I became a teacher because of my grandmother. She took her time to collaborate, care for, and help educate the community and I wanted to echo the same sense of love and nurturing she provides to our students. I chose science because I had always had a passion for science and saw how chasing my dreams in science lead me to places I would have never thought I could go.

My most memorable experience teaching, would be working with my students with my science club. We were setting up different events in collaboration with the local university and we're able to take the students to an earth day festival. There they were able to have a hands on day, full of different live animals, science activities and opportunities to connect and learn about conservation careers within science education. My kids lit up with excitement and drive.

I would use the 25,000 to make my classroom space more interactive and create an opportunity to have more labs and experiences for the kids to have that we were previously unable to, due to budget restrictions. I want to encourage my students to be curious and to chase their dreams in science. I want to get that same experience of their faces lighting up with excitement, knowing that they are able to and are smart enough. I want them to know that they are enough, despite their circumstance.