Tell us why you became a teacher

At the end of my freshman year of high school, my school asked for volunteers to help at a program called Operation F.U.N, which ran throughout the summer. It was a camp for individuals with special needs, ages 3-60+. After the first day, I fell in love with the people and found my niche. At that moment I decided to become a special education teacher. I continued volunteering in that program throughout my high school years and continued for my degree in special education. It was my dream.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching in a private school for individuals with severe disabilities and I was able to get a student that was non verbal use an icon to request her favorite toy!! It was an amazing feeling to see her make that connection.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some to pay for advocacy for individuals with special needs to help them get the services they need. I’d also pay some of my student loans.