Tell us why you became a teacher

Well first all I always thought a lot of my teachers throughout my years of growing up and personally wondering if I myself could measure up. Being able to help my people succeed by graduating is something that means the world to. I believe that teachers make a big difference because if students have a bad experience in school then you can discourage them from feeling proud about who they are especially because our people are trying to overcome intergenerational trauma.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have had many memorable experiences and it’s hard to pinpoint one moment but I will try. I guess it’s watching students who are withdrawn and low self-esteem come out of their shell and feel proud about themselves. Especially after the COVID pandemic students with anxiety and depression start to ask for support shows they trust me. Trust is for me one of the most important things in my relationships with my students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use part of it to pay for my year end trip with my students to the Niagra Falls because most of them have never gone on a trip like that.