Eric grew up in Kirkland, Washington. His early life was shaped by education and athletics. His father led Lakeside School, where Ayrault studied from grade 5 through 12. Outside the classroom, he played football, basketball, lacrosse, and raced whitewater kayaks. He also developed a passion for the outdoors, working for both his high school’s outdoor program and Outward Bound.

After high school, he traveled to Kenya and taught physics in a local school.

“That experience changed everything,” he says. “It showed me how powerful education can be in any setting.  It also made me see I could teach and travel the world, so my career plan was set.”