Melissa Cole

Tell us why you became a teacher

Honestly, I began pursuing a degree in marine biology. When I developed an allergy that would prevent me from "swimming with captive dolphins", I approached my advisor. I showed him the classes I had completed and inquired what I could do to lose the least amount of time. His answer was to go one extra semester and become a teacher. Thirty-three years later, I'm so glad I couldn't touch dolphins.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was not in a classroom setting. During the summers, I would hold Science Camp. One year, my own nephew attended. The camp lasted 3 days. I would always do a chemistry day, a physics day, and a biology day (that usually involved some dissecting). Later in the week, I received a phone call from my brother. My nephew had "stolen" a baby dogfish shark we found while dissecting during one of the camp days. He was keeping it as a pet in his fish tank...

What would you do with the $25,000?

Once again, to be completely honest, I would put a down payment on a new house for my 25 year old, newly divorced, single mom daughter and my one and only 3 year old granddaughter. She deserves so much I can't give her. After we loss her brother at 18 in 2022, she has struggled to find her place. Me being able to do this would take undue stress off her and let her possibly start enjoying her life again.