You can create a love for a subject that turns into a career for some and provides engaging experiences for all. I enjoy giving my students a challenge they think is impossible and seeing them work through it to find a solution. You get to witness their frustration transform into excitement to take on these challenges. That excitement and willingness to try all stems from their confidence increasing to the point they know they can do it, and I love being responsible for that realization.

One of my favorite moments in teaching was when a student came up to me to ask if we could make ice cream in class because it was science. I told him I would consider it, if he could connect it to what we had learned. Him and his friends started connecting the lab to 4 different units that we had covered, including vocabulary and how we could use those concepts while making the ice cream. I was so proud and impressed I found a way to get the materials for 100 kids to make ice cream.

The money would be used to buy some microscopes with screens for my science class so they could be easily used within groups. Additionally it would help purchase equipment for my woodworking class that would allow us to use tools indoors vs having to go outside. Finally I would love to take my family on a vacation for always supporting me.