I became a teacher to help students see what they are capable of becoming. At Collier Business Academy, my students learn through STEM, project-based learning, and real-world experiences—from growing food in our hydroponics lab to building digital portfolios about their futures. When students realize their ideas matter and their curiosity can solve real problems, their confidence grows. Those moments are why I teach.

One of my most memorable moments was watching a student who struggled to find purpose discover his future through our West-MEC partnership. After exploring career programs and building his Individual Vision Plan portfolio, he realized he wanted to pursue technical training after high school. Seeing his confidence grow as he found direction reminded me that teaching isn’t just about lessons—it’s about helping students see a future for themselves.

At our Title I school, Collier Business Academy, $25,000 would expand our ETM student economy, hydroponics STEM lab, and fund Ramsey Financial Literacy. Ramsey empowers students with real-world money skills like budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship. Students grow food, collect data, and sell their harvest at a student market—transforming curiosity into confidence and future career pathways.