For 14 years, Nathan Guined worked for the Department of Justice, first as a correctional officer and later as a financial program specialist in federal prisons. Today, he stands in front of a classroom at Meridian High School as the business teacher and assistant athletic director, having found what he calls his "true calling."

"I worked 14 years with the Department of Justice," Guined explains. "Then I got diagnosed with two blood disorders, so I had to do a medical retirement. I went back and got my certificate to teach and found my calling here."

Guined, who grew up in Anna and attended Anna-Jonesboro High School, followed in his father's footsteps when he joined the Department of Justice. "My dad worked for the Department of Justice for 25 years," he says. But after his own career in corrections took him to Louisiana and Arkansas before bringing him back to Marion, Illinois, health challenges forced a change.

After leaving the justice system in February 2021, Guined spent nearly two years substitute teaching, primarily at Anna-Jonesboro High School, where he worked extensively with credit recovery students. "I helped the ones that are falling behind in classes to kind of get their credits caught up by completing the classes online," he explains.

His journey to Meridian began when he earned his Career Technology Education (CTE) certification, which qualified him to teach business classes based on his work history. "After I got my CTE certificate, I sent my resume to all the smaller schools because I wanted to start small and then work up if need be," he says.

Meridian responded quickly, and by October 2023, Guined had found his new professional home. Now in his first full year, he teaches high school business classes, one computer class, and a junior high computer class while serving as assistant athletic director.

The move to education has transformed more than just his career. "A lot less stressed," he says when asked what his wife would say is different about him. "Working in the Department of Justice, it's a different atmosphere. It's more stressful. I bring happiness home from my job instead of bringing negativity."

Guined's passion for sports made the assistant athletic director role a natural fit. A basketball referee for 16 years and baseball coach for 11, he brings extensive experience to Meridian's athletic programs.

"Athletic director has always been a position I would love to have," he says. "The position came open after last year, I put my name in the hat and interviewed, and was selected for the position. I absolutely love it."

Despite working longer hours in his dual role, Guined finds the work more fulfilling. His family—including his 10-year-old daughter and recently adopted 3-year-old son—often join him at games, making his work and family life blend seamlessly.

What truly drives Guined is the opportunity to make a difference. "My motto is, if I can change someone's life, one person's life a day, then I'm doing good," he says. "When I got into education, I knew that I can do that here."

The mentoring program at Meridian has expanded his vision for the future. "It's opened up my eyes," he says. Now he plans to finish his bachelor's degree in business education, followed by a master's in administration.

Working alongside his cousin, junior high math teacher Heidi Ruddick, Guined believes Meridian is an ideal place for new educators. "This is a low-poverty school, and to know how loving these kids are and how truly they respect what you do... You realize, wow, they want to learn," he explains.

As for the school's supportive culture, Guined appreciates that it "feels more than just a job." With administrators who maintain an open-door policy and colleagues who support each other, he's found professional fulfillment.

"I'm just blessed to be able to do what I do," he says simply, radiating the positivity he brings to his classroom each day.