I was inspired to become a teacher by my amazing second-grade teacher, who was a role model to me and made a lasting impact on my life. I chose to specialize in special education because of my brother, who was in special education. Seeing the positive difference his teachers made in his life motivated me to pursue this path. I wanted to provide the same support and encouragement to students with special needs, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.

My most memorable teaching experience isn’t just one moment but a journey with a particular student. In my program, I’m lucky to spend three years with my students, and this one had a challenging start. But over time, their growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Some days, I reflect on how far they’ve come and feel grateful to be part of their journey. Seeing their progress, both big and small, has been inspiring, reminding me why I love teaching and the impact we can have.

$25,000 would be truly life-changing. I could pay off a significant portion of my student loans, invest in resources for my classroom, and save the rest to help start the family my new husband and I dream of building.