Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I enjoy helping others. I have a thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to work with students from all walks of life. Simply stated, I love people. I credit my love for learning to my grandmothers. They would read and tell stories and insist that I do my very best. However, education was not always easy to me. I really struggled in school. I had some great teachers. I became a teacher because I wanted to inspire and help children felt seen, loved, and heard.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Anytime I have a chance to expose students to the great outdoors is memorable to me. There is great tranquility in the outdoors. Mother nature is a great teacher if we listen. I take students every two years on a five day trip to the Smoky Mountains. Students learn they can coexist without a phone, they can connect deeper relationships with their peers, and they come back with a new mindset. Some former students have said the experience of learning and being in my class has saved their life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Students have asked me in the past what I would do with $1 million. I said, I would not change a thing. I would continue to teach and do what I love to do. I would invest it and watch it grow in a way that I could help my family and future students. Hopefully allow more students the opportunity to learn and experience nature. Give a little to the people & organizations that have helped me. Maybe give up one of my 4 jobs, so I could spend more time with my family.