Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up as a child without my mom, I was told stories about my mom's legacy as a teacher. I always looked up to her as a kid but wanted a different path in life. As I was taking college courses, I signed up for a child development class where I had to do child observations. After my first observation, I felt so overwhelmed with a sense of passion and love for this career. I immediately called my counselor and changed my career to follow my dreams and passion of becoming a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was working with a student who had never received higher than an F on a test. I gave him my time and effort in working with him and told him that he WILL succeed and pass his next test. We worked together for countless hours studying and I realized that being a teacher isn't just about curriculum, it's about showing up for your students and believing in them, so they believe in themselves. I will always remember that I can change the world with love and support.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would pay off my student loans from college and begin saving for a home. I am 26 years old and currently tutoring after school hours to make extra money. This would give me the chance to truly change my life and show up for myself in a way that I sometimes forget too because of the debt I am currently paying off. It would allow me to not stress about money as much as I am right now.