I became a teacher to fill a void I always had about being part of something bigger and giving back to this great nation. I was able to be part of students’ educational journeys, allowing them the opportunity to learn at their pace, take risks, and feel proud of their accomplishments whether they were big or small. “It takes a village” to prepare young people to face challenges, respect others, be kind, and strive to make a difference wherever they may land all while having fun doing it.

I have many, but I was once called Princess Jasmine from the Disney film by a little boy who just needed a person in his corner. I have several students who are now young adults, reaching out to me to thank me for always supporting them when they were my students and not because of what I taught, but because I believed and respected them. One family even brought their two daughters, who were both my students several years prior, to my father’s funeral to support me during a difficult time.

I believe I would take my family on a vacation, especially my husband, who never once complained about me spending my Sundays getting my lessons prepared for my students. He always supported me throughout my career and knew just how much my students meant to me.