Tell us why you became a teacher

I switched careers from zookeeper, to vet tech, and now vet science teacher. Teaching allows me to share my career experience to future animal care workers. I am also helping students discover a career they can be passionate about. What’s crazy is I’m teaching the class I used to take as a student. I feel like I’m completing the circle and now inspiring students like my teacher did me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

What I remember most is all my student's “aha” moments. My student who struggled to trim a dog’s nails due to fear of hurting the animal now confidently trimming away. My student, terrified of the snake, suddenly holding it for the first time and with a smile on their face. And my students visiting from college and above coming to say how much my class helped them prepare for college or the workforce.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Paying the bills is always a plus. However, the rest of the money will go to my savings for a trip to Africa. Having worked with hippos, hyenas, antelope, and other African wildlife I would love to finally see them in their natural habitat.