Erica

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because educating others feels natural to me. I genuinely love breaking down complex ideas and explaining them in ways that actually make sense to different learners. Seeing the moment when something “clicks” brings me so much joy. Teaching allows me to use my strengths—clarity, patience, and creativity—to help students build confidence and truly understand the world around them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was when our hot plate failed during the classic imploding can experiment. Instead of giving up, I problem-solved with my students. With a signed permission slip and safety precautions in place, a student brought in a blow torch so we could make it work. It was chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable—and a perfect lesson in adaptability, trust, and real-world science.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my student loans. Fr, fr.