Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I originally entered college as an engineering major, but while at the University of Florida I worked as a math tutor in the resource center. Students began asking for me by name, and many told me I had a talent for breaking down difficult math concepts so they could understand them. That experience helped me realize teaching was my calling, so I changed my major to mathematics and became a teacher

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I once had a large male student put his head down during a quiz. When I tapped his shoulder to wake him, he jumped up, got in my face, yelled at me to never touch him again, and I thought he might hit me. He stormed out. After a two-week suspension, it happened again. This time I tapped his desk and asked him to step outside. I apologized and asked how I could help him succeed. Realizing someone cared, he turned things around and became my strongest ally in class.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Take my kids and grandkids on a big family vacation. Or possibly divide the $ by 10 and start a fund for each of the grands.