Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

When volunteers in my son’s kindergarten class I saw how much it helped the students to have that extra person in the room. So I got a job on campus as a paraprofessional and went back to college. I chose SPED because they touched my heart in so many ways. I think I also did it because I helped a boy in middle school who couldn’t write on his own. I ended up taking him to church, a school dance and dinner with my family. His name is Bobby and I still see him working at Walmart from time to time.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I once worked with non-verbal students. Since they don’t talk they can’t tell you their wants and needs. It is very frustrating for them and behavior becomes an issue. I promised I would have her at least saying one word utterances by the end of the school year. She did indeed start talking. By the end of the year she was saying three word sentences. On the last day of school she had finally said my name. She said “I’m ok Donnelly” because she fell. I called her mom and we cried together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my car. It would be the first car I ever pay off and I only owe 7k. I would take my 87 year old grandma on a seven day cruise with off the boat activities. One more adventure before we can’t do it anymore. What ever is left I will put in the savings account for emergencies.