Tell us why you became a teacher

Coming home from college, as a young man with an Associate of Science degree in Pre-Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics; it was difficult to find a compatible field of employment. I thus began substitute teaching. From this, I entered a Teaching program in which I was able to train as a teacher while also working to attain my Master’s degree in Elementary Education. With my background & experience, I found my deepest passion to be High School Mathematics.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

While teaching 5th grade, my parents forgot my birthday. When I arrived at school that day, I felt horrible, even to tears. When my students arrived to my classroom that morning, they showered me with birthday wishes, homemade birthday cards, and gift bags of candy. As if I hadn’t cried enough that morning, I was so overjoyed I couldn’t help but burst into tears of joy. I still have some of those cards and gifts.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would donate/invest in an afterschool tutoring program to ensure that our students not only receive the education they deserve, but to also ensure they are fed while learning & clothed for the winter times. I would also create a service scholarship in honor of my late friend who volunteered much of his time to the boys and girls club, & would even donate pizzas to the local boys’ correctional facility so they had a semblance of Christmas cheer whilst away from their families.