Ivy Medrano

Tell us why you became a teacher

I worked with adults with developmental disabilities right after college. It was my first job ever! I was so surprised with how much I loved working with them and how much of a positive impact they made on my life. It was during that year that I decided to become a teacher and teach them before they became adults. I wanted to make a positive impact on their lives while they were still young and help shape students with special needs to live a successful life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My favorite moments are when my students want to tell me how their weekend went or what they did during lunch or just to keep me company. I love that I have created a safe and trusting environment for my students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

For my school, I would want to use some of that money towards our sensory garden so that my students have a safe place to decompress and regulate their emotions. Next, it would go towards my son’s trip to Cooperstown this summer. He has been looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience and I want to make sure it’s a fun and memorable trip for him. And finally, whatever is left would pay off my husband’s truck. And set up my stepdaughter’s nail business that she’s always dreamed of.