Tell us why you became a teacher

I couldn't tell you very much about 5th grade, but I can tell you how my 5th grade teacher made me feel. Kids need to feel loved more now than ever. Someone once told me to envision the world of everyone lived to serve and make others happy. I never forgot that, and I work every day through my own ups and downs to make it happen for my students. I enjoy knowing that I can make a positive difference in not even their lives, but even just their days.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I received a letter from a student after he graduated. He let me know that something I said to him his junior year gave him a future. He was ready to give up on life and I changed that for him. I couldn't tell you what I said, but I know I recommended a song for him to listen to. I don't know what that song was, but his letter changed me. I knew in that moment that I was exactly where I was needed and meant to be, even if it was only for him that year.

What would you do with the $25,000?

While I'd love to say I'd invest the money back into school, teaching, or something noble, I can't. With the 25,000 dollars, I would invest it in my husband. He has been in law enforcement and served in ways I couldn't comprehend for 15 years for both his community and family. His dream is to fly and help others learn how to fly airplanes. His calling may be just as important as my own was to me.