Your Turn/Gavin Ideus

Published 2:07 pm Friday, July 31, 2026

When I was a kid, I wanted to be … someone who could build and fix things. I was always taking things apart to figure out how they worked and putting them back together — usually without using the instructions. That curiosity eventually became a career.

What would you rather be doing right now? Exploring a hiking trail, camping under the stars, biking a new route or planning the next adventure with Bailey.

Shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone that … I still enjoy seeing if I can figure something out before reading the instructions.

Other than your wedding day and/or the birth of your children, what was your proudest moment? One of my proudest accomplishments is continuing my education at Western Illinois University while teaching full-time. I believe effective educators never stop being students, and I want to model lifelong learning for the people I teach.

It really stinks when … people give up on themselves before they’ve given themselves a chance to succeed.

What word in the dictionary would your face be next to? Curious.

I always laugh when … people can laugh at themselves and find humor in everyday situations.

Invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner. Who are they? Walt Disney, because of his vision and belief that imagination can change the world. John Deere, because his innovations transformed agriculture and demonstrated how practical problem-solving can improve lives for generations. My grandfather, so I could learn more about his life experiences and hear stories that shaped our family.

At the end of a really long day at work, I like to … spend time with Bailey, get outside and reflect on the positive impact I was able to have on my students.

People who knew me in high school thought I was … the guy who was always working on a project, fixing something or figuring out how things worked.

My most unforgettable brush with greatness was … Some of the most inspiring people I’ve met aren’t famous. They are mentors, teachers and skilled trades professionals who invested their time in helping others succeed.

I would drop all my plans tonight if I had the chance to … take an unforgettable trip with the person I care about most, my fiancée.

If someone gave me a million dollars, there is STILL no way I would … stop learning or stop working toward meaningful goals.

America should be more concerned about … developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Strong communities and industries depend on people who are willing to learn, solve problems and build things that matter.

I’m OK if there’s ever a national shortage of … travel backpacks. I seem to accumulate more of those than I probably need.

When I’m on the Internet, I always go to … websites and videos where I can learn something new, find a better way to solve a problem or discover a new destination to explore.

What is the most useful piece of advice you have ever received? “Never stop learning.” It wasn’t one specific person; it was a lesson reinforced by many mentors, teachers and family members throughout my life.

When I’m cruising down the road, I’m likely listening to … a mix of religious music, classic rock, podcasts and anything that helps me learn something new.

I always get sentimental when … I see former students succeed and accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach.

The older I get, the more I realize … the relationships you build and the impact you have on others are far more important than any title, possession or achievement.

If I had one “do-over,” I would … spend less time worrying about making mistakes and more time embracing opportunities to grow.

My favorite item of clothing is … a comfortable hoodie from one of my travels. Every time I wear it, it reminds me of the experiences, people and memories that came with the trip.

If I’ve learned anything at all … Life is about continuous growth. Every challenge teaches a lesson, every person has something to teach us and every day is an opportunity to become a better version of ourselves.

I believe some of life’s greatest opportunities begin with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Whether I’m teaching in the classroom, continuing my own education or exploring a new place with my fiancée, I try to approach every experience with an open mind and a desire to grow. One of my favorite moments is hearing Bailey say, “I’m so excited!” because it reminds me that there is always another adventure, another lesson and another opportunity waiting around the corner.

Gavin Ideus, 27, grew up in Golden and has the privilege of serving as an industrial maintenance technology instructor at John Wood Community College. He is passionate about helping students develop skills that can change the trajectory of their lives. Ideus recently got engaged to his fiancée, Bailey, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. He enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors and constantly learning new things.