Tell us why you became a teacher

As a child, like many of us do, I would play school at home. I used my stuffed animals and other materials I had around the house. I always loved being the teacher and teaching my 'students' new things that I was learning at school at the time. When I was in high school, I had so many teachers that saw me for me and helped me become a confident, young lady. I was able to assist them my senior year and it really made me so happy to teach and guide other students! I still keep in touch with them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first 9 years I taught in low income/no income districts throughout Arizona and Ohio. Some of my most memorable experiences are seeing students who didn't believe they were valued or worthy of learning start to believe in themselves. Building relationships, developing a safe space, and creating meaningful learning experiences really helped them thrive and blossom into confident leaders!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the 25,000 I would be able to pay off some of my debt from school. I would also donate to local animal shelters to help pets in need, give back to my community and family, and be able to feel relief of the sad teacher salary shortage this country faces. This opportunity means so much to me as someone who feels so passionate and confident about my career. There are so many deserving people and causes that I feel extremely grateful to even be given this opportunity to be involved.