If you were to spend a Wednesday study hall in the Math Science and Technology Center, it would be impossible to miss him. He bounces around the room constantly, helping students struggling with Algebra I or AP Chemistry and every class that falls in between; but without an important college friend, LZHS students would never have known a Mr. Johns.

“When I was still in college, a good friend of mine complimented me on how well I was able to assist students, and that’s what made me consider teaching,” Josh Johns, Math Science Technology Center aide, said. “I started college as a biology major, but after my freshman year I switched to mathematics.”

With an interest in science and a degree in mathematics, Johns was able to find a perfect fit for his talents in the MRC. While he enjoys helping students every period, he admits it is a very different high school experience than his own.

“I grew up at a small school where my middle school and high school only had two math teachers total. They helped me along the way and I enjoyed those classes,” Johns said. “I’m from a small town in Iowa, so my graduating high school class was only twenty-five students.”

Johns’ interest in math began years before middle school when he first began to count on an Atari computer at the age of three. Today, Johns spends his free time keeping his mind active in a way that does not involve physics problems or factoring questions.

“I enjoy reading, especially Terry Pratchett books, so I have a lot of those,” Johns said. “I am really happy with my life right now, so I don’t think I would change any part of it if I had the opportunity.”

Though it may seem like Johns can answer any question a student throws at him, his biggest piece of advice for students is to hang in there when the questions are getting difficult.

“Don’t get discouraged. A lot of students get discouraged about math or science, but the other aspect of that is when you do get to that point of discouragement, you seek the help, rather than giving up and not trying,” Johns said. “It’s what I, and the other resources and aides, are here for.”