Carmelen Faria

Tell us why you became a teacher

Originally a Dentist in Venezuela before moving to Curaçao in 2010, where volunteering at my own children’s school ignited my passion for education. After relocating to Saudi Arabia in 2015, I pursued education, eventually earning my Texas Bilingual Educator Certification, and Since 2020, I’ve taught in Dayton ISD and Clear Creek ISD, now teaching 6th-grade Dual Language in Pearland ISD. As an educator, I strive to empower students, and foster a love for learning, This is my why!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching is full of challenges and rewards, but one memorable experience was teaching my first student with dysgraphia. Struggling to write, and draw, he faced frustration, so I created a special binder with tracing exercises to build his skills. With patience and persistence, he gained confidence, and his progress was incredible. His heartfelt drawing at year's end reminded me of the power of support and perseverance, reaffirming my passion for making a difference in students’ lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would use it for my daughter’s first year of college. As legal immigrants since 2019, we’ve focused on building stability while I became a certified bilingual teacher. Financial challenges, including the pandemic, prevented us from saving for her education. With existing debt, loans would add to our burden. This money would ease tuition stress, allowing my daughter to focus on her studies of Mechanical Engineering, while we continue working toward financial security.