When I started having a family, I realized that my child's education meant a tremendous amount to me as a parent. Then it hit me, "imagine if I could not only help my child with their education but a multitude of children." That was my drive, helping others. I fell in love with education, the entire aspect of helping a student grow consumed my thoughts. I strive to be the best teacher possible for them so that we will have a better future!

My first year teaching was a whirl wind of getting use to everything. All of the pressure, all of the changes in how students learn, all of the students that have different needs that I was not prepared for. I was overwhelmed and felt alone. I sat down at my desk during their technology time and cried. I will never forget the student who came up to me during this "break down". She hugged me and said in the sweetest voice, "it's okay Maggard, you need a sticker."

Keavy Elementary is where my grandparents, mom and dad, my brother and myself attended. Me and my mother teach here and my children attend school here. I would apply some of it to my school to improve a few things. We are in a very small school with very little funding. I would like to apply a small amount to my 3 children's college funds. They are very smart and deserve the brightest future possible! With $25,000 I would make sure that it benefitted everyone that I love so much.