Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in kids lives. Growing up I had horrible teachers that really made me feel stupid and because of that I had low self-confidence. I wanted to be that teacher that made a student feel like they could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it and a teacher that inspired students to want to challenge themselves and try something new. I wanted to be that teacher for a student that I never had.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have been forunate enough to work in the same school for the last 10 years. My first grade class has now graduated middle school and has gone on to high school. One of my favorite things over the years is teaching the siblings of previous students. My most memorable experience is having those kids that I built a bond with and made a difference for come back and still say hi all these years later. It truly feels good to know that I have impacted their life in a positive way!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning 25,000 would greatly change my life in a positive way! I have a daughter myself so I would put some of that toward her education. Like most people, I would also love to pay off debt and help my future become more financially stable. I would also love to take my whole family on a amazing vacation, since we do not get to go on a lot of those. I would also definitely save a huge chunk of that and donate some to charity. Some of it would go towards a new vehicle that I will eventually need.