When I was younger, my home life wasn’t ideal, and school became my safe space. I had incredible teachers who showed genuine care, which helped me thrive academically and emotionally. Their support inspired me to become a teacher. I wanted to create a loving, safe environment for other children, so they too could feel valued and supported. When children know they are cared for, they feel more confident and motivated, leading to better performance in both their education and personal growth.

There are many moments I cherish as a teacher, but one of the first and most memorable was when a student returned to school after time in a mental health facility. As a middle schooler, she was struggling, and I simply hugged her and reassured her I was there for her. Over time, she turned her grades around, going from F’s to A’s in my class. She became my first student-centered “why,” reminding me of the power of compassion and the impact it has on a student's growth.

The biggest impact I have as a teacher is being a mom. My son, now a junior in high school, has witnessed my journey as a first-generation graduate and has learned the value of education through my example. As he prepares to embark on his own path to make a difference in the world, I would use the $25,000 to help pay for his college education. This way, he can pursue his dreams without the burden of college debt, something I didn’t have the opportunity to avoid.