By Victoria Mairal-Cruz ’12, Lens Editor
This time next year, Country Day math teacher John Carriero will be living in San Francisco, California, where he may be doing anything from helping the Department of Defense write cryptography algorithms to working on developing the latest software. Carriero, who has taught Multimedia, Algebra II, and AP Computer Science at CCD for the past two years, has decided to “pursue a career in computer science,” either in research or production in San Francisco, California, which, he said, is “the best place for young software engineers.”
San Francisco seems like the optimal place for Carriero to take his next steps in life. He said that he has connections there, made up of family and friends, in addition to the headquarters of many computer start-up companies located in the vicinity. Carriero plans to work with a start-up software company for a few years, and then pursue a graduate degree. Ultimately, he aims to start a company with a few friends.
“I’m excited that he’s headed out to San Francisco, because I know he’s [wanted] to go out there for a long time now, and I know that he’ll be doing something cool,” said Director of Technology Robert Baker.”I think that he’s done a great job with what he’s done here at CCD, and he’ll be missed. I also suggest that he switch to being a [San Francisco] Forty Niners’ fan, rather than the [Buffalo] Bills.”
He plans to look for a job at a software development company, where he would most likely help create some sort of product: “a website, or software.” Another possibility, Mr. Carriero said, would be for him to work in the research field of computer science, in either a government lab or academia. He would be working to develop “more efficient algorithms and [to advance] the fields of cryptography and supercomputing,” meaning he might work for laboratories run by such government agencies as the Department of Defense, or the Department of Homeland Security.
At Haverford College in Philadelphia, Mr. Carriero majored in Mathematics and minored in Computer Science and Philosophy. Though he was introduced to the world of computer science by his father, who works as the Senior Research Computer Scientist at Yale, he “learned most [of what he now knows] in college.”
His favorite part about Country Day has been “the community,” because “the faculty, students, and parents are always friendly,” he said. “From day one, I felt welcomed and that I could approach anyone for help.” He has become involved in many aspects of CCD: not only is he a math teacher and a member of the technology department, but he also is interested in improvisation and scored two three-pointers in the Student-faculty basketball game last year.
“Mr. Carriero was always willing to help out at Country Day; be it chaperoning the dances, the Junior rafting trip, [or] Science Olympiad. He has also been a good friend to many in this community, and he will be missed,” said School Psychologist Stephanie Elie. “I am excited for him as he heads off to new adventures, and wish him all the luck in the future.”
He will be remembered in the classroom for his willingness to help students. AP Computer Science student Hee Jin ’11 said, “He’s been really helpful because when I was in his computer science class. I didn’t have any knowledge about [computer science], so he helped me out, like a one-on one kind of thing, making sure I was on the right track… he made sure I understood everything in class, and I’m going to miss him.”
About teaching, Mr. Carriero said, “teaching has been hard work but quite enjoyable… Country Day is filled with bright, motivated students. When you get all of them together, it is truly impressive to see them strive to reach their near limitless potential. Country Day is high school that I wish I [had gone] to. In my experience, it’s rare to find a high school community where it is okay to be smart, where you aren’t shamed for pursuing excellence academically, athletically, and/or artistically. I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Mr. Carriero has also been a part of the fine arts community here at CCD: Upper School Drama Department Head Mark Femia said, “I’ve enjoyed talking with him about improv… he’s been very interested and he’s been part of an improv class here in Cincinnati.” Carriero said he hopes to continue to pursue this fine arts hobby in San Francisco: Femia has been helping him “find some improv groups [in San Francisco] for when he gets out there.”
“I have enjoyed working with him and certainly wish him well in his career… I’m sure he’ll do very well with [software development],” said Network Administrator Jeffery Spain.
At the time of his departure, Mr. Carriero advises students to understand “the importance of balance and having an open mind [in college]. Being able to balance your school work with the other aspects of college is one of the challenges faced at the next level. Don’t let your social life interfere with your classes and school work, but also make sure that you put effort to enjoy yourself… College is about finding out what type of adult you will be, [so] be willing to try new clubs, take new classes, [and] meet new people. This is the best way to expand your comfort zone and learn more about the world and yourself.”
