Tell us why you became a teacher

All children deserve to have an adult who wants nothing but the best for them. An adult who supports them while making sure they are working to the best of their ability. I have always wanted to be that adult.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After 25 years, there's so many beautiful and meaningful experiences that it's hard to narrow it down. However, one that stands out is during remote teaching from home during COVID, I had a student who was home alone every day and instead of logging off during lunch, she asked if we could stay online, eat, and just talk. She was only 10 and scared. It was such an amazing opportunity to be an ear and a shoulder during such a difficult time in this child's life. I felt very honored.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My mother is elderly and my sister and I are her caregivers. I would use the money to pay her medical bills and purchase medical supplies, as well as upgrade areas in our home to be more ADA compliant in order to help my mother be more comfortable during this season of her life.