Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after having miraculous experiences with teachers of my own. I felt supported by them in a way I hadn’t before. Through them I was able to connect and fulfill my dreams. When I started working with kids, I realized my reason for being a teacher was to support children the way I was supported and to create a loving, kind generation in the future world. I would love to be an inspiration in even just one student’s life. I am honored to teach the future.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first year of teaching was incredibly difficult. I started in 2024 and taught 4th grade, which made my students “Covid Kindergarteners.” They needed extra support in many areas, but especially social and emotional interaction. Some of my hardest students, who were best friends, ate lunch in my classroom one day. We sat on our reading corner carpet, despite our disputes. We laughed, joked, and connected. A bond was made that day and I knew I had made even just a small difference in their lives

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would donate the money to funding food for children and families in Gaza. $25,000 won’t give them everything they need, but it is a start in the right direction. Children deserve safety in their lives everywhere in the world and in the times we live in this is more important than ever. I want to give this money to support the lives of those who are suffering far more than most of the humans in this country.