Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

From a young age I looked to adults in my life outside of my home for things like reassurance, care, advice, motivation, and kindness. Growing up in a home with zero space for the ability to be open and honest, have conversations that children should have with their parents, or even any expression of love, I knew I wanted to be that person for a child. Someone they can come to without fear of judgement, a safe space to be exactly who they are and a place they feel loved.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had one student who needed a lot of my attention and love one year. I could tell she was like me as a child, begging for someone to notice her outcries of help by acting out, getting into trouble with students, and talking back to adults. Every adult warned me and said she was “trouble” I put everything I had into getting to know that young woman. 6 years later she is still in my life. The day she told me she got into a high achieving high school program was my most memorable moment.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use $12,000 of it to get my masters degree. For years I’ve wanted to go back to school to be better for my students and continue my education, unfortunately I have to push my start date back every semester because I simply cannot afford to go back to school right now. I want nothing more than to get my degree in moderate disabilities and better support some of my students in the classroom. I would also love to take my students to Washington, D.C. a trip we don’t offer in my district.