Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I watched my mom change lives. Former students still stop her 20 years later to say she made them feel seen, safe, and capable. Some have even told her she’s the reason they’re still here. Seeing that kind of lasting impact shaped me. I wanted a career where influence mattered more than income where I could mentor, challenge, and support students during the years that define who they become.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was watching a student who doubted himself finally succeed. He struggled early on and wanted to quit. Instead of lowering expectations, I raised belief. Weeks later, he passed a major assessment and quietly said, “I guess I can do this.” That shift, from self-doubt to self-belief, reminded me that teaching isn’t just content delivery. It’s confidence building.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would reinvest it directly into students, upgrading hands-on lab materials, funding field experiences, and bringing in guest speakers to connect learning to real careers. I would also create a small student support fund so no one misses opportunities because of finances. Education changes lives, I’ve seen it in my own family, and I want to keep expanding that impact.