A big reason I became a teacher is because I really enjoy working with kids. Another reason I became a teacher is so I can begin to pursue an extreme passion I have had since I was little. With summers off, that means that I'll be able to make those 2-3 week long vacations to climb high mountains, ride rapids, and enjoy my time here on Earth while I am able. Although this is my first year with a full time job, I have already started pursuing this hobby with effort. 2008: 6 Days spent with day hikes in Yellowstone got me hooked to nature. Before then, I had taken many hunting trips, but never really enjoyed them to the point my dad would have wanted me to. I took far more interest in walking along the trails in the woods, often wishing I wasn't carrying a big heavy gun. 2009: I treated myself to a college graduation present by canoeing 400 miles of the Mississippi. I also made a trip to North Dakota to go hunting with my father, informing him that I do enjoy the walk that hunting gives me, but nothing much beyond that. 2010: I am preparing for an adventure through the Grand Canyon which brought me to this website. I am stopping at Mt. Elbert on the way to knock off a state high point. I am planning to have 48 state highpoints done by 2025.