Name: Ryley Menhusen
School district: USD 383
City/State: Manhattan, KS
Class/content area taught: Physical education
What you are most excited about with your new career: I am most excited about the opportunity to build connections with students and have a positive impact on their lives through teaching and hopefully coaching as well.
What you enjoy most about teaching: Feeling like I get to go to work and not like I have to go to work each day. I don’t feel like I’m working at all, just doing what I love each day!
Ways your school/district has supported you: Everyone in my building has been very helpful to me from the administration, to the secretaries, to the other teachers. I have never been turned away when I asked for some supplies, or advice, or how to do something. Not only has the staff been willing to help me, but they have seemed very eager to help, and I really appreciate that.
Ways KSU especially helped prepare you for your new career: I think the sense of family that all students at K-State seem to have has given me a great attitude about other people in the community. I came to Manhattan as a freshman in college and have fallen in love with the university and the town of Manhattan. I was lucky enough to get a job here in town, and I’m very happy about being able to stay. I was also very fortunate in having great professors. Dr. Ellner and Dr. Stoney were very supportive of me. Without them, I would have likely ended up doing something else.
Specifics about your background that make teaching the perfect fit for you: My mom and two of my aunts are currently teachers, my grandpa was a former teacher and coach, and my dad coached countless sports when I was growing up. That’s probably why I enjoy it so much.
Suggestions/encouragement for new teachers: Stay positive, use your resources, and never be afraid to ask other teachers for help!