Tell us why you became a teacher

I migrated to the USA when I was eight years old. School and life was very different over there, total culture shock when I arrived here. It took over a year to start to adapt and a major part of that adaptation I owe it to Mr. Arturo Alvarez, who I’ve never personally been able to thank, he moved out of my current district. He was my fourth grade teacher, he inspired me, I loved him so much. I always wanted to be like him, make students feel welcomed, cared for and loved.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was when I organized my students art and crafts projects at their desks and around the classroom for back to school night. The classroom looked like a mini art gallery by showcasing their hard work. The excitement on their faces as each of them came in that night was priceless! It gave them ownership of the classroom. Moments like this remind me why I love teaching!

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a teacher who always struggles to save up and loves to travel with her young family on time off from work, all I can say is; “that is a lot of extra money!” Once I’ve heard that traveling and spending time with loved ones is inverting in yourself and that is what I try to do on three day weekends, holidays and vacation. Work is my life, but my family is the most important of all, and I wouldn’t be who I am if I wasn’t trying to be a role model for my three young children.