Tell us why you became a teacher

Ultimately, family tradition, constant change, the ability to influence the minds of children, and my values and future goals collectively make up the reasons for why I strive to become a teacher. School always felt like a safe space for me and I want all students to feel that way as well. Nothing makes me happier than seeing children accomplish their goals and feel safe in a space. I teach to help them do all the things I know each of them are capable of.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first year of teaching, my school was broken into. There was over $500,000 worth of damage and my classroom was one of the worst. However, even with all of the broken glass, my students' work was not touched. The work they spent time on and were all proud of was spared in the destruction. It was in that moment that I realized how much my children meant to me. The sense of relief I felt when I knew it was only glass and not the things that really matter, changed my perspective.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the money I would pay for my higher education degrees. I am currently a student at Eastern Washington University, perusing a masters in Library Science. In the next three years my school will need another librarian and I hope to fill that spot. Children deserve a teacher who is wholing invested in their learning, not trying to makes ends meet paying for school. I would also invest in pencils. We are down to the last five I have.