Tell us why you became a teacher

I am a music educator who was inspired to become a teacher by my mother. Growing up, I watched her teach countless students how to play the piano in our home. I saw how much she truly enjoyed sharing her love of music and how much her students loved learning from her. Over the years, I had wonderful experiences with my own music teachers and it just always seemed like a career path I wanted.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have so many memorable teaching experiences! If I had to choose one, I would say the experience of any one of our concerts. Seeing the pride and sense of accomplishment, after months of hard work and learning, on the faces of my students is a feeling like no other. Teaching music truly teaches so many other things like collaboration, connection, communication, and creativity. It gives them the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, and it is amazing to experience with them

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest some of it into my own school program, like instrument repair and purchase. I would also pay some of my student loans and get caught up on bills.