Tell us why you became a teacher

My passion for education was initially sparked during my own high school years through my involvement in a student mentorship program. That early year experience in the classroom ignited a deep commitment to teaching, and I discovered a profound sense of purpose in guiding students’ holistic academic and personal growth.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most rewarding experiences as an educator has been establishing a student-led coffee cart enterprise with our special education program. This initiative provides a hands-on platform for students to develop essential vocational and life skills, including applied mathematics, functional literacy, and inventory management. It’s been a privilege to watch their social skills flourish and see how this project fostered a profoundly inclusive and welcoming culture throughout our school.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Receiving this $25,000 would be life-changing. It would allow me to achieve greater financial stability by paying down my student loans, while also giving me the incredible opportunity to dedicate funds back into our special education program to support the students I care so deeply about.