Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because, frankly I'm a natural. I wanted to be able to connect with students who needed a solid, loving, caring adult in their life. I wanted to be the teacher that every student remembers because of the safe place, the fun times, the genuine love shown and memories made. I wanted to have the class family that I had as a child and still hold those dear friends. When all of that is established, students will learn and grow anywhere! Those students change lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my favorite memories is when a 5 year old student called me Ms. Boxes because that's what he heard in the pronunciation of Ms. Vazquez. The others started calling me that and it's a story I tell to many students. I have had a proud 5 year old student say, "I got it! Redtangle, Bluetangle!" (For rectangle and understanding shapes.)

What would you do with the $25,000?

Living in California, as a single mom, and my 88 year old widowed mother living with me is tough. I would pay off orthodontics bills, college debt for my boys, finally get a newer car and a new roof after the California wind and fire crisis.