Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a tutor at an after school program and loved teaching and getting to know the kids. At the time, I was in a sales job and didn’t feel the same joy I felt after tutoring. I made a bold and meaningful decision to go back to school to get my teaching license. Looking back, transitioning into teaching was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The joy I feel when I see students grow and learn each day is so rewarding

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My second year of teaching I started to lose my vision. I remember teaching one day and suddenly the classroom went black. I feel like I had created such a great classroom community that my students helped me navigate the rest of the day. This was the beginning of my career, but I knew that I loved what I was doing, and I was not going to let my vision problems stop me from teaching. I feel like I`m exposing my students to a different kind of teacher. Showing them that obstacles can be overcome

What would you do with the $25,000?

While I definitely plan on using some of it for my classroom, travel is my passion and I want to see as much of the world as I can, while I can.