Brady Kilian

Tell us why you became a teacher

I did not enjoy school. I dreaded every day. I was behind in reading and most other subjects. It was not until my third grade year that I had a teacher that really believed in me and made me realize I was capable of learning just like everyone else. She made me believe in myself, and in a lot of ways; saved me. Since then, I have absolutely loved school and learning. And I thought, " If a teacher is able to totally change me life and love for learning, I want to do that for other students. "

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was when I had a Holocaust Survivor come speak to my students. So many students were left in shock and awe to hear this woman tell her story of survival and luck. I had several students explain how the experience made them realize how " real " the Holocaust was , and that they intended to fight hate and inequality in their future.

What would you do with the $25,000?

There are two areas that I would want to spend the 25,000. One would be investing for retirement, and the other would be going to graduate school to get my degree in literacy.