Ryan Rust

Tell us why you became a teacher

I went into education because I’ve always had a connection to kids. I also loved playing sports growing up so physical education came naturally for me. I wanted to give my students the opportunity to learn a large variety of sports and fitness activities in order to expose them to an activity they could enjoy and pursue long after they get out of school. That way they are able to live an active and healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives, and find enjoyment in physical fitness and health.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was not memorable at the time. I had a student in my class for 3 years in 6-8th grade. At one point I noticed a change in his attitude and behavior, and sat him down and talked with him. Years later I received an email from him. He said he was in his senior year of college and was studying to be a secondary science teacher. He thanked me sitting down and talking with him, as he was going through a lot of difficult things at that time. This led him to be an educator.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would save it for retirement. Retirement is less than 10 years away, and I’d like to get a trailer and travel with my wife all over the United States. I was fortunate enough to travel when I was a kid, but I want to visit the National Parks, landmarks, and cities and towns out west. I would put it in an investment fund and let it mature until then.