Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." For Jozef Bobula, a musician and educator originally from Slovakia, this proverb holds special meaning.
Bobula’s early life in Slovakia was set on a different path. "I was going to be a car mechanic, even got my 5-year engineering degree but the cheerfulness and playing bass guitar kept creeping in and all I wanted to do was music," said Bobula.
His journey took him across continents when he came to the United States in 1999 to perform at a jazz festival in Dallas, Texas. He decided to remain in the US to study jazz music, earning an undergraduate degree at Texas Wesleyan in 2004 and a master's at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007. Later that year, he moved to Las Vegas where he has lived since.
The Covid-19 pandemic marked a turning point for Bobula. After over twenty years of teaching music privately, he began considering new career options. "I've never had trouble communicating with people, so when I was looking at various careers after Covid, teaching just made sense, even though licensing was necessary."
This led him to Great Basin College (GBC). At a job fair for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Bobula learned GBC offered Nevada's only Alternative Route to Licensure Program (ARL) for music. He connected with Secondary Education Professor Brian Zeiszler: "Love that guy," said Bobula. Denise Padilla also joined his support team as Elementary Education Program Supervisor. "Denise should get a medal for everything she does," he commented.
Initially aiming for secondary education licensure, Bobula later decided to pursue primary school teaching instead. Education Professor Michelle Beecher helped coordinate his student teaching placement after this switch. The three professors worked together with Bobula on identifying necessary courses and creating an efficient plan toward his goal.
"All the teachers I took online classes with at GBC were just awesome and always understanding of my unique situation," shared Mr. Bobula. "GBC has a family feel. Everything feels much more personal and warmer. Professors know and remember your name and will always help you."
He added: "The attention and care I have received at GBC during my 2.5 years from all the professors and advisors and even all the administrative staff was absolutely amazing."
Now licensed as an elementary school teacher, Bobula is applying for positions near his home so he can balance work with musical performances—an ongoing part of his life. Nearly two years ago, he joined one of Las Vegas’ most recognized performance groups.
"Well, every night, I come in, I put on a costume with hot pink stripes all over it, then I paint my face with special yellow paint," said Jozef. He continued: "Then I go up to the loft above the stage and shred on instruments invented just for the show in ways you would not believe while glowing under the black light."
Bobula is now part of Las Vegas’ Blue Man Group troupe. Describing his experience: "It's physical, it's musical, it's hilarious, it's interactive, and it's loud. It's all a middle-aged man needs to feel like a teenager again."
Bobula hopes to inspire young people through music education—a passion shaped by both his international background and support from Great Basin College faculty throughout his studies.