I became a teacher to make a difference in students’ lives. Growing up, I had a few stand out teachers that helped me feel seen. Those teachers were the center of my goal to be that supportive adult in a student’s life. By being a teacher that allows for student expression of ideas, students have a place that they are comfortable being themselves. It allows for students to be more understanding of the "why", rather than feeling like they are required to do work.

My most memorable experience is a continued experience. As someone who teaches an elective with multiple grade levels, in multiple schools, and has differentiated and tiered classes, I follow some students through their growth as learners. I am able to see how a student learns throughout their educational experience. Seeing their positive changes and how they begin revealing their future goals within my classroom through multiple years is an experience I would not trade for any other.

Sometimes, as teachers, we have to use what is available to us to be able to provide extraordinary courses due to unfortunate budget cuts. I would like to use some of this money to provide technology that benefits my Computer Science courses. Having up-to-date technology will allow for the most authentic Computing experiences, which will also allow for higher enrollment rates in courses built to help the future of technology. I would also benefit from paying off student loan debt.