Tell us why you became a teacher

I was inspired by my fourth grade teacher. She was very strict with me and pushed me to do things that were difficult for me. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I carry that with me and I now want to empower my students like she is with me. I want to help them to reach their goals and surpass their own expectations.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching Kindergarten and I had a student that was non verbal and was very low academically. We worked so hard and put so many things in place for him to help develop his speech that by the end of the year he was speaking and started interacting with the other kids and making friends. It was so sweet to see him smile and play with the other kids. Now, he’s a second grader and he’s come so far. I’m so proud of him and all the work that he’s done.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would utilize the $25,000 to pay off some student loans and take my almost four year old grandson to Disney World.