Estefania Olid

Tell us why you became a teacher

From a young age, I was drawn to teaching, giving “lectures” to my toys, blending lessons with stories. By 15, I tutored math, English, and Spanish in Spain, witnessing the profound impact teachers have. Hearing students share how I inspired them, like one saying I radiate positivity, keeps me motivated. My goal is to empower students to carry that positivity with them, creating change in the classroom and beyond. Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a passion to make a lasting difference.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was during the last class of the year in my AP Spanish Lit and Culture class.I asked my students to write the name of the author, story, and literary period for every work we’d studied. As they filled the board with over 50 titles, a powerful moment unfolded.They stepped back and realized how much they’d learned;not just in knowledge, but in growth.It was then they understood they were ready for the exam, and the pride in their eyes was unforgettable

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would use part of it to travel to Spain to reconnect with my roots. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen my family, and this journey would be both meaningful and inspiring. Additionally, I’d allocate funds to return to India, where I worked last year with the non-profit organization Links. My time there was transformative, and I would love to organize educational field trips for the students I formed bonds with, giving them enriching experiences outside the classroom.