Tell us why you became a teacher

It was an accident. Teaching found me. I was in college, unsure what to do with my life, and began tutoring science. That turned into taking more science classes and learning that I was good at it and that I loved sharing what I loved with others. From there, my passion evolved into wanting to use the platform provided by a classroom to help others better their circumstances and achieve meaning, purpose, and confidence through education.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was mentoring a small group of 8 kids interested in laboratory biology. Within 4 years that grew to over 140 kids enrolled in multiple biotech courses, and thousands of square feet of new lab space at the high school I teach at. However, it all started with them. I left it for three years to do scientific research in Maine and Boston and I’ve returned to the same school to share the knowledge and expertise I gained from that experience.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly? Probably pay off my student loans.