Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because it was my dream job. I love helping people and working with children. Being an educator runs in my family. My mom was a teacher and I loved helping her in her classroom when I was on spring break or when she taught summer school. I loved helping her grade her papers and stamping student work. My first teaching job was during my last summer of high school. It was the best summer ever because I helped my coach teach a children's gymnastics class.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is helping students face their fears and helping them build confidence in a subject that scares them. During fall interviews most students say that Math is their worst subject. Daily we practice analyzing, persevering, and connecting prior knowledge to our lessons. We celebrate our different mathematical minds and various ways of problem solving. The best part of teaching is when my students come back to visit and say Math is their best subject!

What would you do with the $25,000?

My husband and I live a humble life, and have everything we need. If I won $25,000 I would divide the winnings. I would give some to my mom - my inspiration for becoming a teacher. I’d make a donation to The YMCA of Honolulu in memoriam of my father. I would use some of the money to fund future annual Santa Photos and Day of the Tiger at my school. I would also donate to the 15/10 Foundation in memoriam of our dog, Schooner. The remainder would be saved for a down payment on our first home.