Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because growing up I had the greatest educators. They always pushed and inspired me and I remember many times thinking I want to be just like them for other children. I also have a favorite movie called Matilda and Mrs. Honey has always been my favorite character so between my old experiences with my teachers growing up and the image of Mrs Honey I knew this career path was my calling and teaching children and building their foundation and love for learning is my mission.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was a student I had who came in and struggled significantly. Everyone said we don’t know what to do with him he just isn’t learning the content. I worked with this child every day one on one and finally one day he started to get it. I kept speaking life and positivity into him and he started to get things more and more. It was the neatest process to watch and I truly believe that once he realized I believed in him he knew he could achieve anything!

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first thing I would do is I would donate to my school. The school I teach at has been such a supportive foundation for me and has loved me from the beginning. We are in a low income area and funding is tough, we have so many needs that we could use this money towards! I also would put some of it towards my doctorate degree that I am currently finishing! This degree allows me to continue my education and continue changing student lives.