I became a teacher because of my mom. I always wanted to be the amazing teacher she was. As I got older, I realized there’s a unique joy in watching a student who struggled with a concept finally light up when they grasp it, or when they develop confidence in their abilities over time. The small victories—whether it's a hesitant student speaking up for the first time or a shy learner starting to take risks—reinforce why teaching matters. These moments of transformation are what make it worth it.

I always say that I could write a book filled with funny, shocking, tragic, and heart warming things that I have experienced as a teacher. My most memorable moment involved the first class I taught after I graduated from college. On the last day of school my class gifted me with a book in which they all wrote reasons why they loved. When they gave me the book they all gave me a big group hug which knocked me to the ground! I was lucky enough to capture the moment and it’s framed in my house now.

I would use the $25,000 for a few important things. The first would be to pay off more of my student loans. Many teachers carry heavy student debt because our salaries don’t allow us to pay it off as quickly as we want to and the interest adds up. As teachers do, I would also put money into my classroom and buy some of the more expensive learning materials I’ve always wanted to try. I would also use some of the money to pay some health care bills that have added up throughout my career.