I became a teacher because I’ve seen how powerful it is when one adult truly believes in a child. In North Idaho, where community matters deeply, school should build more than grades—it should build confidence, character, and the courage to try hard things. I wanted to create a classroom where students feel known, challenged, and supported. When kids discover they can solve real problems and contribute to the world around them, it reshapes how they see themselves—and their future.

One year, a student quietly told me, “I’m just not smart.” Over time—through project-based learning, steady encouragement, and small wins—I watched that same student stand tall and present confidently to families and peers. Afterward, they said, “I didn’t know I could do that.” In a small North Idaho community, moments like that ripple far beyond the classroom. Watching a child rewrite their own story will always stay with me.

I would invest directly into meaningful, hands-on learning—science equipment, real-world project materials, and field investigations tied to our local environment. I want every HCC student, regardless of background, to experience learning that feels alive and purposeful. Bringing Bill Nye to our school would spark curiosity they’ll never forget, and the funding would ensure that spark grows into confidence, opportunity, and real-world readiness.