Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’m passionate about helping children grow academically and personally. I especially love supporting students as they build confidence in their learning and develop bilingual skills in a dual-language classroom. It’s rewarding to create a supportive environment where students feel challenged, valued, and proud of their progress. Seeing those moments when a student finally understands something is what makes teaching so meaningful to me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was my very first year teaching during the COVID pandemic. Like many new teachers at that time, I often felt lost navigating remote learning, changing expectations, and trying to build relationships with students through a screen. Despite the challenges, it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. It pushed me to be to be flexible, creative, and deeply compassionate toward my students and their families during such an uncertain time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to support both my family and my students, while also creating some financial stability for myself. A portion would go toward helping my family with important needs and expenses. I would also invest in my classroom by purchasing materials, books, and resources that help my students learn and feel excited about school. It has always been a dream of mine to provide a student with a scholarship. Finally, I would set some aside to sustain myself financially.