Special education teacher and boys basketball coach Jon Bent graduated from GHC in 2007. This Granada alumnus translated his love of sports and school spirit to a career in education.
What is your favorite memory of high school?
“If I had to choose one memory, it would be graduation day. I was with my best friend, and he is still my best friend to this day. It’s been over 20 something years now. We showed up to graduation in style with the speakers in my car blaring the Drought 3. Overall, there were plenty of good moments that made my overall experience and GHC memorable though.”
What was your biggest challenge in high school? How did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge that I had to endure during high school was that I worked 30 hours a week from the end of my sophomore year all the way through the rest of high school. I was a custodial worker at a gym in the San Fernando Valley, and I did not have any other options other than working. Trying to balance work, school, and athletics was very challenging. I was able to overcome these challenges by sticking to a routine. My days had to be planned meticulously, or I would not be able to compete in sports.”
Did you end up in the career you initially wanted?
“Initially, I wanted to test to be a steam plant assistant at the DWP when I graduated from high school. I knew that these jobs played well, and they have good mobility. The great recession took place, and it pushed me to go to school, and I am happy that it worked out the way it did.”
What made you decide to come back to work at Granada?
“I graduated and never left. I started as a coach and campus aide. Granada has always been home.”
What advice would you give to students in high school now?
“Be kind and work hard. Those two characteristics really are separators, and they are completely controllable.”
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