Tell us why you became a teacher

Honestly, I wanted to be a teacher when I was in high school. I got busy working and never finished my degree . When my daughter was in middle school, she was really struggling and one night after explaining a concept to her in multiple ways, it clicked. I knew in that moment I needed to go back and finish my degree to help other kids have those same moments.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moments are not teaching content, but rather having real conversations with my students. They have to relate everything to themselves regardless of whether it’s literature or language which I teach, or finding logic in the world we live, in order to make it memorable and knowledgeable. Each of those moments makes me feel like I’m teaching them for the society where they can thrive.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would want to do something for my moms, likely a vacation or adventure. Both my mother and mother-in-law have been the most amazing teachers. One led me to be open-minded, education-driven, and self-confident. The other taught my amazing husband to be an amazing leader, parent, and provider. I’d like to help them see more of the world.