Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a teacher, but I always knew I wanted to work with kids in a meaningful way. Most summers, I went to work with my mom, a paraprofessional who supported students and teachers with patience and heart. I watched her celebrate small wins and help kids believe in themselves. Those summers showed me that working with children is about connection and purpose, and I knew I wanted to make that kind of difference too.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was a boy who had just moved from Honduras and barely spoke English. He was determined to succeed. He and his mom asked for every extra assignment possible. We worked tirelessly all year, and by the end, he was one of my brightest students. The following year, he was placed in advanced classes, all because of his motivation, dedication, and hard work.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would set aside a portion to build long-term security and peace of mind. I’d use some for meaningful travel and quality time with my family; time to rest, recharge, and make memories. If anything remained, I’d put it into my classroom to better support future students and help set them up for success.