy. Then I’ll make myself breakfast, listen to podcasts while making breakfast, wake up my daughter, and leave at 6:00 am”

What motivates you every day?

“What motivates me is coming and working with students. I get a lot of joy from working with students. They give me energy, make me laugh, and give me hope for the future. I just love the progress of starting with 9th graders and seeing them grow at the end of their graduation. What motivates me in life is my family, they are everything to me”

Who inspires you?

“My family before anything. I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way, people who take me under their wing and help me grow as an educator, Juan David (Lopez) would be one of the mentors. I also admire Marcelo Bielsa, a Football Manager from Leeds United, also for the AFA and the Chilean National team. I admire him because of his philosophy in life, he has values and he sticks to them. His view of football is to play the game beautifully and to always attack, the best defense is offense. If you’re going to go down, go down swinging. Live more in the present and don’t be afraid of failure, because failure is how we learn and grow.”

What is something you can’t leave your house without?

“Something I can’t leave my house without would be my phone. I hate it, but I need it for work and communication. My wedding ring is also something I always have on. I got married on June 27, 2009, in Él Retiro. She is the woman that changed my whole life because before I met her I didn’t want any responsibilities in life.”

The best and worst part of your day is…

“The best part of my day is working with students, I get a lot of joy from that. The best part of working with students is the age they are and the fact that they are trying to figure out what they are doing with life and who they are, and I enjoy trying to help students find that and being a positive presence in their life, their humor is always good.”

“The most challenging part of the day is working with people, adults or students, who have a fixed mindset, ones who are not open to perspectives of others and learning.”

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS:

One word to describe The Columbus School: Amazing

Favorite Committee you are a part of: School Climate Committee

Favorite School Lunch: Bandeja Paisa

If you could teach one class which one would it be: Global Citizenship

Favorite Colombian slang word: Bacano

One word to describe your job: Exciting 

One word to describe TCS students: Energetic

THE TRUE PERSONA OF PAUL NAVARRA:

What do you think is your calling in life?

“I look back on what gives me purpose, and I would say helping others and my family.”

What type of legacy do you want to leave?

“The biggest joy I get out of my job is when a student comes back after graduation and says thank you. Even kids who were difficult come back and say at the time I wasn’t able to hear what you were saying but thank you for never giving up on me. To have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Last words of inspiration?

“Believe in yourselves and don’t ever give up.”