studio portraits | Rick Worthington
How lucky am I to call this amazing man my husband!??
Some of the titles he holds include: yoga instructor, high school teacher, US Marine Corps veteran, dog whisperer, and world champion husband.
Rick Worthington is a constant source of inspiration and love — not just for me, but for many people who are in his orbit. I witness this outpouring of love for Rick on a constant basis … often in the form of former students that we run into.
When the student run-ins happen it usually goes like this: “Mr. Worthington, you were my favorite teacher!!” Followed by lots of gushing and always a handshake. Handshakes are a right of entry into his classroom. Every single school day, each student shakes Rick’s hand as they enter his classroom.
For 13 years he taught earth science and biology at Vista High School. And last year, Rick was challenged with one of the most important teaching assignments of his career: he was recruited to create a pilot program at his school focusing on teaching mindfulness and emotional wellness to all freshmen.
Rick was able to draw on his experience as a yogi and also his dedicated self-practice of meditation and mindfulness to create an experience for these freshmen that will have lasting impact well beyond their first year of high school.
Watching Rick give his time and energy to building this program has been a true source of pride and inspiration for me! You see, this is Rick’s super power: he is able to connect with his students in a way that many people don’t. It’s not an easy job, often he comes home depleted and emotionally burdened with the work he does, or just plain frustrated by the nature of working with hundreds of freshmen (because, seriously … have you hung out with a teenager lately?!) But he loves what he does and he’s a phenomenal teacher.
But I think his most adoring student is ME! I get all the benefits of learning from this incredibly smart (and quirky) man. He is constantly teaching me about all of his favorite subjects: geology, yogic philosophies, Family Guy humor, world travel, ancient civilizations, breakfast burritos, astronomy, surfing zen, bird nerding, and a host of other topics.
And, I’m glad he let me capture his handsome mug at my photo studio…
Such an inspiration, demonstrating the essential skills to our youth. I am delighted that those freshman are receiving his teachings on such a relatable level. On top of it, love that you have each other bringing out the best in one another. Grateful!
Kim – you would know all about this work as you are doing much of the same with the kids you work with. Grateful indeed!
Thank you for sharing about the incredible impact your husband is having in the community AND I also thank you for being an example of a married couple who respect and adore one another. This blog is so inspiring in so many ways. It’s beautifully written from the heart.
Kelly Jean! That is so incredible sweet and I appreciate that perspective.
Um, yes. I’ve been spending a bit of time with a teenager lately. Hopefully you all will get to come visit and some of Rick’s mindfulness will rub off on Jacob:>)! And if you get to come visit, you’ll be able to take some great photos of all that is Finland!
yes Courtney – you know ALL about teenagers!!! Rick needs to visit his buddy Jacob again soon 🙂
Marcy, these are incredible shots of an incredible man. So happy he is in your life and even happier you are in mine! All my love to both of you. ♥️♥️
THANK YOU Kim!!!!! I love you too beautiful friend!
hey
This was the one teacher who truly made me feel like I was worth something even in hard times as a kid. I have NEVER forgot about Mr Worthington and often think of his drive and passion he had for life. He not only was a teacher of mine but my wrestling coach. The impact this man had on my life was up their with my USMC drill instructors. I wish I was able to have a chat with him today. I graduated in 2007 my name is Basil Atamansky I hope this message can get to him. As the things he was able to teach me and knowledge he gave me I still feel today. I hope all is well with you and your family Mr worthington and maybe one day we will meet again sir !
Basil – thank you for this beautiful comment! I’ve forwarded your info to Mr. Worthington 🙂