I became a teacher after earning a degree in marketing, risk management, and healthcare management. The jobs I applied for didn’t feel like the right fit, but I kept feeling drawn to schools. Now I see why. As a middle school teacher, I get to inspire students at a pivotal age—old enough for meaningful conversations, yet young enough to help shape their passion for learning.

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was with a student who started the year hating math and believing he wasn’t “a math person.” As his confidence grew, so did his performance. The most powerful moment was when he began asking me about careers that use math. Watching his mindset shift from defeat to possibility reminded me why I love teaching.

I would use the $25,000 toward a down payment on my first home and to help fund my fiancé and my honeymoon as we plan our wedding and work toward buying a house by summer 2027. I would also invest a portion back into my classroom—updating materials, enhancing student resources, and creating meaningful learning experiences that directly benefit my students.