Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher so that I could become a trusted adult for young adults. As a teenager I experienced a lot of trauma and had a very difficult time making good decisions (home was not providing positive role modeling for me). A trusted adult who would have helped me talk through some of my struggles and grow as a human would have changed a lot for me. I want to be the person I didn't have at their age.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The school I worked at arranged a trip to New York City for our 6th graders. I was asked to go on this trip in an advising role. On our first day, students were split into groups with chaperones. No one wanted the "bad" kids, so I volunteered. I took these "bad" children on an adventure through Central Park & to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We had an incredible time talking about art & being curious about the world. It's amazing what happens when you treat everyone as human.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, I would pay off some medical bills and other debt. Give some to my daughter for college and if there was anything left, I would take a tiny vacation to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.