Nehiel Rivera has a spirit for adventure in all forms, from entertainment media to moments in nature with family and friends. The Chronicles of Narnia books, Stargate shows, video games and Disney movies are just a few of the places he likes to escape to in his spare time. Rivera also enjoys being outdoors, especially if he can set up his hammock and spend time with family and friends in nature. One of his family members is a fun-loving cocker spaniel/poodle mix named Naty.
Rivera’s adventures sometimes take him to faraway lands. Of the many places he’s had the blessing of traveling to, one of his favorites is Botswana. Before starting at NTCA, Rivera attended Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Some day, he would like to visit and explore Brazil.
This love of adventure has always been part of Rivera’s life. As a child, he wanted to be a lot of things. He found himself trying to decide whether he was meant to be a ninja, a teacher, a lawyer or an architect. He even considered becoming a youth pastor. Ultimately, he ended up pursuing the teaching path as a substitute teacher at NTCA, which led to his current role as a teacher’s aide. This position gives him the opportunity to help students thrive in many ways.
“The most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to help a student learn something new, and also seeing the joy a student expresses after I help them understand something they were confused or unsure about,” Rivera said.
While helping children learn academic skills gives Rivera a sense of accomplishment, the opportunity he values most is being able to teach them about Jesus and His love for them. When he interacts with students in the classroom, he hopes that they leave with respect for others around them and the knowledge that Jesus loves them.
Given the chance to have dinner with any three people, Rivera would choose Jesus, as well as Samson from the Bible and his grandfather, who passed away the year before he was born. Since he only heard about his grandfather in stories, he’d love to get to know the awesome person he really was. He’d like to hear Samson’s perspective on the events that took place in his life. His inspiration for wanting a dinner with Jesus came from episodes of The Chosen. Rivera would love to laugh and talk with Jesus, ask him questions and learn from him face-to-face like characters do in the show.
Faith helps Rivera navigate life by being the anchor he needs. Several Bible passages and verses inspire him, but he has two favorites that stick with him the most: Isaiah 43: 1-4 and Psalm 46:1. These verses remind him that God is with him and will never leave or abandon him. The Bible gives Rivera a sense of clarity, especially when he reads Psalm 46:1, which states that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Get to know Nihiel Rivera
Where are you from? He was born in New York and has lived in the Tampa area most of his life.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Pizza or arroz con habichuelas y pasteles (rice and beans with pasteles)
If you won the lottery, how would you spend your prize? One of the first things would be eliminating all of my student debt.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? The power of flight.
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