Hagen schaefer

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was blessed with the most supportive and loving role models- family members, teachers, coaches, and community members. Growing up, they pushed me to be my best and always believed in and supported me in all of my endeavors. I’ve had always had a genuine love for children, and I felt a personal calling to become a teacher so that I can provide that same experience to children and give back to the community what they so graciously gave me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Unfortunately, I had a student whose parent passed away. He was really struggling with the loss of his father. One day I pulled him aside, and let him vent and cry in my arms. I told him that his father would be so proud of him and that he could achieve ANYTHING he set his mind to. Fast forward a couple months to the end of the year. I had the students write about their favorite memory from first grade, and when I read his response, he wrote “when Miss Schaefer told me she believed in me.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am getting married in April of this year, and I would use the money to go directly towards the down payment for a home.