Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching chose me. I noticed that whenever I was in a large public place, all of the lost children found me. This happened a lot. I realized I was the literal Snow White of lost children. I pondered about that for an entire semester as I struggled through theater school. I woke up one day and decided that teaching chose me. It chose me because I made kids feel safe, and that was the best compliment I ever received. So, I took that as a sign and ran with it.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I took a group of students from Las Vegas to Olympic National Park. We spent 5 days in the beautiful rainforest canoeing, hiking, exploring, and observing. It was the last day when a student, who hadn't left his neighborhood before, shared that he now wanted to be a pilot or a captain of ship. I realized at that moment how impactful that trip was for him (as well as the others), how one opportunity changed this young man's life in many ways.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Three years ago I opened a school with my husband-Nevada School of Inquiry. In those three years, neither of us has made consistent pay. I love what I do and I am very passionate about providing the best opportunity for my students. For three years I have been teaching fulltime and running the business end of the school on the side for close to free. I would love to be able to pay off some of that debt I have incurred by living my dream. I will be a better teacher by being less stressed.