An interview with English teacher Mr. Matt Tooley
What is your favorite book?
The "Lord of the Rings." It's the best story I've ever read. It thrills me inside every time I read it.
What is your favorite movie?
Favorite movie? That's a question I can no longer answer. It used to be "Field of Dreams," but at this point, I don't know.
What is your favorite band?
Probably Band of Horses, but right now I can't stop listening to Tallest Man on Earth.
What is your most embarrassing moment and why?
I honestly don’t think I can repeat that because it involved a not so appropriate word and a bunch of fourth graders. I’m just going to leave it at that. Either that, or when I told a girl who I was on a date with that I really hated this one name. Without missing a beat she told me that was her mother’s name.
What scares you the most?
Probably living with no purpose. Either that or roller coasters.
Who is your favorite actor?
I’m going to have to say, only because everyone else hates him and I think he has a certain role, though it may not be the most competent role in Hollywood he does have a place, Kevin Costner. I think most people would kill to have the career that he’s had. I love him.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Really really wild and crazy exciting things. Like reading a book, watching soccer, cooking, or grading--no that’s not what I like to do, watching movies.
What is your dream vacation spot?
At this point probably some rural village in Italy near the ocean.
When faced with buying a meal at the airport, what would you choose?
Something that’s not going to make me go to the bathroom…then something healthy.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Probably those moments where you know a kid has grown into a better version of themselves because of something you’ve helped them with.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Besides a purpose? I’d probably say art. Tea was up there; my moccasins were up there; music was up there.
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?
Probably Rachael McAdams because I know we would hit it off.
What is the craziest dream you’ve ever had?
Probably the one where I killed my family dog and then promptly had someone throw a saw and cut off my head. That one was pretty crazy.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I massage my head after I’ve been running. It’s more of like a hair pull or scalp massage. Also, I am like a preeminent nose picker. I can pick my nose like no one else
Is there anyone/anything you try and base your life off of?
Jesus, or try to, at least.
What is life like without Drops of Ink?
A little bit more stress free, less contentious, of course just an utter travesty and a number of words that start with “T”. I miss working with the staff. I don’t miss the constant reading of articles. I do miss you guys, yes.