Tell us why you became a teacher

I was inspired to become a teacher because of my mother's experience with education. Her family came to the U.S in search of opportunities. Through education my mom was able to build a better life for herself. I also pursued education because of my own love for learning. By being a teacher I hope to help others build better lives and become life long learners.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After hearing student interest about learning videography and photography I designed a media arts class for 8th graders. I wrote grants in order to buy cameras for my school brought in a local artist to help. After a semester of learning my students made short documentaries of their choice. I inquired with SFMOMA about screening their documentaries there. It was my favorite moment as a teacher to see my students so proud share their work on a big screen in an important space.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the prize money I would be able to rent an art studio to continue my own arts practice and buy camera equipment to begin making my own documentary about the state of education in the U.S. I strongly feel making my own art helps me to be a better art teacher. I am constantly faced with the same challenges and successes my students are. My documentary is an idea I've had since beginning my media arts class. Investigating and showing the current and future state of education is critical.