Tell us why you became a teacher

The classroom has always been more than a room with four walls and decorated bulletin boards. Objectives are learned and challenged every day, but the journey that occurs over the course of a single year drives my motivation. With every, "Good morning!" and "See you tomorrow!" there are moments in between where I witness so many trials and tribulations for my students. To be able to guide them through their losses and be there to celebrate their wins is truly the greatest privilege as a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

On a day when the objective called for potential and kinetic energy, the textbook was removed from the classroom, and I brought in pool noodles, tape, and marbles. It created the most interactive and enticing lesson for my students. With various roller coasters of all designs and heights, I witnessed my students find joy in learning about the way our world works. I witnessed a genuine interest, and curiosity was sparked within my classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Coming from a low-income community, our science department has learned to adapt student learning with limited resources. With this amazing opportunity, I hope to revamp our science materials with the equipment that would allow our campus to provide more hands-on experiences with learning science.