I was 24 hours away from going to a conservatory for acting. I changed my mind on decision day from a story I heard about my grandfather. Both of my grandparents were teachers and my Pop Pop had a class from 1964 who found my Pop Pop at 90 years old and hosted a dinner in honor of him as recognition for all the wisdom he had lent them when they were 11. I knew if I could inspire or touch a life to help motivate and create authenticity that’s what I wanted to do.

My first year I spent hours making content to try to inspire and motivate my students during COVID. I had one student, who just didn’t like school. He felt that it “just wasn’t his thing”. We became so close, forming a relationship and working ways to motivate him, building confidence in his skills/strengths. He said to me, “Miss Mangine you’re the only one who has ever made school fun for me, thank you for believing in me”. That’s why I love to do what I do. Because of students like him.

I have 3 jobs to just pay rent, my student loans, and bills that I’ve been caught in from various health reasons. If I had $25,000 I could get out of debt, invest the rest, and help out my family and students. It would be a fundamental start to start my life.