Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Duersch.
Hi Christopher, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ben Carson’s story profoundly influenced my decision to be a doctor. What I loved most about his journey in becoming a great surgeon was how he was able to help people with his passion for education. I saw the movie “Gifted Hands” and wanted to follow a similar path. I shared my ambitious dream of being a physician with my wife who also was very excited and supportive of my dream to pursue a medical career. Together, we made plans to choose which branch of medicine would sustain the future we wanted to build together. We wanted the freedom to be together as a family while still being able to build a career that would serve people and help make their lives better too. I shadowed with many different medical practitioners and arrived at the conclusion that podiatry was the correct path for me. I enrolled in medical school and had a great experience with the education and was very eager to get my feet wet as a doctor. At the conclusion of graduation and being accepted into a residency program, I became a first-time father and an instantaneously busy doctor. I didn’t have enough time to meet the needs of my career, family or personal well-being. I was forced to sacrifice something, but I was not willing to sacrifice my family or my well being. With the help of my family and other trusted sources, I walked the unknown path where I found a new life and career that I love teaching math. I now lead operations at Mathnasium in Herriman and teach math classes at South Hills Middle School.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have experienced more challenges than I would like to remember. I faced great uncertainty about the future when the gravity of my career became inhospitable. I couldn’t be sure I would ever enjoy the practice of podiatry again. It was scary not feeling safe where I was and simultaneously not being able to see the brighter future ahead of me. Finances were tight with repaying the debt of my education and providing for my family. Teaching became the backup plan I didn’t know I needed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am both a professional and a business man in running a math tutoring company. I currently am still able to help people in their education. A strong majority of people can feel greatly burdened in education-particularly in math. I came to lead a Mathnasium where I operate executive decisions at the business level as well as help teach students from kindergarten to college level math including trade schools like electricians and plumbers. I also get to see changes in my students I teach at South Hills Middle School. I offer relatable real-life examples to guide my students about how their education will guide and assist them through many circumstances throughout their lives. I’m most proud of the changes in attitude towards education and understanding the importance of problem solving and critical thinking in my students. I received the “golden apple” award at my school in my first year of teaching which was a great honor for me to see the difference I had made for my students.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First, I need to give credit to my wife who stuck by my side after all of the challenges this employment change made for both of us. My four older brothers and parents were also supportive of my decision, and ultimately, wanted what was best for me to be happy. Although I was able to navigate through acquiring these jobs myself, they were ready to help and support where needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mathnasium.com/herriman
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathnasiumherriman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mathnasium-of-Herriman/61583518106152/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-duersch-81435768
