My high school Spanish teacher inspired me. I realized in college I was naturally good at tutoring others, and it is due to my teacher who pushed me to get help after school and later help others after school as I became more proficient in the subject. I realized early on the best reward is watching others grasp and get excited about what I teach. I have made thousands of connections and changed lives. Even those that do not excel in the subject, I know they will learn compassion and work ethic.

My most memorable experience is when I ran into a previous student after he graduated. He told me failing my class was the best thing that happened to him because he had to stay after to work on his grade. During that time, he told me about his dad passing and his hardships. I asked him his passions, and he told me he loved cars. I then made a call and got him a job working with race cars. He reminded me that our impact as teachers is bigger than just a classroom. We truly change lives.

I would call a financial advisor and seek advice how I can invest the money, followed by an attorney to start a Scholarship Travel Fund. I would hope the money grows, and I can pull from it to benefit my students on future summer abroad trips. I feel morally that the money should be used towards education being it is rewarded for being a favorite educator. I have taught 17 years thus far and have another 18 to inspire high school students to see the world and broaden their horizons.