Inspired by the quote, "Be the teacher you needed when you were young," I am committed to being the presence I wish I had growing up. From providing Chromebooks and winter gear to hygiene products, I want my students to know they matter. My goal is for every student who walks into my room to feel truly seen and cared for. I want to show them that someone who looks like them can achieve anything while providing the stability and mentorship I once searched for myself.

Following the tragic 2022 Bronx fires, my students turned grief into action through a social justice science project. Impacted personally by local fires, they researched electrical safety, tested home outlets and explored the chemistry of combustion. From building circuits to creating "electric slime," students blended rigorous inquiry with community advocacy. This investigation empowered my 6th graders to launch a fire safety campaign proving science is a vital tool for protecting their homes.

I would dedicate $20,000 to my nonprofit, Brilizfy, to fund community-driven student projects, empowering our youth to lead. The remaining $5,000 will launch a legacy project honoring a beloved student lost to leukemia. In collaboration with Montefiore, her former classmates will bring joy to ICU patients while engaging in a deep scientific study of her condition. This initiative transforms grief into a powerful educational journey, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire and educate.