Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Quite simply, I was saved by my teachers time and time again. Not only my teachers but my friend's parents who were teachers, coaches, administrators; each of whom saw something in me that gave me confidence to be the first high school and college graduate in my family. I'm here to be a bastion of unabashed belief in my students' abilities and prospects. I am here to open as many doors as possible.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It’s hard to pick one experience. I think I can explain the common thread between the memories that stand out. It is always about the student blowing me away with their genius. Funny quips, incredibly creative writing, vulnerability, mastering a difficult concept, it’s an electricity only known when shared. I live for those experiences.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to update my office in my home. I need a place to store all of the books I own and tranquil place to write, plan, and reflect on the important work I do day in and day out. I would also like to use some of the money to update my classroom library. I have thousands of books but as the years roll forward some become out of date or rotation. I would love to modernize my library and how the library in my classroom is set up. I would probably pay off some debt, responsibly.