G. Nini Van De Venter

I remember my 5th grade teacher helping me on a day that was very difficult. I grew up in an abusive household. I was the fourth kid this teacher had from my family. Although it was never brought up, I know she knew something was happening in my home. She showed me that someone cared for me. She gave me the love I wasn’t getting from home. I want to do the same for the students who are growing up like I did. I want to love them like my own and show them there are people who will care for them.

I work with special needs students. There was a first grade student who refused to use the toilet while at school. He suffered many times waiting to get home. This may be silly, but one day I finally got him to sit on the toilet. He was able to go number one but too scared to go number two. After a couple of months, he finally went! It took some convincing and lots of support but the para and I were so happy he finally relaxed enough to go number two. Funny memorable moment but great progress!

With the $25,000, I would first pay off my debt, then I would use it to buy supplies for my classroom. Specifically, soft chairs for the students to sit and relax on, fun educational games for our “Fun Friday” theme, binders, office supplies, labels for my label machine, ink for the printer, fidgets, and lots of crayons, markers, paper and more. If the room allows, a hanging swing for when students are stemming.