Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my dad encouraged me and always told me I would be good at it. At first, I didn’t fully see it, but his confidence in me planted the seed. After college, I found myself drawn to working with students and quickly fell in love with teaching. The relationships, the growth, and the opportunity to make a difference felt right. I went back to school to earn my degree, and it became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was when a former student came back to visit me years later. They told me how much my encouragement meant to them and how I made them feel smart, capable, and truly seen during a time when they doubted themselves. Hearing that my words and belief in them had stayed with them was incredibly powerful. Even more meaningful was learning they went on to become a teacher themselves. Knowing I played a small part in shaping their confidence and career path

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000, I would use it personally and professionally. I would take my family on a much-needed vacation. I would also invest in new classroom materials to better support my students’ learning and growth at Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. Finally, I would use a portion to repay my student loans, easing financial stress and allowing me to focus even more on what I love—teaching and supporting my students.