Tell us why you became a teacher

I want to inspire. I want to create. I love bringing magic to students' lives through storytelling. I became a teacher to bring these things to life. I genuinely care about each and every student as if they were my own. I have a passion for education and literature. I can't imagine doing any other career. My most rewarding days are when my students have some sort of realization and connect closely with the material and humanity, further understanding the beauty of our universal truths.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Most of my memorable experiences have come from personal interactions with students. One that sticks out is from my first year of teaching. I had a student late every day. He also had the audacity to bring his breakfast to eat when the rules were NO FOOD in the class. I pulled him out into the hall and admonished him, reiterating that he was NOT to be late again or there would be consequences. Come to find out, he was walking 2 miles to school every morning, just to get his education.

What would you do with the $25,000?

PAY OFF MY STUDENT LOANS. If I were so blessed to win this prestigious award, I would absolutely put the money towards my student loans. I came from a lower income family, and I had to pay for my own college education. And, somehow, I am still paying it. The struggles have not always been easy, but I wouldn't change anything. I love my job, and I love my students. Thank you for this opportunity.