More than teachers: the hobbies thar shaped them

Teachers spend most of their time focused on helping others grow, but their activities and hobbies outside of school also reveal their patience, discipline, and personality. Looking at three teachers, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Blum, and Mr. Lynch, shows how their past and present hobbies have shaped who they are today.

Mr. Wallace’s earlier years included clay, playing music at coffee shops, indoor soccer, and woodworking. These hobbies taught him how to interact with people face-to-face and helped build the confidence he still carries when teaching. Woodworking remains part of his life because it is something he can continue doing as he gets older. Music has also stayed with him because it is a natural way of bringing people together. Sports, however, became less important because of the physical demands of indoor soccer. For Mr. Wallace, hobbies are important because they provide an escape from life’s pressures and give him time away from everyday responsibilities.

Mr. Blum’s hobbies are more focused on the outdoors and physical activities, including hunting, fishing, and football. These activities taught him discipline and toughness while also giving him the opportunity to enjoy nature and appreciate the beauty God has created. He believes this awareness “helps keep life ordered and keeps the small things from slipping.” Football and other team sports also gave him friendships that have remained important to him. Although fishing has become less frequent because of his busy schedule, he still sees hobbies as a retreat from the pressure of work.

Mr. Lynch’s hobbies have been more varied, including baseball, sports cards, high school lacrosse, coaching, hunting, and more recently, jiu jitsu. Spending long hours outdoors and waiting patiently during hunting taught him that not every activity immediately produces a result. Jiu jitsu has become one of his favorites because it is challenging but rewarding when he improves. It has also helped him build a community outside of the gym. He believes people should “find something different” that allows their minds to reset and become more relaxed.

Across these interviews, the teachers have different hobbies, but the reasons behind them are similar. Hobbies teach patience, discipline, relationships, and how to step away from pressure. Even when hobbies change because of age, responsibilities, or time, they continue to provide enjoyment and personal growth.

In the end, hobbies can help teachers bring a quieter confidence and balance into the classroom. They remind both teachers and students that life should include time for creating, learning, playing, and simply enjoying something for yourself.