Leslie Rios

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was 13, I taught my first dance class to children. I loved it so much that it inspired me to get my degree in teaching. I also taught pre-k for 3 years… the best! I realized this was my calling, not a job. The connections I have made through all these years are limitless. I look back on the last 30 years with awe and gratefulness to have been a small part of their academic journal. A positive influence on others nourishes the soul.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

So many to discuss: however, my favorite is my lawyer student… He was one of the smartest I have ever encountered. He had many difficulties with reachers in high school because he was bright and intolerant of busy work. I absolutely adored him. Years after he graduated he came back to school to teach! Here we were working together. but then he went back to school to become a lawyer and ended up mentoring my son who is now an attorney. Full circle moment!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to be able to take my special needs adult autistic son on a trip. Financial hardships are no stranger to teachers. It would be a dream come true to be able to take him on a wonderful trip to see Japan. His dream has been to go there. I don’t think I can ever afford it without a happy surprise such as this.