Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always wanted to work where I can make the biggest impact and affect some positive change in the world. I started out my career in the zoo field because of my love for animals and passion for conservation. While I enjoyed my time working with animals, I found my happiest moments came when I was teaching about wildlife and sparking a love for the natural world in others. I decided to shift my career trajectory to align my skills with my passion and find my life’s calling: teaching science.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a very quiet student in one of my largest classes. Science was not the subject she was most confident in. Everyday, she would have several questions for me and we would work through each problem as I encouraged her that she could do it. When the end of the year came, I found a note from her on my desk thanking me and telling me how much my help meant to her and made her feel like she could really do hard things. I will always remember how even the small things can have the biggest impacts.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to pay off child adoption fees for my wife and I to start our family together. I would use the remaining money to help run community events to raise funds and supplies for local non-profits in my area.