Jeremiah Riesenbeck

Tell us why you became a teacher

Honestly, I wasn't the best student in high school. Slacked off, barely scraped by. Then came adulthood – bam! Bills, debt, zero clue about managing money. It was a mess. That's why I teach personal finance now. I see myself in these kids, and I want better for them. I want them to understand credit scores, budgeting, saving – all the stuff I wish someone had taught me. It's about giving them a head start, a chance to avoid the mistakes I made. Seeing them "get it" makes all the difference.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Every year I get to see the lightbulb moments when a student understands how interest rates work or why saving for retirement is important, that's what makes it all worthwhile. They come in with misconceptions and anxieties about money, and I get to help them develop a healthy relationship with finances. It's about empowerment, giving them the tools to navigate the real world, to make informed decisions, and to build a better future for themselves.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I'd definitely tackle some of my student loan debt – that's a weight I carry every day. A chunk would go towards setting up a small scholarship for graduating seniors, specifically for those who excel in my personal finance class and show a real drive to pursue further education or entrepreneurship. The rest? Maybe a much-needed vacation to recharge, and some new classroom resources – updated software, maybe a few tablets for in-class activities. It's about investing in the future