I became a teacher because I admired my own teachers and how they made learning come alive for myself and my classmates. I wanted to work with children and help them build understanding of the world around them, fall in love with learning, and support them as they worked toward their goals. I wanted to see the lightbulbs go off as students understood new concepts, and I wanted to help them follow their own passions and explore their interests.

My students mean the world to me. I work hard to get to know each child and their family and I make sure my students know how much they mean to me. I teach in NY now, but I taught in Los Angeles for 7 years. I've flown to CA many times to see my third grade students as they graduate from high school. For many, they are the first in their family to graduate. There is nothing more memorable than cheering on my "kids" as they reach this amazing milestone in their lives.

One of my former third graders is attending college at UCLA. I flew to CA for her high school graduation two years ago and I hope to be at her college graduation. Her father was tragically killed when she was in high school, so being there for her for these big events is extra important to me. $25,000 would ensure I can be there to support her as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma. The rest I would save for my own children, to help with their college educations in the future.