Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after working at a daycare during college, where I discovered not only my love for working with children, but the joy of helping them grow, learn, and believe in themselves. That experience showed me the impact a caring adult can have, and inspired me to make a difference in students’ lives every day.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Working in a Title I school, my most memorable experience was watching a student who once hated school completely transform. He used to come in late every day, but over time, he began arriving on time, not wanting to miss a single moment of learning. Though he struggled, he never gave up. One day, he told me I made him want to come to school because he felt safe. In that moment, I was reminded that teaching is about more than academics it’s about changing lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to pay for the rest of my masters!