Growing up as an ESL student, I struggled because my teachers didn’t understand me, and my parents weren’t fluent in English. In high school, my biology and English teachers took the time to support me, working with me after school to help me succeed. Meanwhile, other teachers made no effort. Their kindness inspired me to become a teacher so I could support diverse students like me and ensure they never feel unheard or unsupported.

My most memorable teaching experience was creating a story about a Marshmallow Man who faces scary obstacles to teach physical and chemical changes. I brought the lesson to life with a skit, props, and sound effects, making it both engaging and educational. The students loved it and talked about it for the rest of the year. Seeing their excitement and understanding grow made it an unforgettable moment in my teaching journey.

If I had $25,000, I would use it to pay off my children’s college tuition and alleviate other financial burdens. Ensuring their education is covered would provide them with more opportunities for success while also giving my family financial peace of mind.