Christina Hastings

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because a 9th grade shop teacher showed interest in my grades and abilities. His making me feel like he genuinely cared about his students demonstrated a different side of teachers than I had seen before. I experienced a connection to this teacher because of his ability to reach me and show compassion and determination to help me succeed. After this experience, I knew that teaching was my calling and because of him, I have touched the lives of thousands of students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I took 7th-grade students to the state park for an overnight science field trip. One student in particular, a student with autism, it was his first time spending the night away from home. At night, while the students were running and playing, he was too. When asked, are you having fun, the student, out of breath and sweating, smiled and said, "I am playing with all my friends." Oh what are you playing? He responded, "I don't know but we are having so much fun!" Inclusion and fun are memorable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I want to say that some of the money I would put aside, so when a student says to me they cannot attend our overnight trip because of the cost, I could easily say I will pay your way to go and be a kid in a fun and engaging science experience. Our school also does a four-day science trip to Florida each year. I want to set some money aside to sponsor one of our less advantaged students to attend that fantastic educational trip. With what is left over, I would pay off student loans.