Tell us why you became a teacher

I dream of changing the world. Over time, I realized that to truly help change the world, you have to start by changing someone's world. The world is made up of experiences by individuals, their perspectives, and their stories. When you have the ability to improve even one person's world, by supporting them, encouraging them, or making their day better, you are creating a ripple effect that can bleed over into the world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I graduated during COVID, a time filled with uncertainty and constant chaos. No matter what, you first year of teaching is scary- you're learning everything as you go, and often feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants. But in the middle of the chaos, one of the most meaningful parts of my first year of teaching was simply being there for my students. When so much around us felt unstable, I was able to support them through jokes, laughter, and engaging learning opportunities.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the winning prize of $25,000 I would invest in pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, allowing me to move into a formal admonitive role. I have always dreamed of making a broader impact within a school community and expanding my knowledge to support students. Advancing my education would help me gain the skills and knowledge needed to create school-wide change and positive influence in student's lives.