I became a teacher because I love what I do and can't see myself doing anything else. Over the past twelve years, I've experienced highs and lows, but the moment a student grasps something they once thought was impossible makes it all worth it. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing that I played a role in that keeps me motivated, no matter the challenges I face.

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was taking students to the Galapagos and Ecuador for a biodiversity study. Over 11 days, I watched them step out of their comfort zones. They snorkeled with sharks, rafted in the Amazon, and tried new foods, all while gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the world around them. Seeing their curiosity grow and their perspectives expand made this journey unforgettable and reinforced the power of experiential learning.

If I were to win the $25,000, I would invest in my future by pursuing an educational doctorate degree to expand my knowledge to better serve my students. I would also use a part of the award to travel to gain new perspectives that I can use to enrich my teaching. I'd also likely invest some of it so that it can help me maintain financial stability.