From a young age, school was my safe place. It was where I felt seen, supported, and secure, even when life outside the classroom felt uncertain. My teachers created an environment of stability, kindness, and encouragement that helped me grow in confidence. I became a teacher to provide that same sense of safety for students who grow up in environments like mine—to create a classroom where they feel valued, protected, and able to simply be children.

One of my most memorable teaching moments was building a relationship with a student who struggled to connect with adults and rarely participated in class. Through patience and consistency, I worked hard to become someone he could trust. Over time, he began raising his hand to share. Even more meaningful, he started telling the truth when he made mistakes—showing the trust we had built.

If I won $25,000, I would pay down my student loan debt to ease financial stress and better support my family. I would also purchase a second car so my husband and I no longer have to share one. Finally, I would revamp my classroom novel study collection with diverse, engaging books that reflect my students’ experiences and help them build meaningful connections to reading.