Andy Zopolos

 

          BELIEVE IT OR NOT

 

As I look back into the annals of my past, I realize how important it is to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and to appreciate each moment we have on this earth. My childhood was full of fun and happiness as I was raised in the traditions of my Greek parents and grandparents. In 1942, I was born into a family of fun loving people who resided in Concord, California.  My family believed in hard work, honesty, respect for elders, and education – just to mention a few core values. My father graduated with a college degree and worked in the oil and fuel industry to support his family. For as long as I can remember, the importance of family, dedication to a life of service to others, and education were pillars of our lives.

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For the first 17 years of my life, I enjoyed the mild climate of the Bay Area and many of the attractions offered in this special part of California. My early years were characterized as happy ones, although I was all boy and often led astray by my Greek Uncles who were just ahead of me in age. By the time I was in school, the name Zopolos was synonymous with mischievous behavior, practical joke foolishness, and a cause for serious concern among classroom teachers – not just one or two teachers, but many. During my early school career, I attended 5 different schools as I attempted to secure an 8th grade education. This movement of schools was not because my family moved home locations in the Bay Area mind you, but for other reasons – I’ll allow you to draw your own conclusions. By the time I entered Mt. Diablo High School I had realized that taking responsibility for personal actions was the best approach to living life.

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I excelled in sports and especially in the area of track and field. I became a sprinter and hurdler – a very valuable asset to the team, I might add. My dad was my biggest supporter. I remember him attending many of my athletic events. In 1960, I graduated from high school and went on to attend San Jose State with a track and field scholarship in hand. With my new found freedom at the age of 18, I spent two and a half years learning how to balance the intake of “adult beverages” with my academic and sports activities. Although I didn’t achieve much in the way of pursuing a degree in Physical Education, I did manage to keep myself out of trouble with the authorities and earn grades high enough as to avoid academic probation. 

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In 1963 I left San Jose State and my ambition to be an Olympic Hurdler for the prestigious academic institution of California State University, Chico. Not only is Chico an academically astute institution of higher learning, but many beautiful and intriguing women of the state attend there. Not long after my arrival, I meet the love of my life and the one who tamed my Party King ambitions – Ginny. In 1965, I graduated with a general life teaching credential and joined the ranks of selfless teachers – serving with honor and distinction my entire teaching career.

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For thirty years (1965 – 1995) I served a small school district in Whitmore and taught in a multi graded classroom. My love of the outdoors and athletics led me to coach a variety of sports and develop physical education programs to keep my students healthy and happy. After retiring once, I felt a call to return to education in the Fall of 1995 – not retired for long! I put in another thirteen years with the Cascade Union Elementary School District where I experienced a breath of fresh air and established many new friendships. Bob Dumore is one of those people and I will be forever grateful for his friendship. My second and final retirement occurred in 2008 – after 43 years of service. I’m currently working on my first book, Difficult Students and the Teachers Who Love Them. Look for it in a bookstore near you after my scheduled appearance on the Oprah Winfry Network this Fall.

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I now enjoy serving others through Redding Lions, CalRTA, and other volunteer organizations. Ginny and I have had 50 years of marital bliss To date; we have three lovely daughters and 8 beautiful grandchildren. Throughout my life, I have loved the outdoors. Being out in the open air brings a peace and solitude to my heart and life that cannot be attained by any other means. My ambitions to hunt, fish, camp,and run for fun have gradually changed over the years; I’ve been involved with falconry –  spending time hunting with Coopers Hawks and Prairie Falcons. Today Ginny and I enjoy plays in Ashland and staying in extravagant hotels. We love to cruise and have been on several excursions since retirement – I suppose we might be considered world travelers at this juncture in our lives. My advice to any and all: live life to it’s fullest and enjoy the moments you have; build solid relationships with family and others; view life as a gift.

 

Published July, 2016