I became a teacher to turn discovery into a hands-on adventure. After 10 years in Chinese DLI science and time in middle school labs, I’ve seen how scientific thinking transforms a student's perspective. I love moving beyond textbooks to create an energetic environment where kids learn by doing. There’s nothing better than the "lightbulb moment" during a project when a student’s curiosity turns into real understanding. I teach to inspire the next generation to explore and question.

My most memorable moments happen when science becomes "real." In our science class, students explored states of matter by turning liquid milk into solid slushy ice cream. Watching their faces beam with pride as they tasted their own scientific creation was unforgettable. They didn't just learn a concept; they lived it. Seeing them walk home proudly wearing the hats they engineered in class reminds me why I love this: I get to turn curiosity into something tangible!

With $25,000, I would build a Friday STEM club, buy science materials, invite Bill Nye to give our school an assembly, and take courses to deepen my mastery of the science core and teaching method to be a better educator for our students.