When I was getting my Biology degree, many peers and professors told me that I should go into teaching. I didn't like the idea at first. I happened to be teaching a Biology lab at the time, and after helping one of the students, they told me that no one had ever helped them to understand something in such an easy manner. It was in that moment that I realized that I had a gift for teaching. I realized that helping others in life was all that I really wanted to do.

My most memorable teaching experience is a collection of many similar scenarios. I've made it a point to include frog dissection every year since my first year of teaching. Most students in my district don't get to experience this. I've had multiple students return to me, after graduation, and share how that dissection experience spurred them on to pursue a medical degree. What warms my heart the most is that they love helping others in their jobs.

I would make five separate $5,000 funds, each generating a 5% to 10% return. These five funds will be used annually to: 1) Provide a $250 - $500 scholarship for a student entering higher education 2) Provide a $250 - $500 scholarship for a student entering a trade school 3) Use $250 - $500 for classroom science needs, materials and upgrades 4) Use $250 - $500 to subsidize for field trips and guest speakers 5) Use $250 - $500 for curriculum-based community outreach opportunities for my students