I have always wanted to be a teacher and was fortunate to have incredible teachers growing up. I believe in the transformative power of education. My goal is to help every student see their worth and discover their potential. I want my classroom to be a safe space where students feel loved, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals. It’s not just about academics but about helping students find their voice and confidence in a world that sometimes feels too big for them.

At the start of the year, I had a student who was incredibly shy, rarely speaking or making eye contact. I made it my mission to create a space where he felt safe, valued, and heard. I found opportunities for him to share in ways he felt comfortable. The first time he raised his hand, his face lit up when he answered correctly. By the end of the year, he was eager to participate and greeted me with a hug each morning - a complete transformation from the boy who once hesitated to say hello.

If I won the $25K prize, I would use it to help cover any unpaid medical bills my family has. I would donate to the TSC Alliance and the IgA Nephropathy Foundation to support my siblings who are impacted by these diseases. I would also fund my classroom, ensuring my students have everything they need (healthy snacks, supplies, etc.) Finally, I would find a way to help support families in need due to poverty.