Throughout my educational journey, I was fortunate to have exceptional and supportive teachers who guided me along the way. Their influence inspired me to aspire to be a similar figure for others. It takes just one individual to create a meaningful impact, and I hoped to fulfill that role for students one day. Now, 28 years later, I am still passionate about what I do and hope I make a difference!

One of my most memorable teaching experiences involved sharing my passion for Harry Potter with my fourth-grade students following my travels to London and Scotland. Witnessing their expressions of amazement and wonder as we explored the books together throughout the year was truly priceless. Each academic year presents a unique opportunity to inspire and nurture a new group of students, fostering a lifelong love for reading.

I would utilize the $25,000 to travel and explore locations that inspired the characters in my favorite author's works, enriching my knowledge to share with students and the community. Additionally, I would allocate a portion of the funds to continue sponsoring book clubs throughout the summer months, addressing the issue of "summer slide" among young readers. I would strategically place and maintain Little Free Libraries throughout communities in need and run a Book Mobile in the summer time.