Tell us why you became a teacher

I started teaching as a substitute preschool teacher in 2016 while I was in dental assisting school. After working part-time for several months, I realized I met personal fulfillment in this career path, and created strong bonds with my students. I switched career paths to get an education in Early Childhood Education. Along with my college courses, I completed a variety of ECE workshops to provide a developmental education, encourage natural curiosity, and instill a love for learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments is when I had a new student who was struggling to adjust to his first time in preschool. Drop offs were difficult for him, but on this morning, he walked himself in calmly and came to sit with me. His mother kissed him goodbye, and I could tell he was on the verge of tears. We started coloring together and talking about how his morning was. Creating a comfortable/safe atmosphere is one of my main goals with each student, and this moment made me feel successful.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would help me pay off my student loans, add and update school supplies, and help me comfortably stay in the ECE field. I strongly agree with research that the toddler and preschool years are extremely important in setting children up for success throughout life. Although the pay for this field struggles to keep up with the cost of living, I have sacrificed financial stability in order to stay with my students and be a caring adult in their lives.