Passion Through Madness

Jesse Schettle with a biology prop, which he sometimes uses in class

Jesse Schettle with a biology prop, which he sometimes uses in class

Jesse Schettle never thought of being a teacher. What starts off as helping peers with reading, turns into something bigger — a never-ending love for biology.

He decides to take that passion and shower it onto others, by becoming a teacher — Mr. Schettle.

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees.

“All my doctors want me to quit being a teacher. Most of my family wants me to quit being a teacher, simply because of what it does to my health and my body.”

Yet, he still does what he loves because his passion and enjoyment of teaching trumps his levels of stress. To make a difference and to help, he pushes through the madness.

Unfortunately Jesse is familiar with madness.

Besides teaching, he additionally works in the ER. He rushes to save someone’s life to ensure she goes home to her family intact. Most have fairytale endings. Others simply don’t. One case, however, is worse than anothers.

An accident, like most ER cases are, is the turning point. This one is personal — more relatable to Jesse’s life.

A 17-year-old boy topples into a fire pit. Hopelessly, 80 percent of his body is burned, unrecognizable and withered.

Jesse knows this is different.

He teaches and knows many young adults like the boy. He imagines a student of his, who he works closely with every day. Jesse knows this boy is going to have long-term problems, and options are limited.

He focuses by providing care and support. 

Daily he is grateful for his students and teaching career.

Although he makes class as fun as Disney, he makes sure his students don’t slip into a whirlpool of stress and homework. He understands that his passion for biology empowers him.

Because in the end:  “Having kids in the classroom is the most rewarding part.”