Tammy Asanuma

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher as a second career. I wanted to do something impactful and meaningful after many years of working in a job with no future. I just had my daughter and thought about how much I enjoyed watching her learn new things and grow. Teaching has given me the chance to connect with thousands of students and watch them learn and grow.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when a student came back many years after my class and told me that I was a key person to save her life. She was considering suicide the year. I knew she was struggling and I spent many days having lunch with her, listening to her, and helping her talk through her feelings. I never knew she was thinking about suicide until she came back many years later. Teachers wear many hats and impacting students is the most memorable thing we can do.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would be so wonderful. I almost don’t even dare to dream what I’d do. I know a large portion would be used to help my daughter pay for PA school. I’d take my amazing husband on a little trip somewhere.