Bernardo Ferreira Pedro, better known as Mr. Bernardo, was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro and studied physical education at UERJ (Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro). He first came to the American School in 2003, and although his first job here was substitute P.E. teacher, he gradually grew in position to becoming the assistant principal in 2022 due to his incredible effort, dedication, and way of being. Mr. Bernardo’s greatest passion is the education of children and teenagers and to be able to have the opportunity to help human beings to achieve their maximum potential. In this interview, we are going to find out more about Bernardo Ferreira Pedro, his history, and his journey, advice, inspiration to grow and become the best version of ourselves.
PP: Were you a good student?
BP: Not until 6th grade. Before, I wasn’t the best pupil, but I improved from the 6th grade on.
PP: What did you do before coming to EARJ?
BP: I worked in many different places; at Everest school, at four different favelas, at Colégio de Aplicação da UERJ, and as a high-level coach in a club.
PP: What advice would you give to a person who wants to be more focused and responsible?
BP: Find your passion, because it is going to make the journey easier when it comes to focusing and achieving your goals. Also, never forget to treat others the way you like to be treated, being responsible with everyone around you.
PP: What was the time period in your life where you saw the greatest change in yourself?
BP: Probably when I went to the US to pursue basketball. I injured myself and could not play on the level I used to, but I figured out what I wanted to do. That experience mattered a lot to me.
PP: How would you describe the experience of dealing with your injury in the United States, with your dream at stake?
BP: It was a life-changing moment for me. It was my second injury playing basketball. When I fell on the ground, I knew that everything had changed and that I needed to make a decision on whether to continue in that sport or not. It was difficult, since I was in the US without my family, but I needed to be mature for the remaining time there. When I came back to Brazil, my mom, who is a doctor, examined the injury and said “You need to decide. You are going to take 6 months to recover, and all the hard work you had with practice and putting 15 kg on was lost”. I thought ahead and said that although I love basketball, I was done with it. I could not enjoy that opportunity to the fullest as I was supposed to do, but I had the opportunity to take the TOEFL exam, develop my English skills, and made friends that were essential for me to be where I am today. One of the facts that contributed to my working at EARJ nowadays, for example, is that I know Marcos Mendes, who was an athlete and worked for 30 years in EARJ. Now he is back to coach the basketball team.
PP: How did the idea of your college’s major come?
BP: In the beginning, I was in Missouri, US, preparing for the TOEFL exam, assuming I would take psychology. Then, I moved to Orlando to play basketball, where I spent a lot of time working with a basketball coach who was able to help athletes’ from a psychological perspective. That was the time when I noticed I could help others by being a coach. So I decided to do physical education in college.
PP: You are for sure the adult reference for many students in the school, as well as an inspiration to grow and become someone great. How do you feel about carrying this responsibility?
BP: I feel extra thankful, proud, and happy. This is, to me, a huge motivation, as I also feel that I need to wake up to be my best every single day for you guys; the main reason for doing what I do.
PP: Last year you had a great achievement of becoming the assistant principal, which filled the hearts of students with pride and happiness. Can you give us an overview as to how it was when you received the title?
BP: Before applying, I never thought about having this position. However, I was motivated by the opportunity to contribute more to the student body’s life. It is a huge responsibility to have this title, but also a tremendous motivation. If I can help students to see that keeping on moving is worth it, then I am going to be totally satisfied.
PP: What are the biggest challenges you face as an Assistant Principal?
BP: Learning is the biggest challenge. I have to learn how to be a great Assistant Principal every day. I have been working with physical education for 25 years, and, just at EARJ, for 20 years, so in addition to having studied a lot about it in college, I know the best path to follow and how it works, I’m already used to it. To become Assistant Principal, I had to learn the ropes from the beginning. I had to take courses and learn from students themselves. People, also, sometimes don’t know what an Assistant Principal is and they find it strange that I now occupy this position. Many didn’t even know what the position was about. More recently, however, they are getting used to the idea that I have taken over this role, and they know it much better. I feel, overall, much more confident in the second year.
PP: What do you think are the most important qualities needed to grow?
BP: Being focused and having humility.
PP: If you could send a message to yourself ten years ago, what would you say?
BP: Don’t worry so much. Keep on working, things are gonna come. And enjoy every moment with the people you love, because you never know what the future holds.
What quote do you think most represents you?
“ If you know your history
Then you would know where you coming from
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
Who the heck do I think I am”
Bob Marley
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