Mr. Paypa is known as one of the very chill and awesome teachers that work at Porterville High School. He’s been working at Porterville for 3 years, with this year being his 4th. When Paypa was younger, he always wanted to be a doctor, but that idea quickly changed when he entered secondary school.
Mr. Paypa is originally from the Philippines, so he attended college and high school there. Paypa went to Mountain View High School where he was involved in multiple extracurricular activities and sports. Paypa played varsity soccer and Badminton. He also was the class president all four years of high school, and ASB president, and Battalion Commander in his school’s Citizen’s Army Training (Jr. ROCT) program! In college, he was the President of the school’s graduating class. Mr. Paypa’s parents were also professors at his campus, so that meant he was always there. Entering college, Mr. Paypa was interested in the medical field – to be a doctor. He pursued two masters degrees and two bachelors degrees and is currently working on his Doctorate in Education. The first semester in medical school, Mr. Paypa quickly changed his career path and decided to become a teacher who taught in the science field. From then on, it was history from there.
What are Mr. Paypa’s hobbies?
On weekends, away from school, Mr. Paypa enjoys spending time with family and traveling – if he has time. He usually goes on long runs and long bike rides. Outside of the classroom though, Mr. Paypa has 2 unique hobbies he shared with me: Photography and Ham Radio. Photography is described as his second profession. Did you know that Mr. Paypa takes professional photos of sports teams?
His overall 2nd favorite hobby is Ham Radio. Ham Radio is an audio operating tool that uses HAM transceivers to communicate with other operators around the world. You can also participate in contests. Mr. Paypa has confirmed contacts with in over 250 countries, talking through Ham Radio and Ham Radio DX (long distance) contest since he was 13.
His current sports are running and cycling. Since 2018, he has completed 22 marathons and recently finished his 15th double-century bike ride, that is 200 miles in one day, at an event sanctioned by the California Triple Crown.
Mr. Paypa can be described as adventurous, hardworking, compassionate, caring, and consistent. If you were to ask previous students in his class, like me, I’d agree because Mr. Paypa is always looking after his students and making sure they have everything they need.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
“I became a teacher to embrace the privilege of empowering students. My greatest goal is to inspire and positively shape the lives of the students I have the honor to teach.”
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
“My favorite thing about teaching is the interaction with students I get. I like to see my students succeed in life. Whenever I see my former students who’ve become nurses, lawyers or even doctors, I am proud.”
