Glynn Dettman

Mr. Glynn Dettman stands as the most influential and remarkable instructor that I’ve ever had the privilege of learning from. Walking into his classroom was more than a simple routine; it was an invitation to create, innovate, discover, and grow. I first met Mr. Dettman through my school’s robotics program freshman year. Robotics is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding adventures that you'll ever embark on... The inspiring mission that Mr. Dettman shared with me on the first day of robotics practice has encapsulated my journey these last four years, as I grew through his Hazmat Robotics program. Embracing the role of a mentor, Mr. Dettman went far beyond the traditional confines of a teacher. His support of our team extended past academic instruction, manifesting in many acts of kindness- from providing snacks to organizing pizza parties, he made sure we never were hungry throughout our late-night practices. Adapting a hands on approach, Mr. Dettman believes in learning by doing, allowing us to engage directly with our ideas and projects, while offering his guidance. This instilled a sense of confidence and autonomy in our learning process, bringing a culture of excitement for all participating in robotics. For me, the allure of his classroom lies in the innovation that Mr. Dettman inspires. Rather than dictating our path, he guides us through the intricacies of learning. By helping us embrace our mistakes as stepping stones to success, he encourages us to learn from our mistakes, rather than lecturing us. He empowers us to design our own innovative solutions for our robot, allowing us to foster a sense of ownership and pride in our work. And, when it comes to organizing fundraisers, he allows us to explore strategies we believe would be effective. Each day brings a surge of excitement as I pass through the two grand white doors of the engineering lab, a gateway to where my passion lives. Inside, I delve into my own projects. An arena for experimentation, my ideas take shape as I strive to not only improve, but accept missteps of my errors. Truly, his room fosters a sense of innovation. In fact, Mr. Dettman often chooses to spend Saturdays offering work days for our team, despite having other commitments, allowing us to truly innovate and discover to the fullest extent. Mr. Dettman’s genuine care for each student shines through consistently. On days when I am feeling low, he often notices, and approaches me to offer a word of comfort or a listening ear. When I’m unwell, he’s there, checking in, and of course maintaining a good distance away. And, when I’m happy or have made a victory, he celebrates it with me, big or small. The moment I received my first university acceptance to the University of Central Florida, was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Mr. Dettman was the first teacher I sought out to share this news, and despite being occupied, his face lit up with a genuine smile, and as he gave me words of praise, I realized that the simple, yet joyous exchange conveyed his pride in my success throughout my journey. Mr. Dettman’s dedication goes beyond the mere teachings of his class, he embodies the essence of a person who wholeheartedly desires the best for us, creating an environment where we feel a sense of love, concern, and mutual respect. Self doubt can often creep in when I evaluate my own work, leading to a dent in my confidence. In these moments however, Mr. Dettman emerges as a beacon of reassurance and guidance. He is consistently the first to commend a student’s efforts, while giving practical tips for improvement as well. When I am in his class, I feel like my work is always appreciated and valued, despite it not always being of the best quality. During my sophomore year, I took on the daunting task of drafting our team’s engineering portfolio by myself for the first time. And, my fear of not creating a product up to par came to fruition, with the first draft falling short of expectations. Yet, Mr. Dettman, on his day off, patiently dedicated nearly seven hours to refine the portfolio with me. Instead of criticizing my work, he chose to uplift and enhance, assuring me that I had done good work, while patiently guiding me to create a better draft. Mr. Dettman does more than offer words of encouragement, rather, he instills in me a great deal of confidence and inspiration to strive for greatness. As I reflect on the invaluable lessons and experiences gained through this journey, I realize that Mr. Dettman has been a guiding light, a mentor, and an inspiration, rather than just a mere instructor. His qualities of kindness and dedication has not only shaped my academic path, but has also left a lifelong mark on my character. His example exemplifies the true meaning of mentorship, compassion, and perseverance. As I stand at the threshold of a new chapter in my life, I carry not only the knowledge in which he imparted, but the experiences that I had with him. Mr. Dettman has not only prepared me for a successful college experience and career, but he has inspired me to become a person of value, who uplifts others just as he does with each of his students. For all of these reasons, Mr. Dettman has etched a lasting legacy in the corridors of my heart, standing as a cherished role model, guiding not only my academic pursuits, but the essence of who I strive to be.

Michael Huynh