The future was never a source of intrigue for John Rea. When friends asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would simply shrug, dismissing the question entirely. For him, life was all about fun—every day felt like recess, carefree and chill, until the day everything shifted for him.
School, in Rea’s eyes, was a playground filled with sports and laughter. He knew the game and played it well, keeping his sights only on graduation. But then came that unavoidable question again during high school: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This time, he knew he had to find an answer.
He pondered deeply, but inspiration didn’t come easily. Coaching had always appealed to him, nurtured by his passion for athletics. Yet, he sensed he needed something more, a broader path that could lead him to the coaching role he envisioned. That’s when the idea struck: what about teaching?
That thought didn’t just fade away; instead, it tugged at him persistently. So, Rea took a leap of faith and pursued it. With no teachers he particularly connected with, he felt like he was navigating uncharted waters. Still, he embraced the challenge and made it work.
As college approached, Rea faced a pivotal choice: he pursued a double major in teaching and athletic training at Taylor University, Upland, IN, driven by his passion for sports. However, balancing football with the demands of athletic training proved too difficult. With a heavy heart, he shifted his focus primarily to teaching, channeling his love for sports into shaping future athletes.
“Athletic training faded because I needed to spend 1500 hours at practices as a trainer,” said Rea. “Playing college football, I realized I couldn’t play football and get all those hours in, so at some point teaching just took over.”
Now, in his 26 year of teaching and ninth year at Northwest, Rea continues to evolve and learn every day. Whether it’s being humbled by a student who inspires him to stay fit, cherishing the extra time he gets to spend with his daughters due to aligned schedules, or finally mastering the art of using copy machines, John Rea’s journey in education is a testament to the idea that growth never truly ends.
