The first day I walked into a classroom during my student teaching, I felt like I was home. Teaching is an extraordinary career and I chose this career to give back to the teachers who made a difference in my life when I felt alone and unmotivated. I want to be that beacon of hope for my students and to inspire them to want to make a difference in the lives of those they touch.

So many. I had a student who I encouraged to apply for an academic scholarship. He had not been in school for two years and thought he only wanted to work in his uncle’s auto shop. After a few months in our program and inspiration through our career planning class, he decided he wanted to go to community college after he received his diploma. Our school awarded him the top scholarship of 1500.00. He phoned me later to thank me for encouraging him to go to college.

I’d like to start a scholarship fund at our school that specifically comes from our teachers. Currently, our National Guard awards scholarships, but I’d like a special scholarship recognition from our teachers.