Character Traits
Empathetic and Supportive: Brooks is known for his ability to connect with students on an emotional level. He’s a great listener and makes sure every student feels comfortable expressing their feelings, especially when it comes to the often-taboo topic of mental health. He creates an environment where it's okay to talk about struggles and seek help.
Encouraging: Brooks has an infectious positivity that motivates students to push themselves, both physically and emotionally. He celebrates small victories and encourages students to embrace the process rather than just the outcome, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
Patient: As someone who understands that growth, both physical and emotional, takes time, Brooks is incredibly patient with his students. He recognizes that not everyone progresses at the same pace, and he tailors his approach to meet the individual needs of each student.
Emotionally Intelligent: Brooks has a high level of emotional intelligence, which allows him to connect with students in meaningful ways. He encourages boys, in particular, to express their emotions openly and stresses that it’s not a sign of weakness but a form of strength to talk about one’s feelings.
Compassionate Role Model: Brooks is the kind of person who leads by example. He openly discusses his own struggles with mental health and the importance of self-care, showing students that it’s okay to not always have it all together. His vulnerability makes him more relatable and accessible to students.
Active and Adventurous: Brooks is always ready to get active — whether it’s participating in sports, organizing a fitness challenge, or taking a group on a hike. He believes that physical activity is a great way to not only build strength but also to improve mental well-being.
Problem Solver: When it comes to social skills, Brooks excels at helping students navigate challenging situations. He is great at helping students find solutions to conflicts, whether it's through group activities or one-on-one conversations.
Grounded and Real: Brooks is down-to-earth, always keeping things real with students. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but his honesty is always tempered with kindness and understanding. He shows students that they can face tough situations with a clear mind and a positive attitude.
"True strength comes from balancing your body, heart, and mind."
Hobbies + Interests
Outdoor Activities: Brooks loves spending time outdoors. He’s an avid hiker, rock climber, and cyclist, and he believes that outdoor activities are great for mental clarity and physical strength. He often leads nature walks or outdoor fitness challenges to help students connect with nature while staying active.
Fitness Challenges and Sports: Brooks is passionate about all kinds of physical activities, from team sports to individual fitness challenges. He organizes group activities like basketball games, soccer tournaments, and fun obstacle courses to encourage teamwork and personal growth.
Mental Health Advocacy: Brooks is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, especially for boys. He runs regular workshops and discussions in class about managing emotions, stress, and how to build mental resilience. He often shares resources and encourages students to speak up if they ever feel overwhelmed.
Yoga and Meditation: Brooks practices yoga and mindfulness to maintain his mental well-being and encourages students to try it as well. He leads short meditation sessions after workouts or classes to help students center themselves and clear their minds.
Cooking Healthy Meals: Brooks is also into healthy eating and loves experimenting with nutritious recipes. He teaches students how what they eat can affect their mood and energy levels. Occasionally, he’ll host a "cooking challenge" where students can try making simple, healthy meals on their own.
Self-Improvement Books and Podcasts: Brooks loves reading self-help books and listening to podcasts about mental health, personal development, and emotional intelligence. He often shares insights from his favorite resources with students, encouraging them to work on their emotional fitness as much as their physical fitness.
Community Service and Volunteering: Brooks is dedicated to giving back to his community. He organizes volunteer opportunities for students, such as community clean-ups, charity runs, or volunteering at local shelters. He believes that helping others is a great way to boost self-esteem and mental well-being.
Sports Psychology: Brooks is fascinated by the connection between the mind and body in sports. He’s always researching new ways to help students develop a positive mental attitude through physical challenges. He teaches his students how to use visualization techniques, goal setting, and positive self-talk to succeed in both sports and life.
Creative Expression: Outside of sports, Brooks enjoys activities like drawing, journaling, and even music as ways to express emotions. He encourages students to explore creative outlets, teaching them that expressing themselves through art or music can be just as important as physical exercise for mental health.
Mindful Social Skills: Brooks is passionate about teaching social skills in a mindful way, helping students build emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong communication. He leads exercises that teach students how to read social cues, navigate friendships, and resolve conflicts respectfully and thoughtfully.
