Tell us why you became a teacher

I was raised by a teacher, and from an early age, I was immersed in the world of education. I loved helping my mom set up her classroom and watching her passion for teaching. Seeing the impact she had on her students inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Over time, I developed a deep love for education and the connections it fosters. After college, I realized teaching wasn’t just a career, it was my calling, and I knew I would find joy and purpose in it for years to come.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was helping a struggling student who suffered from anxiety and was failing multiple classes. I helped her get organized, created a portfolio of assignments, and motivated her to improve. She passed all her classes, and at graduation, she was a more confident person. In a heartfelt letter, she thanked me for helping her see her own potential, reminding me why I became a teacher in the first place.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would finally be able to make a down payment on my first home, a goal I’ve been working toward for years. Homeownership represents stability and a milestone I’ve dreamed of achieving, and this opportunity would bring me one step closer to making it a reality.