Maria Delatorre

I became a teacher because my grandmother influenced me to do so. That was her passion but she was never able to go to school. My 7th grade science teacher made me fall in love with science. He made it fascinating, so that's what I wanted to do as well.

I cannot really select one. I have taught from preschool to high school alternative ed. My biggest moments are when I am able to turn a child around and make him a winner. Several others are when previous students email me to let me know that they owe their career to me, because I believed in them or encouraged them. Many have gone into STEM careers.

I only have two years left in teaching, although I might substitute after that. However, I would like to travel to places on my bucket list. I would love to visit Hawaii to see the volcano up close and go to the observatory. I would also want to see the Northern Lights. Perhaps I could do that in Ireland. Lastly, I would like to visit Spain, the land of my ancestors.