Abel Ruiz is a middle school science teacher at Aspen Valley Prep in Fresno, California. He teaches using the Summit Learning personalized approach to teaching and learning and was first introduced to the magic of science by his high school physics teacher. He studied physics at UC Berkeley where he was involved in research projects on quantum computing and high energy particle interaction and was on his way to becoming a scientist. But his experience as a camp counselor revealed his true passion of working with children. He left his research position and returned home to the central valley of California to “work with the children who needed passionate and dedicated teachers the most.” He calls this career choice the best decision of his life.