Stacy Mayrén

Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a professional musician my whole life. But then, in college, an accident shattered my wrist and my dreams and I didn't know what to do. I got the opportunity to teach abroad, and I loved it! I was pretty good at getting my students excited for learning. I earned my teaching license and have been sharing my love of learning and trying new things ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a very hard student, one that seemed to enjoy causing trouble and didn't enjoy doing work. One day after school they told me that their parents were splitting up, and they fought all the time, and that they were so glad that I was their teacher because they could tell that I loved them. It made me really feel a sense of purpose and pride in my work, and reminded me that leading with love is always the answer.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'm unclear on if this money is for me personally or for me to use for my students. If this is to use for my students, I would use the money to purchase a piano lab for my school because so many students want to learn but we have no money to buy the necessary instruments. If the money is for my personal use, then I would use it to travel to experience music around the world that I could use to enhance my knowledge and expertise as a music teacher.