By Shanyn McElligott
Unlike most teachers, science teacher Patrick Riley never imagined himself in this career but more so got sucked into it due to the pain of earlier jobs but with the help of nature he finds relaxation.
Graduating from Tufts University in 1976, he soon became a commercial fisherman mostly looking for swordfish. With a high danger factor, it became too much for him and moved on to a more practical job- being a carpenter.
“I was off shore for months at a time and sometimes we did not even pull into the same port, we would pull in at Canada or New Jersey. My last time out there was for 59 days and we came home in 100 foot tall waves so that was enough of that”, Mr. Riley says like he has told this story a million times.
After 20 years of tiresome work he received a notice from Easton Public Schools wanting anyone with a degree in math or science to come teach. He decided it was time to take a smoother career.
“Both jobs were hard on my body so when I got in my late 40s I started having back pain and shoulder pain so I sent in my weird looking resume then Easton was desperate or intrigued or both. I was a carpenter on Friday then a teacher on Monday plus I still do it in the summer for some extra cash”, Mr. Riley said with ease.
Teaching at Oliver Ames for 19 years now has been good to Mr. Riley and has allowed him to have the same schedule as his kids, Shelia who is now 23 and Peter who is 21, Peter is a senior at Tufts University this year.
Besides his family which loves it, Mr. Riley does find that his outgoing and upbeat personality is sometimes taken advantage of by students.
“I try no to let things escalate. It is definitely a people person job, it is pretty rewarding but it has plenty of frustrations and headaches”, Mr. Riley says.
At the age of 63, Mr. Riley finds the simple aspects of life an escape from reality. Making bread, skiing, or going for a swim allows him to be one with himself.
“It is nice to be out, we all live indoors doing our computers and paperwork and everything else, watching TV, it is nice to be out in the real world with nature and fresh air”, Mr. Riley says as if it is a nice summer day.
He enjoys spending his time bird watching outside. Mr. Riley believes that everyone needs to find something outside of your job to keep life interesting and alive.
“We all have our interests and hobbies, and if mine involves bird watching that’s fine. It can actually get pretty exciting”, he exclaims before he lists off all the birds and owls he saw last week.
Mr. Riley does not expect much from things but as long as he is doing what makes him happy he does not care what others think. He considers this day in age consumed by technology and taken over by screens.
“Instead of sleeping in or just watching the morning news, I get up and go do something. My motivation is to make connections and live a successful well also making something of it. It feels like you have been productive, like a little low level adventure”, Mr. Riley says with a quirky smile.
With a new Norwegian hulk puppy, Tito, at home Mr. Riley has to spare a lot of time for it like he had to do with his kids.
“Having this puppy really brightens back up the house from when the kids were little. Tito definitely brings me and my wife, Scarlett, more together while shes working all the time as an emergency room nurse.”
Close to retiring, Patrick plans to travel more and would love to ski more with his friends who go multiple times a year.
“Wow I guess I am retiring soon, I mean I am 63 years old. When I retire I would like to go to Hawaii or Costa Rica, or maybe even ski in Europe. I probably will continue to build furniture.”
Patrick Riley is a beloved teacher who’s life seems packed with excitement, when in reality he shows appreciation in the natural and pure elements of the world.