Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I have a passion for working to build a better future for youth and society in general. I love working with students to help them become the best version of themselves, one that they are proud of. Every day, I am sure to tell my students how proud I am of them. When I was young, this was something that I needed to hear, and I know my students need that as well. My goal is to be what my students need: a teacher who cares about them as students and as individuals.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment is hard to pin point, because there really are so many. If I had to choose one moment, it would be when I took my Title English Freshman class to the Chicago Science and Industry Museum and I saw them interacting with exhibits. It brought me joy to see my students having fun and engaging with learning in a way I don't see every day. They were excited to find me in the museum and tell me about the things that they were learning. I will always remember that day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would attend the annual NCTE conference for the first time, and look for other professional development opportunities. I would also get new technology for my journalism students. As of now, we don't have the funds to have a physical newspaper, so I would put money towards that as well. Any other funds that I have left would be put towards classroom supplies and my school's "student needs" closet that provides students and their families with anything that they may need.