When picturing their teacher at home, students might imagine them grading tests as they sip tea under the dim light of a desk lamp, not hunched over their computer, pressing their fingers into a keyboard, enthralled by a video game. Some Menlo teachers have found a sense of camaraderie in playing video games together — a hobby that connects them through friendly competition.
Assistant Director of Student Belonging Courtney Tyler started gaming at a young age, and her interest in gaming has continued into adulthood. Her older brothers and father introduced her to the realm of gaming, but she soon found her own gaming style.
“I really got into it and found my own path as an independent gamer with more campaign and action-based games when I was in fourth grade. I remember that we got a PS3. […] It was the coolest thing ever,” Tyler said.
With long days of work at school, some faculty face the difficult task of fitting gaming into their busy schedules. “My goal is not to play [games] too much during the week, but I’ll allow myself like an hour or two of gaming during the week,” Tyler said. She added that she is a morning gamer, not a night gamer. Instead of attending Saturday brunches, she kicks off her weekend with a controller in hand.
Director of Institutional Belonging Carmen Borbón uses gaming as an escape and way to wind down after long days as well. “It’s always really nice to come home and play,” Borbón said. “I just feel like [gaming] is very relaxing. It’s mindless.”
However, for some teachers, gaming is not only a means of relaxation but also a way for them to socialize. For history teacher Franco Cruz-Ochoa, gaming helps him maintain old friendships outside of the Menlo community.
“As an adult, I don’t really get to see most of the people I’ve remained friends with since high school,” he said. “We all live in different parts of the country, we all have different lives, and it’s very hard to connect with those individuals.” For Cruz-Ochoa, gaming bridges that gap.
Video gaming opens doors for Tyler to socialize as well. Sometimes, with friends she has met online or with other teachers. “I’ve played Fortnite with Justin Carunchia, Ms. Borbón and Ms. Magaña,” she said.
Cruz-Ochoa and Tyler feel that gaming helps them keep meaningful relationships with those they care about. Tyler loves it when students find out she plays games. “It always opens the door to a super fun conversation, and you learn more about them and they learn more about me.” Gaming allows Tyler to interact with her students. “I love it because I’ve gotten to connect with a lot of kids in a way I normally wouldn’t have, and that’s my favorite part,” she said.
