Biology and Environmental science teacher Gary Feilich did not expect to be taking the ACT 43 years after high school.

Feilich was not taking the test because he was having a mid- life crisis where he thought he was a seventeen year old, Feilich needs the test score to qualify as a recipient for a $10,000 bonus. To receive the bonus Feilich must be in the top 20 percentile. The pressure was on.

Feilich was not thrilled when College Board did not keep the records of his original SAT score that would have qualified him for the bonus. “I was insulted that I had to retake the test to be considered exemplary,” Feilich said. My track record of my students being successful, becoming doctors, and being good people should suffice.”

Once Feilich’s children found out he had to take the test, they registered him immediately. His collogues thought he was nuts, but Feilich thought he might as well take a shot.

Feilich was nervous and wished the test was as easy for him as it was for his daughter who got a 34 without even trying. “I wish I had her DNA, but then I remembered she had half of mine,” he said.

The ACT was anything but easy; Feilich hadn’t used “SOCAHTOA” or any other high level math skills since 1968. “I teach Biology not Algebra 2,” said Feilich. As for the science section, Feilich knew the material almost too well and overthought all his answer choices which slowed him down.  “I now have a greater appreciation for what my students go through,” Feilich said.

If Feilich gets the bonus he says it will be because of the encouragement he received from his students and throw all his classes’ pizza parties.