Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I always wanted to teach. As a shy child who often cried at school, my first grade teacher changed everything for me. She made school feel safe, joyful, and possible. I knew “this is it” years later when a former student came back to visit and told me they loved being in my class. In that moment, I realized I wasn’t just teaching lessons- I was shaping how children feel about learning and themselves for the rest of their lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experiences aren’t one moment—they’re the little ones that happen every day. I’ve watched my students show consistent empathy toward a classmate who struggles with regulating his emotions. Even on challenging days, they choose patience, kindness, and inclusion. These small acts, repeated over time, reminded me that when empathy is modeled and encouraged, children can grow to be remarkably caring, open-minded, and kind.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to pay off family student loans and invest in my growth as a teacher and learner. By taking graduate-level courses, I can continue developing my skills and model lifelong learning for my students, showing them that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. This would allow me to bring even more engaging, research-based, and creative instruction to my diverse classroom.