Tell us why you became a teacher

In middle school I was bullied in class and while walking home. I had no one come to my defense. It got so bad that I tried to take my life. Because I was sick with stomach issues, I was able to cover it as though I took extra medication. When I was away from school, I didn't have a teacher ask how I was doing nor did I have a teacher sense that something was going on with me. I knew that I wanted to go into education to be there for students that were being bullied or facing challenges in life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have run a classroom economy where students have a job and pay rent, electricity, water, gas, WiFi, & taxes. After paying their bills, they can buy items with their money that I buy with my own money. This memorable experience involved a student who was evicted and thousands in debt. Without me telling them or saying anything, the whole class came together on their own and donated money to him so he could pay all his bills. I was amazed by their generosity, care, and sacrifice for their peer.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Two years ago, I started a foundation that gives grants to schools to help start or maintain a current program to improve staff morale. I would use part of the money to donate to the foundation to go towards grants for schools. Another part, to be honest, will help pay down debt. Lastly, upon returning to teaching this year, I have been buying my own supplies for the classroom. Part of it would go to that and the items that I purchase for my classroom economy