At Greene Central High School, educators strive for excellence every day. Among them stands Colin Lee, a dedicated Earth Science and Biology Teacher with two years under his belt. In addition to his classroom duties, Lee also coaches football, further connecting with students beyond academic boundaries.

Lee's journey to teaching is an unconventional one. Initially, he embarked on a career path as a surgical technician, beginning his work at Vidant Medical Center at the young age of 19. However, it didn't take long before he realized that the medical field wasn't his true calling. The turning point came during his time living with peers attending East Carolina University. Their experiences inspired him to reconsider his career choices.

"I knew I wanted to teach and coach because my biggest role models were my teachers and coaches when I was growing up," Lee revealed. The world of science, particularly biology, always fascinated him, a passion ignited by his football coach, who doubled as his biology teacher. This same mentor remains an influential figure in Lee's life to this day. His motivation for joining the educational field is clear, "I want to have an impact on students just like the coaches and teachers had an impact on me."

The current academic year has witnessed Lee introducing intriguing lab experiments to captivate his students' attention. One memorable activity in his Earth Science class involved melting starbursts to simulate different rock stages. Meanwhile, in biology, students got a firsthand look at their own cheek cells under a microscope. "The kids thought it was very interesting to see their cells from that one swap of their cheek," Lee said, showcasing the enthusiasm he feels when bringing unique learning experiences to his students.

Yet, it isn't just the experiments that Lee finds rewarding. One of the true joys of teaching, he believes, is witnessing the moments of realization in his students. "I love seeing the light bulbs come on in their heads once they understand a topic," he shared. Beyond just academic achievements, Lee emphasizes the importance of character development. As he puts it, "Developing character is a huge thing for me!"

The dual role of educator and coach allows Lee to guide students in both academics and personal growth. His perspective on coaching highlights the broader lessons sports teach. "Being around that team atmosphere helps students learn how to work together and battle diversity," Lee remarked. 

Through his unwavering commitment, he continues to inspire those around him.