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There are many new editions to the Robinson this school year, including veteran Spanish 1 and 2 teacher, Jason Kochalka. With 15 years of international teaching experience, five of them in Hillsborough County, Kochalka begins the school year with excitement about the new age group, switching from Madison Middle School to his first high school, Robinson.
His studies at the University of Michigan kickstarted his venture out of the States, living in Spain and Ecuador. Kochalka enjoys numerous hobbies including bonding with his wife and watching sports.
“I love watching sports, especially soccer. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and walking around the neighborhood with my dog,” said Kochalka, who’s also a former car salesmen and online poker player.
In addition to his numerous hobbies, Kochalka is a Hillsborough County Mental Health Counselor, more specifically an instructor in the Teen Mental Health First Aid Program. Kochalka’s favorite part of the program is the involvement with students.
“I love to encounter all sorts of personalities from diverse backgrounds,” Kochlka said. “My father and wife are both psychologists, I’ve been adjacent to mental health. I have a lot of empathy and understanding.”
He believes the best thing for teens is having someone to listen to.
“With advanced technology, people have lost their patience, especially when dealing with mental health,” Kochalka said.
Besides being a mental health counselor, Kochalka’s favorite part of teaching is watching young adults and kids express themselves in a community.
“I really like to help them in that process of finding themselves and watch their growth,” Kochalka said.
His first few weeks at Robinson have been a welcoming and new experience and the student body has made it easier to accustom.
“The student body has been extremely welcoming and everyone is nice and friendly which makes it easier to settle into a new school,” Kochalka said.
