Tell us why you became a teacher

I had multiple majors before deciding on education. I started as sports business and each change moved me more toward the classroom. My mom was always a teacher, and I had worked in after school programs in high school. The responsibility of the classroom always seemed so intimidating. It felt like too much to take on, and I didn’t think I could do it. Eventually in college, I started tutoring middle schoolers. I found a passion for helping kids find success in learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience revolved around a series of events. In my first year teaching, COVID year, I actually lost one of my students. He was involved in a horrific traffic accident. He was one of the kindest and funniest kids. He came to all my google meets, and he made everyone feel good about themselves. A few years later, I got to know his little brother. I got to share my good memories about the student his brother was. He got to know new things, and I got a sweeter ending.

What would you do with the $25,000?

A majority of the 25,000 would go toward student loans, and I would love to go back to school to get my masters. I would use the rest of it to give back to my school community. I could team up with the school social worker to sponsor families for groceries, clothes, and holiday presents. I would love to see students blossom from receiving new clothes, backpacks, or lunch boxes. Families trust us to have their kids 9 hours a day, and I would love to have a symbol for what that means to me.