Joseph Martin shuddered at his classmates' prediction for his life.

"They always joked I'd be principal at Victory Christian one day," he said. "I dreaded the thought of being here every day."

Though their prophecy hasn't been fulfilled, Mr. Martin doesn't shun the idea any longer. Four years ago, he came full circle and started teaching at the school he attended from kindergarten through high school.

A 2000 graduate of Victory Christian School, Mr. Martin graduated from the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2004.

Originally, he taught computer science, but other classes have been added.

It was through his computer and business-management classes at USC Aiken that he decided he wanted to share what he had learned with others.

"I learned so much. I thought, I wish I would have known how to do this in high school," he said.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Martin is the school's athletic director and coaches the soccer and boys' basketball teams.

He spends most of his time at the school, but he said he doesn't mind. His driving force is a philosophy espoused by one of his pastors at Victory Baptist Church.

"Those who you are compassionate about are those you were put on the Earth to help," he said. "Teenagers (today) go through so much more than even I went through."

He hopes that through his position as a teacher and coach he can inspire teens to be successful in their lives no matter what path they choose.

"I want them to remember that without a one-on-one relationships with the Lord, there is no hope for their lives, spiritually, emotionally and financially," he said.

And what if his classmates' prophecy comes to pass?

"I don't know what my future will hold, but if Victory Christian is in it I will be very content," he said.

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.