Tell us why you became a teacher

My mom was a public school librarian so it runs in the family. When I was very young, I started babysitting and would hold pretend class with the kids in the neighborhood. When I got to middle school, I started coaching basketball and softball and loved the energy and enthusiasm from the kiddos. I started taking student teaching classes as soon as I could. It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment it sparked, but I am a full on flame now. I am doing exactly what I always wanted to do!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Watching students achieve and experience things they would have never had the opportunity to without field trips! We have taken field trips to the aquarium, multiple state parks, swimming lessons, stem centers, animal preserves, science museums and hope to visit so many more.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to help fund future field trips for my school! I am hoping to expose our scholars to valuable experiences without the weight of a fee, which prevents many from going. I would also use it for a new playground, landscaping, and murals on our campus.