Brandi Smith

Tell us why you became a teacher

While being my daughter’s Girl Scout leader, working with younger children was amazing! I enjoyed leading and guiding them through the different lessons and activities. My husband made the mistake if asking me if I was interested in going back to school, so I took the idea and ran with it! Although my schooling took ten long years, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my first year of teaching, I had a student who really gave me a difficult time. I slowly learned more about him and his life outside of school and found a way to build a good relationship with him. We still had many tough days. However, on the last week of school while signing yearbooks, he filled an entire page of my yearbook saying how much he loved me and thanked me for all I did. I will never forget that!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would donate a portion of the money to my school and help pay down some debt.