Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was seven years old and I never had a second thought. As I went through my school career I saw first hand what a huge difference a good teacher could make. I knew that I wanted to be one of those “good” teachers who took the time and made real connections with students. Knowing I could be the only positive interaction a child may have that day or the only smile they are met with…. That’s my why.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I could tell about how a child threw up in my shoes or another stabbed me with scissors so hard they stayed upright, but those are single glaring incidents. To me the most memorable is something less entertaining but more meaningful.A kindergartener came to me with drugstore glasses covered in tape and filth. Each day I’d clean and retape them. Behind the scenes I worked to get him new proper fitted and prescription glasses, watched as he finally saw our school and the world for the first time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Last April my father in law was ran over on his motorcycle in a hit and run in Cape Coral Florida. The details are so beyond awful. Within a matter of days we packed up my mother in law and moved her to Indiana into our home. I’ve watched as hospital bills, private investigator, and lawyer bills add insult to injury in this trying time. With an ongoing investigation and lawsuit I’d like to help lessen her burden so she can focus on grieving and healing without the added stress of bills.