I've always loved science & learning. Sharing what I've learned has always come naturally to me. When I can see the wonder that I feel about something in the natural world captured in the face of a student (of any age - I teach adults too), that's incredibly fulfilling for me. And I love learning from my students too. Teaching is a two-way street if your mind & heart are always open.

It's not a single experience- it happens yearly. I teach mostly HS seniors and the goal isn't just Environmental Science content, it's to get them to think about what they are doing and why. Every year, I get class evals where students say they liked it because I "keep it real". I give them facts that make them say "wow, I never thought about that before". And they might not change immediately but once that thought seed is planted, it will come back when they are ready for it.

My students have voted me "Most likely to save the world" for the last 5 years in a row. I think I would let my students help me decide how to use some of the $25K to help an environmental cause (or two). And if I'm going to Hawaii, I'd need a little to do some "off the beaten path" exploring. And play a round of golf at Kapalua- then figure out how the course can be more eco-friendly.