I grew up playing school in my mom’s classroom and having a front row seat to her dedication, hard work, and creative ideas. I then had teachers like Mrs. Jones, Mr. Miller, and Mrs. Wenz. They are still the ones I think about when I get this question. I want to leave the same impact on students that they left on me. I want to inspire, encourage, love, and challenge kids the way they did for me. I want students to have a home in my classroom and someone they know will always cheer them on.

One of my favorite days was our school’s field day my first year of teaching. I was heartbroken about moving to a new school the following year and was just trying to soak up the few days I had left with my students, the girls I coached for Girls on the Run, and the whole staff. On field day we worked as a team, celebrated each other, laughed, cried too. I remember thinking, “I have to find this again in a new place. This is what I am meant to do.” I’m happy to say I found it again this year!

With 25,000 I would be able to provide supplies, snacks, unique experiences, and a welcoming classroom for my students for years to come. I would also be able to save for my own future education and family. This amount of money would truly change my life.