Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I faced numerous struggles as a student. I struggled with reading, writing, & even making friends, often feeling that my teachers were more focused on promoting me to the next grade rather than genuinely helping me. This left me feeling inadequate & as if I was wasting everyone’s time. I hated that feeling & believe no child should have to experience it. My goal is to ensure my students feel valued & recognize that they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I work with students who have behavioral challenges, and one memorable experience involved a particularly tough fifth-grade boy. This student often struggled to connect with anyone and frequently found himself in trouble in his general education class. After being transferred to my room, he gradually began to build a relationship with me. By the end of the school year, he started asking whether I would be teaching at the middle school, expressing his desire for me to continue working with him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay my teaching loans off, put some money away in savings and would love to take a little vacation with my family!