Everyone told me I was a "natural leader" as a kid, but I didn't believe them until I started to lead a summer camp. I enjoyed being an organized facilitator and making plans, seeing them through, and watching how happy I could make people with my ideas and creativity. This is what eventually led me to major in education and dance. My parents were both incredible teachers (my dad was a 7th grade science teacher who got us hooked on Bill Nye) so I learned a lot by watching them do their thing!

Bringing a group of high school students to Los Angeles to train, learn, and experience more of the world than their small little state of FL. It was unbelievable to watch them see new things and train with some of the best teachers in the dance industry. They got the opportunity to perform on the Santa Monica Pier and put their feet in the Pacific Ocean. This was all weeks before the world shut down from COVID. Unfortunately, my students haven’t been able to take a trip since this one in 2020.

I would help pay off my debt so hopefully I can continue to afford to teach. I am in a place where paying my bills has become very difficult with a FL teacher's salary. I LOVE my job but am not sure how much longer I can sustain it without a living wage.