Learning, says Brad Bazo, is like riding a bicycle.
“You learn by paying attention in class, and once you learn you don’t forget,” said Bazo, one of eight Iola High students who have maintained 4.0 — straight A — grade point averages during their four years.
That discipline has prevented Bazo from having to stay up late to cram for tests. But perhaps the biggest advantage is his attitude.
“I like learning,” he said.
Bazo thinks study habits he developed at Iola High will serve him well in college, as well as life and career.
“You have to make sure you’re focused and get as much as you possibly can from a class,” or any other experience, he said.
Teachers also are in the mix of Bazo’s success.
“They’re willing to help us with problems, spend the time that’s necessary so we can be successful.”
Bazo said Marvin Smith was particularly due credit.
“Marv is always there,” he said. “He has evening sessions to help us, and he’s never too busy to answer questions.”
Smith was also instrumental in encouraging Bazo to study pharmacy at the University of Kansas. A part-time job as Iola Pharmacy also is a part of the equation.
“I’ve enjoyed working there so much,” Bazo said. “There is so much involved, a lot of things behind the scenes that you can’t appreciate until you’ve been there.”
Before Smith proposed pharmacy, Bazo said he probably was bound for a career in computer science, and allowed that is something he can incorporate in pharmacy, along with chemistry, a subject that he enjoyed from his first day in class.
BAZO played football for the Mustangs and as a stout lad, he enjoyed his time on both offensive and defensive lines.
He was wooed by community colleges to play football next year, and even though he enjoyed participating in the sport, Bazo said he realized it was “much more important to get my education.”
