By Mia Hanuska
Walking to the gym, many miss the terrific metal and woodshop classrooms on their right where teacher Brett Petersen creates intricate projects. He has incredible patience: each year he teaches countless seniors how to read a ruler multiple times without ever losing his cool. Petersen is a true inspiration; his infectious enthusiasm for making spreads to his students within the first week of school. In fact, Petersen is one of the main reasons I joined CAD on the robotics team—his skillful teaching of Inventor and encouraging assistance was a major influence. Entering the classroom, students are greeted with rows of desks with top-tier computers completely kitted out with all the Autodesk applications one could ever wish for. To the left, a door leads to an impressive collection of metal machinery, including curtained areas for welding and multiple metal CNCs. To the right lives wood machines, multiple lathes, bandsaws, and another CNC. In the back of the computer area, students can find 3D printers and a laser cutter for all their crafting needs.
Petersen reigns his classroom like a boss—any questions about software, CAD, or machinery he easily answers without batting an eye. His countless years of experience in the shop and 30 years teaching at Westmont High make him not only the teacher with the most years here, but also the most technically advanced. I got to revisit his classroom and had the amazing opportunity to interview him about his high school experience.
Where did you go to high school?
Soquel High School. It’s in Santa Cruz.
When did you graduate?
‘88
What was your favorite class in high school? Why?
I liked my drafting class. The teacher was personable, and he took interest in more than school— your outside life, hobbies. He taught us a lot and gave us tons of freedom.
What was your most challenging class and why?
Probably biology, I was not a science person.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in? Which was your favorite?
I played tennis, mountain biked; was at the beach a lot.
What are your favorite memories of high school?
Probably hanging out with my friends on the weekend–we’d go to the drive-in movies and the boardwalk.
What was your gpa?
3.2
Did you ever have to go to the dean or principal’s office? Why?
Once—I got caught riding a motorcycle down the hallways.
When did you know you wanted to teach shop classes?
My sophomore year at Fresno state, I had taken most of my GE classes and knew that I liked teaching students and the freedom to impart my knowledge onto others. Now, I get to teach life skills and I think these classes are great for applying what you learn in other classes.