Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because someone took a chance on me. After college, I moved back home, feeling aimless. Drawing on my experience as a tutor, I applied for a teaching job. Despite my inexperience, someone believed in me, guided me through my early career, and encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree. Their support shaped me as an educator. Now, I teach to pay that kindness forward—to be the person who believes in a student who needs it.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Every day in middle school is unforgettable. But in all seriousness, the year before had been tough. On the first day, I apologized to my students for how rough it must have felt. Then, a hand went up, and a student gently said, “Ms. Javier, I lowkey don’t even remember last year, so maybe it wasn’t that bad.” In their own way, the kids were comforting me. That moment reminded me that our classroom is a shared experience. It also taught me that my middle schoolers have the memory of a goldfish.

What would you do with the $25,000?

It might've been through a chance interview that I discovered my love for teaching but it was a deliberate decision to pursue research in education. Through my role as a graduate student in LMU's Transformative Education program, I have been able to find the joy in student-centered research. I am driven to further my education for the voices of my students and their families. So, while $25,000 would not cover the entire cost of a doctoral program, it can certainly start me off on a good foot.