Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I am a product of my school district. I went to Milpitas Unified K-12, and I had amazing teachers who inspired me and had a positive impact on my life. Because of that, I wanted to do the same! Growing up, I didn’t have many teachers that looked like me, so another significant reason I became a teacher was to be the positive force for students of color that could identify with me and see that education has a place for them. I wanted them to feel seen in their educational journey.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the most memorable teaching experiences I have had was when my students and I, along with a local organization, put together a benefit concert to raise money for the Maui Fires. We planned and publicized, and that morning, I just hoped that people would show up to support the concert and see this upcoming musical group; people came, and it made me emotional because people came through to support the Lahaina community! We were able to send over $11k directly to the high school in Lahaina.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I teach leadership and ASB at a school of about 3000 students. I’ve made it my drive to plan events and activities where students and staff love to be at school. I want to use the money on supplies and materials to create a meaningful environment at academic, social, and sporting events at and for our school. I also want to use the money to start a student union where our kids can have a safe social space to hang out and also find resources on clubs, opportunities, and events on campus.