Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always loved working with youth. It kind of felt like a calling I had in my life. I knew that whatever I did, it would be with them. Then finding out about health and the topics in it, I knew it was what I wanted to be. I feel more myself with my middle schoolers than I do people my own age. I feel like I can actually make a difference with the topics I teach about, and the youth aren't as set in their ways. If I can make a difference in just one of their lives, I know I succeeded.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have the chance to teach my students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, especially vaping. After having my drug and alcohol unit, I had a student tell me that from my lesson he had an issue with vaping. He decided then to stop. It was hard at first, but he got stronger. Every day he would come in and say "Ms. Pail! Day 20 clean!" He always knew how proud it made me. It's been over a year now and he still has remained clean.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would pay off my debt my brother loaned me. Being debt free, would be life changing. I would love to then pay of my school's lunch debt. Right now, it is at about 3,000 dollars. Then I'd make an emergency fund. After having that funded, I'd treat myself with a day at the spa!