Bob Waters and Julie Ferin
Check out the latest episode of the Wave Makers podcast!
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Some stories are so heartwarming they deserve a follow-up — and that’s exactly what happened with Rio Salado student Bob Waters. After we shared his remarkable journey from NAU graduate to aspiring special education teacher, we knew there was more to explore.
So, we invited Waters and his former fourth-grade teacher, Julie Ferin, to sit down with us for a special episode of the Wave Makers podcast.
If you read Bob’s story, you already know the twist: when he logged into his first post baccalaureate teacher certification course at Rio, he discovered that his instructor was none other than Ferin — the teacher who first recognized his anxiety in the classroom, encouraged his curiosity, and helped shape the compassionate educator he’s becoming today.
In this new conversation, Bob and Julie reflect on:
- Their unexpected reunion after more than a decade
- How Bob’s childhood experiences — and supportive teacher — inspired his career path
- What it’s like when a former student returns to the field as a future colleague
- The power of compassion, caring, and coming full circle
It’s an honest, uplifting discussion about teaching, growth, and the moments that stay with us.
Listen now on Podbean or find Wave Makers on your favorite podcast channel: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube.