Eric Duggan

I became a teacher to pay it forward. I was a troubled teen with no outlet and no one to support me. I had one teacher and a guidance counselor who really made me feel like they were there to help me as much as they could. I try my best every chance I get to do the same for the kids that I encounter on a daily basis. It is a hard working job, but the reward I get for making an impact on our youth is something that I take great pride in.

It’s truly the best when former students come back to visit and share how much fun they had. It really shows how much of a lasting impact teachers can have on their students. One memory that stands out is with a student who struggled with insecurity. I encouraged them to join my volleyball team, and after some ups and downs—wanting to quit but then pushing through—they participated in a volleyball tournament. They did an amazing job and are now playing on their middle school volleyball team.

I would first use some of the money for our schools equipment for our gym. We did not get any more funding for the volleyball team, so I would use it to start up another sports team at our school!