Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to make a difference and advocate for student with diverse needs in order to show the world their capabilities. I have been doing this for four years now and I can happily say that it has been more impactful on my life than anything. Seeing joy in the little moments make teaching worth it!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who had just gotten an eye gaze device and she was able to tell me she loved me and from that moment on I knew that teaching centralized special education was somewhere I belonged. Some days are hard but the good outweigh the hard and it’s the students and every small victory that make the memories.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would first try and pay off the rest of my student loans from my advance degrees while also use it for more functional life skills activities and supplies for my students in order to start at an early age with independent skills. I would also try and use it for experience field trips to go to a restaurant or somewhere to work on social skills and money concept. I believe having community based instruction is so important.