I have had a dream of teaching for as long as I can remember. I remember sitting in one of my education classes in college and looking around and wondering if anybody felt like they were going to come out of their skin like I did. I could not wait to be able to come up with fun and exciting ideas to teach kids. I have always wanted to be a role model, but as I began to teach, I fell more and more in love with getting to know the hearts of kids and teaching them life skills in every area.

One of my favorite memories comes from my first year of teaching when I had the grand idea to have a “marshmallow war” as I was teaching World War I. I neglected to think about the aftermath, so as the kids were walking out of my classroom with marshmallows, sticking between their shoes and the carpet, I realized that in that moment, I would be learning a lesson that would last throughout my career. Those kids are now in their mid 30s, and they still bring that up more than any other experience!

I would love to use the money to pay off the debt. I have a one year-old, as I got married late in life, so things are piling up! I have been blessed with so many amazing parents and people in my life who have given me more than I could ever ask for in my classroom. However, I always have ideas for projects that I would like to do. I would also love to take a trip with my husband since we are up to our ears in baby right now!