I became a teacher because when I was a student, I saw how just one teacher could make a life long positive impact on a single kid. I wanted to make that same impact on students. I knew by 10th grade that teaching is what I wanted to do and in the same community that I went to school in. Changing lives one child at a time and making a difference in a positive way is the goal every day.

After 12 years of teaching there are so many memorable experiences. With each year students and families became important parts of my teaching journey. The most memorable experience I have with my students to date is from 2020. In the height of the pandemic I went back to school for my masters in education. When I graduated I was surprised by families with a student from each year I had taught being present to celebrate me. Students were even in my graduation photos. Such a life time memory!

The logical answer? Pay off debt. The real answer? Living across the country from my entire family, I don’t get to see them as often as I would like and I certainly don’t get to see them all together. It would be nice to plan a trip with my family somewhere, where we can all be together for a memorable vacation. The teacher answer? Spend it on my students. Things like, treasure prizes, classroom library books, winter break and spring break gifts, and any other classroom supplies.