To new teacher Ryan Bergstrom, physics is not simply a scientific study of how nature works encompassed through the language of mathematics; instead, it holds a more contemplative meaning. Whether he is explaining momentum or relating pop-culture to science,Bergstrom works to ensue fascination within the building blocks of physics in a new and innovative way.

Bergstrom’s unbridled enthusiasm toward physics began with an immediate grasp of the science during his senior year of high school. His understanding soon transformed into a way to educate his peers, something Bergstrom did with unprecedented fervor.

“I view [science] as a huge puzzle…Physics is that last missing piece and the joy lies within [seeing] how all these different [aspects of science] can come together. To me, it is really fascinating,” said Bergstrom. “I always felt a calling for teaching and physics was the subject that fit best for me.”

Diverging from mainstream teaching methods, the Boston University graduate teaches through a combination of both conventional and contemporary technique. He focuses his attention on providing students with hands-on experiments that explain how each lesson pertains to everyday life. He makes a consistent effort to provide students with help outside of the classroom; in doing so,Bergstrom set up a Twitter account, which allows students to get the help they need. His goal as a teacher is to push his class to understand how they can arrive at an answer themselves rather than simply being told the answer. Bergstrom strives for his seniors to become independent thinkers by the end of their high school careers.

“I love what I do as a teacher. It was definitely a struggle to get here [both] academically and financially,” said Bergstrom. “I would not trade [my job] for anything.”

He advises his students to work toward something that they are truly passionate about. In his first year at CHS, Bergstrom’s students taught him that with hard work and an open mind anyone has the potential to succeed.