Ed Mejia

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’ve always loved connecting with kids and sparking curiosity. At 25, while raising two kids, I went to college to pursue my passion for education. For years, I’ve taught guitar and music to students of all ages, and I bring that same creativity and joy into my classroom. I love turning math problems into lightbulb moments and conversations into confidence boosters. Teaching isn’t just what I do—it’s how I inspire the next generation to discover their own passions.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my favorite teaching experiences was being selected to teach guitar to highly capable students in my district. It was amazing to merge my love of music and teaching, watching their confidence grow as they mastered chords and even wrote their own music. Moments like these remind me why I teach—not just to share knowledge, but to inspire creativity and self-belief. Whether it’s a simple “Oh, I get it!” or a big accomplishment, every moment in teaching feels rewarding.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d give my family a well-deserved vacation to create lasting memories together. I’d also work on paying off smaller debts, like our used vehicles and loans, to lighten our financial load. Since we bought a home two summers ago, I’d invest in much-needed repairs and improvements to create a more comfortable, safe space for my family. This opportunity would be life-changing, allowing us to focus on both our well-being and our future.