I went on a service mission to Mexico for a couple years in my early 20s. While I was there I spent time teaching people and realized that I loved teaching. Nothing compares with the moment that someone learns and understands something for the first time. Their eyes light up and excitement grows. I also realized that my personality seemed to reach people that would remain closed off to others. Upon returning home, I pursued becoming a teacher and I have loved it ever since. It’s my passion.

On a nearby classroom lab trip to a marsh, I warned the students to avoid poisonous plants in the area, nightshade and poison hemlock. Later, I heard that someone had licked one of the nightshade berries. I gave a stern safety talk. The next day that student was absent; I said it might be from them licking the berry—that’s when another student said they’d eaten the berry. I panicked and called their home to check. Luckily it was climbing nightshade, and they recovered within a couple of days.

I will use this money to help fund a hands-on summer science camp for kids. It would start as elementary age the first year. Then my desire would be to grow into junior high age the next year, and high school camps after. For the camps, I would also like some slow motion camera equipment for viewing fast reactions and experiments. A portion of the money would go to pay on some medical bills, and maybe get a vehicle for family needs.