Ruben Ramos

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to satisfy numerous dreams and explore my biases as I learn more about the world and how my mind works. I grew up in poverty and had an older brother, an Occidental College and U.C. Berkeley honors graduate, who always encouraged me to seek knowledge even if I didn't go to college. I saw it as a way to be of service and also inspire others to worldviews that lift humanity, rather than give in to negative thinking. The other thing is, I love teaching young people.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Throughout the 80s, 90s, and on, I was a private lessons teacher. I had a student who had dyslexia and had difficulty with his studies. I went to the library to find any research on helping with dyslexia. Learning to read music well was key. He left lessons after 9 months and didn't hear from him for years. He called me up one day to tell me he was graduating with honors at Cal State U Los Angeles and invited me to come. He thanked me and said, "Ruben, you're the best." I started to cry.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, I don't know. I suppose my answer will influence how I am perceived. Maybe pay down my student loan? Put it in the bank as savings since things are so scary right now? Invest in a master's degree program? All I know is that the money will go toward funding my passion as a music teacher. I can't count the times I spent my own money to bring music instruments to my students. I often tell my wife, "I'm the richest man in the world, having her and my job as a teacher."