Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

As a young girl, I would sit my twin sister down and pretend teach. When I went to college, I kept coming back to the calling. Eventually, I took education classes and quickly found out that I excelled. It came naturally to me, and my heart was happy. I’ve been teaching for 25 years, and every year I feel like I get better and better. It keeps me alive, and I’m a better person because of it.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Sometimes we make a profound impact on students even though we don’t teach them. This year, a teacher friend of mine messaged me and said that a 5th grade student wanted to talk to me. I had her send him to me. I was at the copier during my plan time. I didn’t know the student. I asked him what was up. He said he just wanted to talk to me because the first time he met me, he wasn’t feeling his best. Afterwards, his mood changed, and he felt better. He remembered that feeling and needed my help.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I wish I could say I would do something fun, but I would pay off some debt first. I would put some away for my daughter’s college, she is currently a Junior. With whatever is left, I would fix things around the house. I currently don’t have a working AC. It’s ok now, but come June, I’m going to need it. I need new floors in my kitchen and floor trim. Basically, I would use it for necessities. I know it’s boring, but every day I wish I could just win the lottery :)