I became a teacher to be the person for my students that I needed when I was younger. I wanted to be safe space - a place where students felt loved, where they felt welcomed, where they felt seen, and where they knew that their voice could be heard. I wanted to be a light for students in a world filled with so much hatred and darkness. I wanted to show my students a mirror and them see all of what they are and will be! I truly couldn't see myself doing anything other than this.

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was turning my classroom into a GIANT PUMPKIN at the end of our pumpkin unit! I spent hours on this room transformation, but seeing their faces when they walked in our room was PRICELESS. I hung tablecloths from the ceiling to close in the pumpkin, created "seeds" hanging from the middle with balloons, etc. We spent the day reviewing all we had learned that week about pumpkins from INSIDE of a pumpkin! It was truly a day I'll never forget!

With $25,000, I would be able to purchase my dream light table for my classroom and all its supplies, pay off some debt that has accumulated due to being a teacher, and finally, pour back into myself by taking a well deserved vacation with family! Teachers truly deserve to be rewarded and I would be so so thankful and grateful to receive this life changing award.