Technology department head Harold Mullins has been teaching in Fauquier County for 28 years. In this time, he’s never been bored, and has always enjoyed his profession.

            “I enjoy getting up and coming to work in the morning,” Mullins said. “It’s the satisfaction of knowing that students will use these skills later on in life. This is a good school to work in.”

            Mullins, who is the first member of his family to graduate college, went to Virginia Tech with the idea of studying business. However, he was drawn to the hands-on aspects of technical design.

            “When I got to Virginia Tech, I just didn’t like business,” Mullins said. “[Industrial arts] was a lot more hands on.”

            Mullins has previously taught at Northside High School and Warrenton Middle School. Then he found a position at FHS as a teacher and served as an assistant coach for the football team. Starting out on a teachers salary wasn’t easy.

            “New teachers had to work for a month before getting their paycheck,” Mullins said. “So I had to bunk with two roommates.”

            Mullins has been at FHS for 25 out of the 28 years of his teaching career. In 2001 he decided to stop coaching football.

            “I stopped coaching to spend more time with my son,” Mullins said. “I didn’t want to miss him growing up. I wanted to be part of [his life].”

            Mullins teaches students how to use software, such as AutoCAD, that prepares them to construct 3-D models on the computer for careers in fields like animation or architecture.

            “As technology increases, people’s [capabilities] increase,” Mullins said. “Now we can switch from 2D sketches into 3D models for people to look at.”

            Mullins also co-sponsors Technology Student Association (TSA) with graphic imaging teacher Jamell Newman. Together they take the team to competitions around the county. They practice after school preparing for specific competitions, such as being able to build a complicated 3-D model within four hours.

            “[Practicing is] part of being competitive,” Mullins said. “I want my students to be the best they can be. I try to give them the most difficult problems I can find to prepare [them] for the competitions.”

            Outside school, Mullins can be found at his farm, where he takes care of his animals by feeding the cows, cutting the hay, and milking the cows with his wife.

            “I don’t have time to relax,” Mullins said. “[My time] is spent mostly taking care of the farm and machines. Farming is a full time position.”

            His 19-year-old son, Matthew, also wants to farm, and is taking a two-year agriculture program at Virginia Tech.

            “He’s eligible for a scholarship in farming and 4H. We’ve been helping him,” Mullins said. “All parents want to support their kids in what they want to do.”

            Mullin’s wife, special education assistant Becky Mullins, works in the same building, and they share the ride to work and back. However, they rarely see each other during the school day.

            “It’s like being in two separate rooms,” Mullins said. “She’s very professional, and when you’re married for 25 years, you kind of read each other’s minds.”

            Newman thanks Mullins for helping him as a new teacher at FHS.

            “He’s a good leader and mentor,” Newman said. “He’s always helpful and addresses any needs [I have] as a new teacher.”

            Students like Mullin’s class because of how relaxed the atmosphere is.

            “I enjoyed having him because his class was laid back,” junior Matthew Barnes said. “He is always willing to help you out.”

            Senior Emily Udell will treasure his teaching for her future.

            “I’m planning on being an engineer,” Udell said. “Learning all the design programs is very helpful.”

            Barnes believes the class taught him how to use his brain differently while solving problems in various programs.

            “[It’s] a different kind of thinking,” Barnes said. “When I use Inventor, I have to visualize an object in 3D, and when I’m using architectural design, I have to think about moving around in the building [I’m creating].”

            Mullins appreciates that his job requires him to use his mind and that the work environment is enjoyable.

            “This is not a hard job. I have worked hard jobs,” Mullins said. “I think it’s a mental challenge. It’s fun; it’s not digging ditches or construction. I think it’s a good place to work, and the students try to help you enjoy things along the way.”