Even though I loved school as a student, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be as I began college. Exploring within my science and ELA classes while volunteering as a tutor helped me to see that teaching was where I belonged and where I excelled. The classroom is my home. I continue to be a teacher because for some I know that my classroom is the only place they feel at home. And if they learned some science too, well then we both win.

I enjoy telling students about the experiences I’ve been able to have as an educator. As an MCC graduate myself, I love showing them the cool things I’ve done that they could do some day. NASA Space Camp for Educators was never on my radar as a small town kid, but it opened my world. This summer I get to go to a fossil camp in Montana, and I can’t wait to share all my awesome learning with them. For some, it opens up the possibility that they too can do anything the world offers them.

I’m a public school teacher, so I know I will spend some on some sweet science stuff. And as a class advisor, I’m always looking for ways to enrich my students lives. I want to bring back the tradition of senior trips with my students. I also just bought a house, so being able to replace some of my funds would be quite convenient.