Tell us why you became a teacher

I struggled to be successful when I was in elementary/high school. I had teachers call me lazy, and tell me “you can’t use your ADHD as a crutch,” when all I needed was some extra help. I wanted to become the teacher for students that I needed someone to be for me. A teacher who helps her students through their challenges. Our students are not just students, but kids, they are people too.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One student and I were really butting heads for a week straight, and then I learned that his mother had passed away 2 years ago that week. I pulled him out of a different class at the end of the day and I asked him if what was going on was because of the week that it was. After we talked about it for a bit and figured some things out, I let the student know he could always talk to me. He then asked if he could give me a hug, and we hugged, and parted ways. Things have been better ever since.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the 25,000 to help my school. I would first help my classroom - buying supplies, books, and more that my classroom needs. I am a first year teacher, so I don’t have much right now. Then, my school has something called “Hornet Market” where staff and families in the community can come in and get free food and supplies they may need. I would use a portion of the money to donate food and other goods to our Hornet Market.