A home for business fanatics at Coral Gables Senior High, the Academy of Finance houses students prepared to delve into classes such as Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Principles of Finance. Among the number of instructors who pave the way for future business leaders at Gables, is finance teacher Mr. Robert Reisert.

After 14 years of supporting the academy, Mr. Reisert is preparing to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. From working with students across AOF to being a club sponsor, Mr. Reisert has embodied what it means to be a Cavalier.

Looking back on the 14 years he has spent at Gables, there are a lot of memories that come to the veteran teacher. Although when he first began he was hesitant to teach accounting, the class unexpectedly grew on him throughout his time teaching and Mr. Reisert soon became grateful for being assigned the class he was once unsure about.

Still teaching Accounting 1, 2 and 3, Mr. Reisert passes on his love for the course to inspire even the students who at first seem uninterested. Even when in the middle of a dull lecture, Mr. Reisert makes it his priority to keep the students involved and ready to learn.

“At first I thought this class would be a pretty boring one, but I’ll be the first to admit it, it’s grown on me,” sophomore Steven Campos said.

Seeing his hard work pay off throughout the years has proved to be one of the most gratifying parts of Mr. Reiserts’ time at Gables. Watching those who were once lacking direction grow into business leaders and professionals has shown Mr. Reisert that he does make a difference in his students’ lives.

Mr. Reisert is also the club sponsor of Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA has over 50 members this year and is a club in which students come together and prepare to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

In addition, FBLA members also receive the opportunity to listen to lectures from business leaders and can take part in district competitions where if they do well, they can move on to states in Orlando and even nationals in Chicago.

“In my opinion, FBLA is a great club that gives high schoolers amazing opportunities for future scholarships and a chance for making your college resume look spot-on as well. It also provides many events that we can participate and have fun with to make friends,” sophomore Isabella Barros said.

Although retirement usually signifies a new chapter in one’s life, for Mr. Reisert, the experience will be bittersweet. Making the most out of his time spent as a Cavalier, Mr. Reisert has left a mark on AOF and showed students what it means to be a leader both in the professional world and as an individual.