Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because education transformed my life in Peru and opened doors for me in the United States. As someone who carries two cultures and languages, I understand the challenges many of my students face. I teach to give them the confidence, opportunities, and support that education gave me. My goal is to help every student especially multilingual learners believe in their potential and see that their background is a strength.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was arriving mid-year to a class that had experienced many substitutes and lacked stability. My first priority was building trust and creating a safe environment where students felt valued. I also started an after-school program to support multilingual learners. Over time, students became more confident, engaged, and proud of their progress. Seeing them believe in themselves again was one of the most rewarding moments of my career.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest in expanding academic and family support programs in a community where many students face economic hardship. In Ogden, access gaps are real. The funding would strengthen bilingual after-school intervention, provide literacy and math resources, and create family workshops in Spanish and English. My goal is to ensure that zip code does not determine opportunity, and that every child has access to high-quality support and belief.