Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

As I took Spanish classes in college, I really loved that I was learning more about my own heritage and culture. I changed majors from Psychology to Secondary Education/Spanish because I wanted to pass my love for Spanish on to my students, and have been doing so for 22 years.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It's difficult to pick just one. Every single time I have been going through difficult times, like a death in the family or when I was diagnosed with cancer, my students have shown me so much love through both words and actions. Sometimes adults really could use a moment to step back and look at how kids and young adults show kindness and compassion so naturally. I love the relationships that I have built through teaching.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of it to finally try to visit Cuba. Both of my parents were from Cuba and it's at the top of my bucket list to someday see where they grew up and lived. It's a dream of mine that hopefully I can someday fulfill. I would love it if somehow I could also bring a group of students on this once in a lifetime trip.