Jennifer pineda

Tell us why you became a teacher

I first discovered my love for teaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland. Helping students, encouraging them, and seeing them reach the next level felt incredibly rewarding. After a few years in an architecture firm, I had the opportunity to teach at Montgomery College. It was scary at first, but as I connected with my students, I realized how deeply invested I was in their growth, future, and success. That is when I knew this was what I was meant to do.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was during my first ARCH 101 class. The first half of the semester focused on lectures, and at times it felt like I was losing students. But everything changed when we began the coffee shop project. I saw their creativity come alive, their confidence grow, and their excitement spark. Through critiques, they kept improving and pushing themselves. On final presentation day, with a panel of guest critics, it felt like everything came together. It was one of tho

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000, I would invest directly into the Montgomery College architecture program by expanding access to hands-on fabrication tools. I would work toward developing a small-scale fabrication lab, including 3D printing capabilities, laser cutters, and updated woodshop equipment. Our students already produce incredible work with limited resources; with access to these tools, they could push their ideas even further. This investment would create more opportunities for innovation, s