Matthew Finkelstein

Tell us why you became a teacher

I love teaching EMT classes and leading a one of a kind high school EMT program. Introducing 17 and 18 year olds to EMS and lifesaving medicine at such a formative age is incredibly meaningful. It is more than certification. It is mentorship, discipline, and confidence building. Watching students realize they can assess, treat, and truly save a life is something that never gets old.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment came last year at our graduation ceremony. Handing each student their certificate after months of hard work, early mornings, skills practice, exams, and clinical hours was something I will never forget. Seeing the pride on their faces, and their families realizing what they had accomplished, made every challenge worth it. In that moment, it was clear we were not just handing out certificates. We were launching future lifesavers.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded 25,000 dollars, it would make a meaningful difference as I prepare for my wedding and start married life with more stability and less financial stress. It would allow us to build our future with comfort and security. It would also give me breathing room to continue growing and strengthening our high school EMT program, investing more time and energy into expanding opportunities for my students and building something that truly changes lives.