by Marcus St. John
MSJ: Thank you for taking the time to speak with "The Log." Before you started working in education, you had your own business. Why did you start the business?
Mr. Corazon: I started the business based on the unhappiness of my role at the business that I was working at and the opportunity to start something of my own. I didn't want to regret in the future that I had a business plan that I thought would work and didn't take the risk of going for it.
MSJ: Would you start a business again if you knew the challenges you would face?
Mr. Corazon: I would start a business again if the right situation presented itself. I explained in class that I was the one who solely ran all operations within the old business and if I were to do it again I would most likely want to do it with a partner this time.
MSJ: Do you prefer running a business or teaching about business?
Mr. Corazon: There are pros and cons to everything in life. I have been very blessed to have been in the business world for 20+ years and will probably end my career having spent almost 20 years in education. I have thoroughly enjoyed both!
MSJ: Why did you start teaching at Columbus?
Mr. Corazon: My first teaching job was at Doral Academy. I started as a math teacher teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. After two years, the principal approached me about starting a business curriculum there. I was happy there but the Columbus job presented itself and I was informed by Mr. Linfors and Mr. O'Neil that a job opening was available, come right now to the school and give your resume to Mr. Lynskey, and that was the start of my career at Columbus.
MSJ: What is your favorite class to teach?
Mr. Corazon: I enjoy all of the classes that I currently teach because they are all very different. Honors Personal Finance is a life skills class, Honors Entrepreneurship teaches students the basics of starting and running your own business, and Honors Leadership teaches managerial skills. I enjoy teaching various classes versus teaching the same class all day.
MSJ: What clubs do you manage?
Mr. Corazon: I manage the Future Business Leaders of America Club, the competitive business club known throughout the country; it is the largest club in Columbus; last year 140 members (this year 169) were involved. I also manage the Pickleball Club, a new and upcoming sport that is getting very popular across the country. I believe students should be involved in extracurricular activities to create the ideal high school experience. I don’t believe students should go home right after school.
MSJ: Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
Mr. Corazon: My uncle was a principal in the Bronx, NY and my mom was a school secretary. I had been around educators and found the field very rewarding. Wanted a job where I could spend more time with my family, as being an entrepreneur takes significant time every day.
MSJ: Why did you choose to teach at Columbus?
Mr. Corazon: A job was posted at Columbus and I applied. I was hired promptly due to my business experience and resume. Plus I am a Columbus Class of '86 alum.
MSJ: What business would you start in today's market?
Mr. Corazon: Not sure in this diverse marketplace. If I knew, I would probably have started it!
MSJ: What business advice do you give to potential business owners?
Mr. Corazon: Make sure you're prepared. Make sure you do your homework. Make sure you clearly understand the competition before getting involved. Reach out to potential customers and become educated. Try starting a business venture before having kids ideally before your early to mid 20’s.
MSJ: Thank you.
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