Tell us why you became a teacher

"I became a teacher because I know what feeling invisible is like. As a first-generation graduate, I faced a world where education wasn’t promised. I was blessed to have had a community of people who believed in me when I couldn't even believe in myself. Now, I teach to inspire every student to see their worth and endless potential. My mission is simple: to show my students that they can achieve greatness no matter the circumstances of how their story begins, what matters is how it ends.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My favorite moment? When a student who has struggled for years finally sees their true potential. The pride in their eyes when it finally clicked and now could understand their worth - There’s nothing like it. That moment reminded me why I teach: to empower every student, no matter their background, to believe in themselves and rise above any challenge. That’s what makes teaching not just a job, but a calling."

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would invest in my future and the futures of countless students by starting a nonprofit dedicated to providing experiences they would otherwise possibly never have. From cultural trips to career workshops, this fund would open doors to the world beyond the classroom. Education isn’t just about textbooks—it's about real-world exposure. I want to inspire my students to dream bigger and build futures that break barriers, and generational curses."