Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

After a troubled middle and high school experience of bullying, issues at home, and eventually being sent to a specialized school I was able to turn my life around. I got a degree in business management and moved to NYC to pursue work but I never felt right behind a desk. I eventually worked with a family where I had a lot of interaction with their children and realized how much I loved working with kids. I went back and got my masters degree and through the program I felt right at home.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Creating bonds with my first ever class during COVID. I had a special handshake with each student which helped us stay bonded through COVID and we had to all stay at home. I stayed online to have lunch with my students to make sure they felt connected and supported. I emailed every parent to find their address and surprised every student at their homes. At the end of the year, they all surprised me when I was collecting my supplies at school with a car parade with thank you signs and notes.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I work in the NYC public school system and would love to help others in need, invest in environmentally friendly teaching companies, and find ways to build an organization to unite future students to bridge the divide in our country. We all have to work together to take care of our planet before it's too late. We also must make sure we elect the right people in our government to lead us forward and away from lies, greed, and so the future generations of kids have the most say, not the top 1%.