Tell us why you became a teacher

I chose to become a teacher because I grew up watching my sister in the classroom. Seeing the passion she poured into her students and the lifelong impact she had on them inspired me to continue that legacy. I saw firsthand that teaching isn't just a job—it's a way to shape the future.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was working with five-year-olds and helping a student learn to read for the first time. Having watched my sister inspire her own students for years, seeing that 'lightbulb moment' in my own classroom confirmed my calling. It was incredibly rewarding to give a child the key to a whole new world of information.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, I plan to invest it directly into my Master’s in Education. My experience teaching five-year-olds to read showed me how vital early literacy is, and I want to deepen my expertise so I can serve my students even more effectively, just as my sister has done for decades.