I've been a programmer since a very young age, having both parents as teachers I never saw it as noble or a job with any ROI. Spending my first year, after 3 years of industry, I realized it's more rewarding than anything I've done before (it's been 12 years now). Everything related to development can still be done, interaction with industry and I also get to see, 2, 3, 5 years down the line how successful companies spawn from inspired students.

Besides teaching I could also recommend contributing back to open source projects and just getting active in your community.