Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I know what it feels like to be invisible in a classroom. I’ve seen students who didn’t believe they mattered—and I knew change had to start earlier. That’s why I chose kindergarten: the place where confidence, curiosity, and character are born. Every day, I help my students grow academically, socially, and emotionally—so each one leaves knowing they truly matter.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One morning, a student quietly said, “I’m stuck.” So I knelt beside him, and we figured it out together. When he got it, his eyes went wide and he whispered, “I did it.” The class erupted in cheers. That moment wasn’t about a lesson—it was about realizing you can. This is why I teach: to turn doubt into confidence and show every child just how far they can go.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000, I would use it to pay down my student loans. Free from that financial weight, I could pour even more energy, creativity, and focus into my students and my growth as a future school leader. Supporting teachers helps students thrive—because when educators can fully focus on their mission, every child wins.