Student: Christopher Bollow
Christopher Bollow stands with students in his civics class at the Beaufort County Educational Technical Center. (Contributed Photo)
Christopher Bollow, now in his 10th year of teaching history in Beaufort County, is earning a master’s degree at East Carolina University.
“I chose to continue my education because I found myself wanting to learn more,” said Bollow, a veteran and second-year graduate student in the Department of History in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. “I know by continuing my education I will be a better educator.”
Bollow learned many of his coworkers were Pirates when he joined the school system in 2012 after graduating from UNC Wilmington. “They all loved ECU. Hearing about their positive experiences and living about 20 minutes down the road from the university led me to choose ECU,” he said.
Bollow said he’s always been drawn to history.
“I grew up hearing my parents speak with pride about my grandfathers and their service in World War II. I remember watching the ‘World at War’ series when I was fairly young and thinking how incredible the events of World War II really were,” he said.
After high school, Bollow joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served four years. “The Corps puts a lot of emphasis on its pride of tradition and history. That certainly influenced me as well,” he said.
A turning point in his life was deploying to Iraq. “This was my great adventure, and many of the men who I served with in the years 2004-2008 I am still in touch and close with today,” Bollow said.
The other hugely impactful event in his life: becoming a father. He and his wife have a daughter who’s in the first grade, and a 3-year-old son in preschool.
His other motivation comes from the classroom. “I have had the honor of teaching some really great students in Beaufort County, both at Northside High School and at the Beaufort County Educational Technical Center,” said Bollow, who also has taught Advanced Placement U.S. History, giving him the opportunity to see some highly intelligent students grow even more. He said he’s also learned from other incredible teachers, coaches and administrators.
After graduation, Bollow plans to continue teaching in high school or possibly at a community college or both.
Your words to live by: My favorite quote is “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy
STATISTICS
Name: Christopher Bollow
College: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Major: History
Age: 35
Classification/Year: Second-year master’s student
Hometown: Springboro, Ohio
Hobbies/interests: Paddling the Pamlico River with my family, literature, baseball, following current events, spending time with my family
Clubs and Organizations: I’m a proud employee of Beaufort County Schools. My family attends First United Methodist Church in Washington.
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: The teacher lounge, of course
Favorite place on campus: Joyner Library
Favorite place to eat: German Café in Wilmington
Favorite class: History of the Soviet Union as a Civilization
Professor who influenced you the most: At UNCW it was Dr. Susan McCaffray, who just retired. At ECU it has been Dr. Richard Hernandez.
Favorite TV show: “The Sopranos”
Favorite band/musician: Pink Floyd
Favorite movie: “Heat”
Favorite website: Zerohedge.com
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: I think as a teacher, I am living the dream job, but I sometimes daydream about being the grounds crew chief for a Major League ballpark.
Role model: My father, Lee Bollow
What advice do you have for other students? Get involved, always be reading and hone your communication skills!