Tell us why you became a teacher

I never imagined going to college or knowing what I’d do with my life. But one summer, working as a camp counselor, I saw how much of a difference I could make for kids, and it gave me a purpose. It led me to the classroom, where I could continue impacting lives. My love for basketball also inspired me, as I dreamed of coaching and mentoring young athletes. Teaching became my path to help others while pursuing my passions.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments happened during a book report project. One of my students chose to create a movie clip inspired by the book The Unwanteds. He was so excited about the project that he decided to send his video to the book's author. To our surprise and delight, a few weeks later, the author responded to him! Not only did the author praise the creativity and effort that went into the video, but she also shared it on her official website. It was unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would upgrade my classroom with better technology and a more engaging environment. I’d also invest part of the money to strengthen my financial foundation for future needs. Lastly, I’d love to travel to places tied to literature or history, enriching my personal life and the stories I share with my students.