It’s hard to pick out one moment in time as the most memorable experience, but I’d have to say the moments in time when my 4th graders find the confidence that I knew was there all along. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or even when they take the stage for a dance recital they’ve told me about all year, seeing my kiddos crush their goals and the smile behind their eyes as they tell me about it, those are the memories that I cherish.

I would put some of the money directly back into my classroom. I would put some money towards my student loans that allowed to become the teacher that I am today. Finally, I would use just a little bit of money to treat my family and I to some much needed quality time as they have supported not only me, but every one of my students.