Tell us why you became a teacher

I was the girl who always wanted to "play school" with my siblings and cousins, who always wanted to stay after school and help my teachers with something-- anything-- if it meant I could lighten their load. Their stress was apparent to me, I think because I cherished and respected their role in my life. I could tell, from a young age, that it was a job requiring immense love and patience. This is a profession where those qualities are superpowers, and I try to practice them daily.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many-- and so many more to be had. There is one that comes to mind. It was 2 minutes before lunch, and the announcement came through the speaker: "We are now in a code red lockdown." My kids looked at me, "A drill, right?" Surely, I thought. Luckily (dreadfully), we have practiced this and we knew what to do. 1 hour and 22 minutes of whispers and growling stomachs later, I had to get back to teaching a book where the main character, a child, is shot and killed at the end.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have about $20,000 to pay off in student loans, that is what I would put it towards. After that, $5,000 would make a huge difference for me and my family. I would pay off the rest of my car and repair my bumper, and then I would put the rest towards groceries and utilities so my partner can finally get a new car, because it's something we've been working towards for a while. This money would be life-changing and would allow me to start saving for my future.