I always wanted a purpose in life, and I realized early on that the people who inspired me most were my teachers. They showed me that no matter my background, my dreams were possible. Now, as a teacher, my goal is to be that same inspiration for my students—to show them they can accomplish anything, no matter where they come from. More than anything, I want to inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and be amazing people at heart.

Teaching during COVID was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career. My students were in Kinder then and despite the struggles of virtual learning, we built an unbeatable bond. Three years later, I had the privilege of being their third-grade teacher, watching them grow and thrive. Those 26 students will always hold a special place in my heart. They inspired me to be the best teacher I could be. Every struggle was worth it because they reminded me why I love teaching.

As a teacher, I pour my heart—and so much of my own money—into my classroom, so a portion would go toward giving my students the best learning experience possible. But more than that, I want to give back. Every year, I help teachers by purchasing items from their wishlists, and this would make those gift backs even bigger. I’d also like to use it to support my school, ensuring students and teachers have what they need. This isn’t just for me—it’s for the entire teaching community.