I always wanted to be a teacher! It sounds so clique as I write but its really true as a little girl I would set up my little classroom and there I was teaching the ABC's to my plushies. As I grew up I started finding that ever opportunity I gravitated to lead me to some kind of teaching. Ultimately the minute I stepped into my first room I knew that I had made the right decision. Exploring, guiding, learning from students was were my heart felt the most at home.

Last year, I taught a 2nd class that included 3 students on the autism spectrum, 1 with Down syndrome, and 2 with severe learning disabilities, all in one diverse, and inclusive classroom. It was a rewarding challenge to find ways to ensure every student was included in every project. Navigating those experiences and watching them succeed was unforgettable. The smiles on their faces when they held the published book we created together were truly beautiful and will stay with me forever.

Wow, this is a tough question because I’ve never really imagined having this kind of money. But if I were to dream, the first thing I’d do is pay off some of my teaching loans, just to breathe a sigh of relief and catch up on my payments. After that, I’d take my beautiful family on a mini vacation—maybe Disney World, which would be a dream for my children and my mom, who has sacrificed so much for us.