I’ve always been drawn to working with adolescents, whether through teaching color guard or supporting them in mental health settings. These experiences taught me how to communicate with teenagers as equals—earning their respect, building trust, and ultimately helping them grow. I became a teacher because I wanted to take that connection further, guiding students not just in academics but in life.

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher was when a former student returned—not just to visit, but as an educator herself. I ran into her in the hallway, and the moment we saw each other, it was instant tears of happiness. I never realized just how much of an impact I had until that day, when she poured out kindness and gratitude for the role I played in her journey. Moments like these remind me why I love teaching- building a support system they can always return to.

I am a stepmother doing my best to walk in their mother Jenny’s footsteps. After she passed away from breast cancer, I made a promise to honor her by ensuring her boys grow up with love, stability, and every opportunity to succeed. This support would help me invest in their college education and relieve financial burdens on our family, such as an emergency surgery. Due to this, the financial burden is high for my family and this would help reset our lives for a better outcome.