Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my of my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Dahl. She instilled a love of learning and made me feel special and important when I was in her class. When I was trying to figure out my major, I remembered her and the impact she had on my life. I chose to major in education and I’ve loved being a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There have been so many memorable moments. My most memorable was when I testified in court for one of my students. She wanted to live with her dad but her mom was fighting for custody. She was too afraid to say anything so I spoke for her. I read a letter that she wrote to the court explaining her living situation with her mom. After the trial her mom thanked me for standing up for her daughter. She said that because of my testimony she went into rehab and had been sober for months.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay of my student loans and take my family on a trip to thank them for always supporting me.