Some students were not so sure what they signed up for when they got into Frank Medina’s electronics class.
“When I first got the class, I thought it was going to be some boring nerd class,” said Riverside senior Julian Munoz. “But as it went on, we started doing some fun soldering projects and also learning the laws and the correct ways things are wired.”
As Munoz and other students have learned, Medina’s hands-on class is fun – and he creates a welcoming atmosphere where students have felt safe to learn for nearly three decades at Auburn Riverside.
Medina, who is retiring this year, says throughout all his years of teaching, what has motivated him the most is seeing his students progress in electronics and computer maintenance.
“Watching the kids light up when they start to get it, from when they first start, knowing nothing about electronics, then at the end of the school year when they know how to solder, they’re making projects, they’re working on breadboards …,” Medina said on a recent afternoon in his classroom. “It makes me feel like a proud parent.”
Medina started in the Navy at 17 years old, spending his first two years learning at technical schools. He spent 15 of 20 years in the submarine force. After spending those duties working with submarines, he was requested by his chief to teach a division on communications, which is when Medina found his love for teaching.
Following the next few years in the Navy, a former colleague who happened to be a teacher at Riverside connected with Medina and asked if he would like to teach at the high school, with the opening in the electronics department. Liking the idea and already being familiar with electronics as a senior chief electronics technician and loving it in the Navy, he agreed – but with one small problem. He still had two years on his contract with the Navy and would need to ask for permission from his superiors and make his way through his chain of command before he could leave to come teach at Riverside.
“I asked my Command Master Chief– he said no,” Medina recalled. “I asked my Division Officer – he said no. I asked my Executive Officer – he said no. Then I asked my Commanding Officer, and he said yes.”
Medina started teaching at Auburn Riverside in September 1997 when he moved to Washington from his hometown in Dallas, Texas. He was 37 when he left the military and started teaching.
When computers were first introduced to the program at Riverside, he didn’t like the idea of using them.
“When computers started coming in, I fought it.” Medina recalls. “I was like, ‘man I don’t need this.’”
In order to connect computers with what he enjoys and does best, he began to teach computer maintenance, and has enjoyed working with computers since.
Medina has always strived to connect well with his students and make his class a healthy environment for them. Students know him for his humor and mentor-parent-type mentality.
They also feel comfortable making mistakes and learning in his classroom.
“He is funny as hell,” said junior Kyle Parker. “He doesn’t make you feel stupid if you mess something up, so he is really encouraging. He will talk with you about anything you are interested in and show interest in it too. He is a really great person.”
Many students mentioned Medina’s motivation to encourage his classes to work hard. He also makes time for his students.
“He uses his own time in order to help multiple students both in and after school” senior Omar Ochoa said.
As for students who want to pursue a career in electronics, Medina provides advice and gives them a good idea of what to expect.
Inflight took a poll in Medina’s current electronics classes and nearly 70 percent of 48 students said that Medina’s class has helped propel them towards their future.
“My favorite part is that you get to work with your hands, you get to see how components work, it prepares you for the workforce,” noted senior David Solorzano.
Some say that even though they might not want to, they love the fact that they have the option to do electronics for a living. Medina gave them the knowledge to be successful if their desired career doesn’t go well.
“He has encouraged me to do independent study so I will have the option to be certified in DC electronics by the end of the year,” said senior Kaden McCarthy.
The majority of his students who took the poll are deeply saddened that Medina is retiring.
“Well, if any freshman sees [this], you guys are missing out on a great teacher,” senior Jesus Cardenas said to younger students.
Medina has also had a significant influence on kids who have taken an interest in electronics and wish to pursue a career in that field, whether it be in the military, engineer, electrician, or one of the many other things you can be.
“I wish you the best Mr. Medina in your retirement, and I hope you make the best of it,” said freshman Oscar Daugherty.
Riverside staff will also miss Medina’s compassionate and welcoming nature.
“Frank is always there to help you out,” said woodworking and design teacher Caitlin White. “He is always so supportive and genuinely wants everyone to do well.”
Principal Janalyn McKeehan noted that Medina “has not only mentored and taught in the classroom, but his positive impact has also touched athletic and the SkillsUSA programs.”
White added that Medina, who advises the SkillsUSA club at Riverside, has had students make it to state every year since 1998. This includes the most recent SkillsUSA state leadership and skills conference in March.
“He is the grandpa of the CTE department, and we love him,” White said.
Theatre and English instructor Katy Nuttman noted Medina is one of her “favorite people” to see in the halls.
“He always has a smile on his face and [is] ready for a good conversation. I’m going to miss him saying “Hey young lady!” whenever we see each other, and I’m sure I’m not the only one!”
Longtime English teacher Susan Neu said Medina is never without a smile, “and when you talk with Frank, you know he is listening – he remembers even the smallest details. He makes us all feel seen and heard.”
As a newer staff member at Riverside, English teacher Cheri Snyder said that Medina has always been very welcoming and friendly.
“Every day he greets me with a smile and a very genuine, ‘How are you doing?’ And then he actively listens. He is helpful and is always willing to jump in with whatever is needed.”
Snyder added that Medina works hard with students and has built relationships with so many of them.
Medina mentions what he will miss the most about teaching is watching his students slowly get more and more excited as they understand a project or concept, which makes him “feel complete” as a teacher.
He will also miss when his students take electronics to the next level, including when they eventually become industry certified, join the military and become electricians through apprenticeship programs, or go to college and become electrical or mechanical engineers. He loves seeing his former student’s accomplishments.
Above all else, Medina will miss building relationships with his students, learning about each one as an individual and what makes each student unique.
“Every student’s story is different – and every story is special.”
