Tell us why you became a teacher

One of my most memorable moments was helping my best friend graduate high school by breaking down math and science concepts for a high-stakes exam in a way he could understand, turning his struggles into success. That experience sparked my passion for teaching, leading me to a college tutoring job where I continued to support countless students facing similar challenges. Even as a scientist, my love for teaching persisted as I trained colleagues, ultimately guiding me to be a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience happened in 2022 when I set up a chemistry lab to discover the differences between physical vs chemical changes. I had picked out 5 different interesting mini-experiments where students where going to rotate through and conduct to determine the differences. Their reactions in class, seeing each experiment was priceless, as they were amazed at the science and it sparked great conversations. Students were so invested in asking questions and learning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would ease some living expenses and debt, reducing financial stress so I can focus on teaching. I’d also continue providing classroom supplies and small prizes to keep my students engaged and motivated. Every year, I invest in creating a fun and meaningful learning environment (especially when purchasing supplies for science labs), and this support would allow me to do so without financial strain, ensuring my students have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.