Meet the Team: Mr. Simone Colombo — Generalist Teacher
Here is a glimpse into his travels, his passion for Minecraft Education, a brain-teasing fun fact and advice to his younger self: You've backpacked around the world! Which country left the biggest mark on you, and why?
Here is a glimpse into his travels, his passion for Minecraft Education, a brain-teasing fun fact and advice to his younger self:
🌏 You've backpacked around the world! Which country left the biggest mark on you, and why?
"I'd say Laos. I remember arriving there after a 2-day boat journey along the Mekong River. Everything seemed frozen; time wasn't a thing, just a pervasive sense of something ambiguous. Only later did I learn about its atrocious past and the unspeakable consequences of the Vietnam War. Despite this, with the horror still visible, I saw people smiling, kids running free, and old grandmas preparing dinner at home ...
It was a surreal experience that taught me how strong life is, and how humanity can be reborn even from the darkest ashes."
🧱 As a Minecraft Education Ambassador, what's the coolest thing you've seen students build or learn through Minecraft?
"Teamwork and critical thinking, without a doubt. When challenged with something to build or create, students unleash their full potential inside the limitless world of Minecraft. I have never seen groups working so cohesively, communicating continuously while reasoning through what to do and how to do it. It's always satisfying watching them learn while playing and having fun!"
🧠 What's one fun fact about the brain that every student should know?
"Well... I'd say that the brain can trick you! Myaeb you haven't nticod eit yte, but it is crurtenly tcirkign you wlihe you raed tsehe stnecnees! We consider our brain infallible, but that's a huge mistake! Our brain filters the world so we can live in it, but often what we see or even think is not what's actually real! So, watch out for your own mind! Don't forget to doubt it!"
💡 If you could travel back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give little Simone?
"Stay more focused in class... 80% of the work required at school can be done just by paying attention during class time. You don't have to spend hours at home studying for tests, just listen to your teacher while you are at school. It's okay to have fun from time to time, but the priority should be learning, at school."
We are so lucky to have Mr. Colombo bringing curiosity, creativity and a global perspective to our classrooms!