Tell us why you became a teacher

I chose education because I wanted to be the bridge I once had to build for myself. Growing up, I had to teach myself the fundamentals of animation because those classes simply didn't exist in my school. While I worked hard to find my own footing in college and surpass who had those opportunities, that experience gave me a clear mission. I became a teacher to give my students a smoother path and a professional head start, ensuring they have the guidance and tools that I didn't.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It is hard to pick one. I have had so many moments over the years. I think one that sticks with me is when my students made it to state for Digital Animation and ended up winning 1st place. I work at a Title 1 school (low income) and for many of my students it was their first time to travel. Getting to share that experience, seeing the excitement on their face when they won, It was amazing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I want to help amplify my students’ incredible talent by purchasing more equipment for our program to bring our students to the next level. The rest would seed a college fund for my one-year-old son. As I work daily to secure bright futures for my students, this gift helps me do the same for my own.