This article is part of a series of interviews of departing faculty conducted by Aude Marie Ackebo ‘ 18.
Mr. Nick Kondiles
When did you start working at Northwood and how long have you been here for?
I started working at Northwood in the fall of 2013 so I have been here for three years.
What different jobs have you done/ classes have you taught?
I taught regular chemistry, Honors chemistry, freshman biology and… my first year, I helped Mr. Broderick teach his ethics class. I have also coached conditioning, then JV soccer (for two years), Midget hockey for a year, prep hockey for two years and girls’ lacrosse for three years.
Why did you decide to leave your Northwood job?
I had plans to go to medical school and the three year window after undergraduate when I was here happened to line up with the timing of going to med school. This adventure was just temporary because I wanted to pursue another career.
Do you have a best story/fondest memory/funniest happening that you could tell?
One memory that stuck with me in particular was when during my first year, Mrs. Fleming was sick with cancer and she was getting therapy. All the students at school meeting were recorded singing happy birthday to her and that was in my opinion an amazing thing. I know for a fact that it drove her to tears; How could it not? That was a special school meeting that really expresses the Northwood community and how much people take care and love each other here.
Did you have a favorite year? Favorite part, class or team?
I had several that were very united, fun, interested in the subject and willing to learn but I can’t pick one out in particular. I’ve also had some that were more difficult but that always happens. If I had to pick a favorite team, it would be the prep team last year (2014-2015). It was my second year here and we came in second place in our league. It was a very united team with great leadership, talented hard working players who sacrificed for the team and it was a great year overall. We didn’t start off too well but we improved and came together as a team. I was very proud of the players that year and coach Randall did an awesome job taking our team to the next level.
What did your years here teach you?
Patience mostly. It doesn’t always mean to keep your cool when you are frustrated but it also means letting things unfold, waiting for the right timing, let students learn on their own mostly. The other big lesson is the importance of preparation. I was always really big on that coming into this. It reinforced the idea that if you are prepared, the chances are that lesson will go well so it’s about the time and effort you put in before hand. Another one is relying on your co-workers for help and not isolating yourself. When you are working with other people on a team in a real world environment, since this was the first real professional job I’ve had, I utilised my co-workers, who were also my friends, to learn from them and get advice and insight on things. A great part of the experience was forming a team with the co workers and learn to trust them and care about them. It is a great faculty community but this unity also expands to the staff and students. So just really love the people around you and appreciate them because being alone really sucks.
What are your future plans? Where are you going?
For the next four years, I will be in Syracuse going to medical school. After that, I will be doing a residency at an Army hospital or Army base most likely. This could be in several different places throughout the country depending on what specialty I go into. I don’t have a specialty picked out yet because I am trying to keep an open mind for now. After that, it could be between four to eight years of military service depending on how long the schooling takes prior. The good thing is that Syracuse is only about three hours away from here so it is a quick weekend trip so I am planning on visiting a lot.
Dear Kondiles,
Mr. Kondiles (left) with Weston Batt ’19
I remember my first day in biology class; it seemed as if you were nervous as I was. That made me comfortable with the class: to see that you wanted to make a good impression on the students. Biology class is my favorite class not only from the material but from how it’s taught. You engage us in the lessons and also make them comical. Our daily videos are always the highlight of the class; especially Orion’s.
I remember the first time we played one-on-one in basketball and it made me feel like I was at home playing at the courts. You didn’t take it easy on me but you pushed me, feeding my competitiveness. You didn’t only push me athletically but academically as well. You looked out for me during my first year at Northwood and I’m sad to see you go next year. During your study hall it was always nice to take a break and joke around with you, even though most of the time you would take John’s food. I wish you the best at school and greatly appreciate what you’ve done for me during my freshman year because it’s always nice to know you have a teacher looking out for you.
Weston Batt ‘19
