Tell us why you became a teacher

Becoming a teacher was an easy decision for me. It was a decision that felt natural and fulfilling. The desire to educate, inspire, and shape young minds became clear as I went through various life experiences, that pushed me toward this career. Growing up, I always admired teachers. They were the guiding figures who helped me see the world in new ways. During my time in school, I found that I enjoyed helping others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had as a teacher happened during the last day of school one year. It wasn’t about an academic breakthrough or a big achievement; it was about the way my students came together to express their gratitude and growth. We were having our end-of-year class party, and I thought it would be a typical day with snacks, games, and goodbyes. Before the day ended one of my students told me how much I impacted his life just by caring for him the way I did.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use to money as a down payment to purchase my first home.