Spotlight Interview: Joseph Perea — Geography Bee Champ
Where in the world is Balochistan?
Joseph Perea, a K¹² eighth-grade student from Eureka, Montana knows, and that knowledge helped him win his state’s National Geographic Bee. The final question of the competition: “Energy-rich Balochistan, located on the border with Iran, is home to an insurgency movement demanding greater autonomy from what country?” Joseph gave his answer—“Pakistan”—and was crowned the 2008 National Geographic Montana State Champion.
Joseph, a young teen who is into black powder shooting and the Mountain Man period, has been a K¹² student since second grade. He lives in Montana with his family, and like most teenage boys, loves action and adventure. Joseph took a few moments away from exploring the woods of his home state (and studying for the national bee) to tell us a little about himself and what it was like to win the geography bee.
One month after this interview Joseph did travel with his family to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Geographic Bee. He finished 7th in the nation! That is a particularly fantastic finish since, according to National Geographic, five million kids across the nation entered the contest. Joseph is now eligible to compete on the International Team next year, challenging students from all around the world.
Editor:
Joseph, what were your initial thoughts when you heard that final question in the competition?
Joseph:
Balochistan. I kind of knew, but it sounded like an Indian/Pakistan thing, so I figured it was Arabic or Indian or Hindu, so I guessed ‘Pakistan’.
Editor:
And your answer won you a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete against other state winners in the National Geographic Bee, right?
Joseph:
Yes, I’m really looking forward to that. Even if I don’t win, the chance to visit our nation’s capital is enough. Of course, now I have to study for another month.
Editor:
Speaking of studying, how did you prepare for the competition?
Joseph:
I read college textbooks, studied maps, and drilled with flash cards. I was pretty nervous before the competition, and I was really nervous during the competition. When I won I just breathed a sigh of relief and calmed down. All I can say is that my hands were thoroughly soaked with sweat.
Editor:
If you could meet anyone in the world, living or not, who would it be?
Joseph:
Probably Jim Bridger or Jim Beckworth—two trappers of the fur trade era. I’d like to ask them about their life and the adventures they had. I would also ask them to teach me some mountain man skills of the day.
Editor:
You sound like you really enjoy the outdoors. What do you think you’d like to do when you get older?
Joseph:
I’d like to have a job where I can work in the forest and live deep within it.
Editor:
I have a feeling you’ll make that happen. Joseph, I have just one last question. You’ve been using K¹² since second grade. Do you think using the K¹² curriculum helped you with the geography competition, and if so, how?
Joseph:
K¹² gave me a very big edge overall. I grew to love history through the K¹² History lessons, and that led to my interest in geography. I like hearing stories of people from long ago and how they contributed to the world we live in today.
