Jason McCombs, TAC, High School Biology

THE FACTS: Though Jason has a background in Asian religions and biology, including graduate experience in Evolutionary Biology and Ichthyology, he left the professional science track to become a teacher because he felt cut off from people. He is working to become an urban high school teacher, either in Boston or New York, while balancing a love for social activism. "I want to challenge the social order and to work on interpersonal skills that so far I haven't had to use in my professional life. I have been surprised by the dearth of males and persons of color entering the field," he writes. "That needs to change."

Jason is driven by the words of one of his professors: "Urban teaching is where the action is if you really care about kids." He expects to put his studies to the test working with adolescents from marginalized populations who have historically been given an inferior education. He also has plans to pursue a PhD in Buddhist Studies, but is waiting for his fluency in a few additional languages to kick in.

THE INSIDE SCOOP: "The kids will respect you if you show them respect in return. You will build positive relationships with students even when you suspect things are going terribly. Kids see right through your insecurities and want to know that you care about them."

"I know I can be an exceptional teacher and want to provide academic options for kids who may not always realize their potential."