Tell us why you became a teacher

The reason I became a teacher is that I have always had a love of teaching others from a young age. I chose to give back to the community of learners because I had a few teachers that really understood how to help one, such as myself who has a learning disability. I want to help students understand that they can be anything they want to be with given support, hard work, and self perseverance. I truly do not want children to struggle, like I did growing up.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when my special education students, played the bucket drums in front of the parents at their winter performance last year. It was spectacular. Students who have social anxiety and disabilities got up on stage and listened to the rhythm and beat and play as one ensemble.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would help pay some of my Master debt off, give a little to our art program at my elementary school, and lastly, help my parents with what ever they need because they lost their home of 45 years in the recent Eaton fire, in Altadena.