Kristen Soriano

Tell us why you became a teacher

I’ve always loved working with kids. After college, I worked in a kids club at my local gym. I loved interacting with them and getting to know them and their parents. I realized that I can truly make a difference in their lives. I realized that we as adults have a truly significant impact on how these students grow up. I wanted to go into a career that would allow me to teach others invaluable life skills as well as kindness, empathy, and compassion. I knew teaching would be that career.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a new student my third year of teaching. I was teaching in a private school and those students had known each other since kindergarten. This student had a particularly hard time adjusting and getting to know his new classmates. This student and I had a conversation in which he opened up to me about missing his old school and friends. After I reassured him that of course he’ll miss it, I let him know that we are here for him and love him just as much. He gave me the biggest hug after!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would save it to pay for my future wedding. My boyfriend and I are both teachers so that money would be really helpful in mitigating the cost. We want a big wedding :)