Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make an impact and help struggling students. My son struggled and the gaps became bigger over the years as he underwent multiple heart transplants. He needed patience and encouragement from his peers and teachers to bloom rather than shut down. I made it my life goal to be each student's personal cheerleader, meeting them exactly where they were and building on the knowledge they had mastered.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was working with a student diagnosed with cancer. I would visit her regularly and provide a warm and engaging lesson built on things she could make a connection to. I encouraged her to take risks academically and emotionally with her peers while assuring her that she could do hard things. At the time of her passing, I received a letter from her mom extending gratitude for making her feel like a princess while teaching her complex concepts and life lessons.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With 25,000 dollars I would help my daughter to further her education. She often had to learn and grow on her own, as I was away for extended periods due to my son's heart issues. She has never lost sight of her goal to be a Nurse Practitioner and maintained a 4.0 in her nursing program. I would like to lighten her burden of student loans and show her that her fight has not been in vain.