New Additions: Gabriel Baker
Life hasn’t always led Gabriel Baker, a new history teacher, in a straight line.
“Last fall,” he began, “I was doing dissertation research in Greece, hunting for [a ruined fortress], it wasn’t on the maps or on any signs. I’d heard that this architect had been there decades earlier, and I wanted to do it too, so my wife and I went climbing up the mountain, but we didn’t find anything.” They were just about to give up, when they met a shepherd. They didn’t share a language, “but,” Gabriel said, “he knew exactly what I was talking about, and led us down a weird path to the ruins.”
Gabriel’s life has been full of these serendipitous moments. From mountain hikes to teaching at the University of Iowa, it’s the little moments of small discovery that Gabriel values most.
He has a PhD in history, and through obtaining this degree he found he much prefers teaching to simple research. “I’d never taught before, but when I walked into the classroom for the first time,” he said, “everything just clicked into place.” Reflecting on the impact this experience had on him professionally he remarked, “It was the best thing that ever happened.”
His interests are clearly shown on his desk, where two Roblox Roman legionaries, Mass Effect soldiers, and a figurine of Gandalf sit together.
With his love of teaching and his joy in all things nerd, Gabriel has found a home and community at Nueva that shares his interests. He said that he wanted to thank the school for being so welcoming, sharing, and empathetic. We are glad to have Gabriel join our community.
Gabriel’s life has been full of these serendipitous moments. From mountain hikes to teaching at the University of Iowa, it’s the little moments of small discovery that Gabriel values most.
