Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the teachers I didn’t have. Most of my teachers never got to know me or made school engaging, and I often felt invisible. That changed in high school when a teacher made science fun, relatable, and understandable. More importantly, he built a relationship with me, making me feel seen and valued. I realized the impact one teacher can have and decided I wanted to be that kind of teacher, someone who connects with students and supports them when they need it most.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is seeing the look of gratitude on former students’ faces when they visit after promoting from middle school. They share their adventures, including self-reflections where they recognize past flaws, personal growth, and success stories like getting into college or landing a job. Hearing how they’ve grown and succeeded reminds me of the lasting impact of teaching and continues to inspire me. These moments are truly unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to benefit my students. Besides teaching science, I also am an advisor on my campus for MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement). I dream of transforming an available space into a mini engineering workspace or makerspace. This space would include tools, 3D printers, and other resources to inspire creativity and innovation, providing my students with hands-on learning opportunities to enhance their STEM education.