I became a teacher because everyday is a chance to show students to be authentically yourself through music and arts. As a gay androgynous elementary teacher, I get to answer genuine student questions like: are you a boy or girl? Why do you sound like a boy? I get to show students TK-5 that no matter how you present yourself, its the community we create with our growth mindsets and through music/arts that we can all thrive in the classroom as well as in our world together.

My most memorable teaching experience was being able to communicate as well as play music with 2 students who are non-verbal and who have physical disabilities that prevent them from holding chords on the ukulele. Classmates would also volunteer to guide and help them use modifications of utilizing ukulele chord changers. Now years later, these 2 students are able to play along in performances with everyone on ukuleles. I get to witness their growth as learners and as musicians everyday.

I would like to split the 25,000 so that 12,500 will go back to the LA community, specifically to a families who have lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires. The other 12,500 will go towards my education, as I currently pursue my graduate degree. Thank you for your consideration!