Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a traumatic experience when I was in third grade that gave me school phobia. I was homebound for 6 months with a private tutor that taught me to read and write as I didn’t know English or how to read or write prior to that school year growing up in a Jewish neighborhood being the only Hispanic. I was bullied by my teacher and all my classmates. I wrote a book about it. It was then I decided that I wanted to make a difference to be the teacher that I never had.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a middle school boy got nose to nose with me he was in gang, his father was in prison, and mother was a crack addict, so his aunt had full custody. When her challenged me I told him he had a choice have a seat and keep the A in my class or walk out and fail. He sat and I was proud to award him as my most improved student that year.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I was blessed to win, I’d would pay of some my debt including student loans, travel and give back to my church and community.