Tell us why you became a teacher

I never felt any adult was rooting for me in elementary school. I set out to become an educator to be these kids personal cheerleader, to show them I will always care about them, and that I believe in them. I believe a strong bond creates confident students. I encourage mistakes and remind them that nobody is perfect. “Things don’t get easier, you get better”.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am only a third year teacher but the most memorable teaching experience I have had would be the parent emails I received at the end of last year. Parents would tell me that their child used to hate school and now they beg to go to school because of me. They would tell me how their child always talks about me and they would be amazed with all of the growth they have made. At the end of the past two years, my class and I would cry on the last day, while watching an “End of the Year” video I make

What would you do with the $25,000?

I recently lost a home this month and I have close family on disability leave. All of us are struggling with making ends meet. If I am lucky enough to win this money, I will use it to help myself and my family. Then, I plan to help those who have helped me during this hard time, as well as donate to St. Jude and local animal shelters. I also will get better educational supplies to benefit my students education during school.