Tell us why you became a teacher

Throughout my educational and foundational life journeys, I have been guided by some of the most selfless educators. They’re everyday people, selfless beings. These educators became part of the village that raised me and held me up as I worked tirelessly to become an educator. I would not be who I am as a human (let alone an educator) without them. It seemed only right that I do my best to fill their shoes and repay them by becoming a loving, dedicated, and humane educator.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experiences come from witnessing the growth in my scholars. It’s hearing a student who once hated reading, opening up, engaging in deep discussions, and/or writing catch even the smallest spark. It’s watching a shy student muster the courage to speak in front of the whole class for the first time voluntarily. And it’s the pride I feel when one of my kids challenges themselves to grow throughout the year. These moments bring me endless joy.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would set aside the necessary money for materialistic classroom resources (notebooks, pencils, tissues, etc.), create scholarships, and fund mentorship programs for the next three years. I would invest in properly working Chromebooks for my grade level (at least). I would pay off my grandmother's home as she has sacrificed so much to raise me. I would pay off my student loans for my educational degree. I would finally be able to create a savings account that I did not have to pull from.