Tell us why you became a teacher

My sister and brother struggled in school. Neither one of them where able to graduate so I thought, if I became a teacher I could help students who struggled like my younger siblings. I wanted to find ways to help students be successful. I’ve learned that all students can learn. I just have to find that way to help them be successful. Being the oldest of seven children and having parents that didn’t graduate, I knew that education would provide a way for me to help them and others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

At the end of one of my students fifth grade year, he stated that I not only taught him about science; but, I taught him about life. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, so many of my former students asked their parents to befriend me on Facebook so that they could check on me. Also, when my husband passed away in 2022, my students & parents rallied behind me again & made teaching those little people special memorable moments of love. Teaching gives life to the learner.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Definitely, I would bless my church. I would pay off some bills and use some to continue to feed the Homeless in my husband memory because that is what we started doing during Covid until his health failed. For the last three years, I have fed them every March and distribute hygiene products. In October in remembrance of my late husband, I collect socks for the Homeless. This past October I collected 561 pairs. That is something I would love to continue. Finally, retire and go on a trip.