Peter Carriero ‘96 Reflects on How “You Never Know Where Life May Take You”
By Tucker Terranova ‘23
Mr. Peter Carriero ’96 has been a staple of Chaminade High School’s mathematics department for over a decade. Carriero’s eagerness to assist students, offer frequent extra help, and lend a helping hand has made him a favorite among the student body. Tarmac recently sat down with Carriero to discuss his journey back to Chaminade and the importance of connections between teachers and students.
Tarmac: What made you want to become a teacher?
Carriero: My positive experiences as a student were the result of connections I made with teachers. Not only did I gain knowledge about their subjects, but they also taught me valuable lessons, such as how to live a good and decent life. I feel I am a better person today due to the care and understanding of some great teachers. I became a teacher to provide that same experience to future generations.
Tarmac: Did you ever imagine that you would be teaching at your alma mater?
Carriero: Without fail, every year in class I present a mathematical concept that will prompt a student to ask, “When are we ever going to use this?” My response is always, “You never know where life may take you, so you don’t know if you will use this.”
As a student I often thought this same question, and I never could have imagined returning here. But as I look back, so many things happened in my life that brought me back…I truly feel it was God’s plan all along.
Tarmac: What lessons have you learned through your interactions with students?
Carriero: I’ve learned that you never know what a student might be struggling with and, as a teacher, I’m in a position to be as supportive as possible to every student, even when their struggle isn’t in mathematics.
Tarmac: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Carriero: I love being able to help a student unlock a level of understanding in mathematics that they previously thought was unattainable. Or if a student starts the school year hating mathematics and—after spending time in my class—grows to like it on even a small scale, I feel very satisfied with my job.
Tarmac: Since you took over Educational Television Service (ETV), how has the club changed or grown over time?
Carriero: I took over ETV in September of 2013, knowing very little about what took place there. In the summer of 2014 the studio equipment and space was completely overhauled into the 4K studio it is now. The equipment is unlike anything else in the school and provides an amazing hands-on experience for students looking to learn broadcasting.
Tarmac: For those thinking about becoming a teacher, what is some advice that you would give to them?
Carriero: Teaching is more than a job. It is a profession that is really a calling. Being of service to students and the school community should be at the forefront of your motivation behind becoming a teacher. The goal is making a positive difference in the lives of young people, and the reward is knowing that you were able to make the world a better place because of the lives you touched.
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