Tell us why you became a teacher

In all honesty, I became a teacher because the career I was in was becoming very dangerous and very negative. I was tired of feeling like I was spinning my wheels and not making any difference in my community, and I wanted to make an impact in a different way. So...I took a deep breath and made the decision to be brave and go back to school, where I had not been in years. I also wanted my daughters to see that it doesn’t matter where you are in life, you can always make a change.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my old job, I was literally NEVER appreciated. Like…never. And I was really good at my job. Well, my first year of teaching, I was shocked by the love and appreciation I was shown by my students. The little notes and cards they would write, detailing the way I helped them learn or the way I made them feel good because I smiled at them or made a funny joke in a difficult time…..it was at that time I learned just how important my new career was and how much those kids impacted me!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my family of four on a vacation to show them how much I appreciate all the love and support they have given me over the past few years with my huge career change. I could not have made such a big, positive transition without all of their encouragement.