Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to empower students with an understanding that education is the greatest asset in one's toolbox of opportunity. I am privileged when I am able to share my personal experiences during my educational journey with my students. I am able to express to my students that my positive academic experiences were just as important as my negative academic experiences. The opportunity to teach students of all ages will always be a special memory in my heart.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my community college teaching years (2005 - 2020) I would tell my students that the only difference between myself and all of you is that I have a set of keys and a little more educational experience than you at this time. One day I might be your fellow coworker, classmate or even my manager or boss. To this day, I currently work with some of my past students at Disneyland and one of my students is now a nursing manager at a local Hospital. A possible opportunity as a future nurse.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would share the money with my wife (Amabelle) and children (Maverick - 8 and Vielle - 6). My family is everything to me and I wanted to say, "Thank you!" for supporting me through my most recent challenges. I left Nursing School in October 2024 to spend more time with our son who was recently diagnosed with ADHD. The gift of teaching is more meaningful when you can share it with your children daily. I get to experience that as the P.E Teacher at St Barnabas Catholic School in Long Beach, CA.