For this issue of The Medallion, I decided to interview one of my favorite teachers at NDA, my chemistry teacher, Mr. Joyce.

Where are you from?

“I was born in Weymouth. I was raised in Weymouth and Braintree.”

What were you like in high school?

“I was a nerd—but I also played sports. I played football, not well, and I also wrestled. Those were the two sports I enjoyed but I also was a science geek.”

Where did you go to college and what was your major?

“I went to college in a place called Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester. I stayed there until I got my bachelor’s in general science. I got a master’s in education at the same school.

Has chemistry always been your favorite subject?

I think chemistry has always been my favorite. When I was a kid I got a chemistry set and later on I found out that my grandfather was a pharmacist, so I think it was in my blood.”

What made you want to be a chemistry teacher?

“I went to college as a chemical engineer. After I took some courses I really didn’t care for it and I went into straight chemistry, but it wasn’t quite what I wanted. I took an education course and found out what I really liked and when I combined that it had to be science and since chemistry is my favorite science, I ended up eventually teaching chemistry.”

Where were you before NDA?

“I was at Quincy and North Quincy High School for 35 years. I worked 2 years in Rochester.”

What are your hobbies outside of school?

“I like to collect music, records. I also like to play video games on my Xbox. My favorite game to play is Fallout.”

Do you have a spirit animal?

“Well. I had many animals growing up.” I repeated the question. “Probably not.”

Favorite song?

“Oh…I would say a song by a group called Love: 7 and 7 is.”

Favorite Color?

“Black.”

Favorite movie/tv show?

“Right now, Game of Thrones.”

What is your dream vacation?

“To go to New Zealand and Australia.”

Where do u see yourself in 5 years?

“Retired and playing with my grandchildren.