Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I was looking for something that worthwhile to do for my career. I didn't want "a job". I wanted something that would bring me joy and excitement and something that would challenge me. I keep teaching because I know I have had an impact on the lives of many students over the years. Their stories, when they have reached out over the years, are what keep me focused on continuing to be the best version of myself in the classroom day in and day out.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable things I can think of over my eighteen years of teaching, but I think the most memorable part of teaching for me comes from working with my Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students. FBLA gives me a unique opportunity to really see students grow in their high school careers. I have watched so many students start as kind of quiet freshman and turn into confident leaders by their senior year. I cherish my FBLA program from our current members to all our alumni.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We have some foundational work that needs to be done to our home and the $25,000 would put a big dent in an expensive bill. The foundation work is not something that has to be done today, but will need done sooner than later. This cash infusion would help us be able to get the work started sooner. We could then finance the rest with a more modest impact to our monthly household budget.