Not to be cliché, but I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade with my favorite teacher, Ms. Puckett. The memories I carry from her classroom have stayed with me and helped shape the educator I strive to be. As a stay-at-home mom, I worked diligently to earn three degrees, determined to turn that childhood dream into reality. While my path shifted at times, it always led me back to where I knew I belonged, the classroom. Teaching has never just been a career goal, it's my heart.

One of my most unforgettable moments was during our school Christmas parade. I surprised my students by dressing up in an inflatable pig costume. When they saw me, they squealed and laughed, and their excitement was contagious. As I walked by another classroom, I heard children shout, “We know her—she belongs to us!” In that moment, I felt something deeper than laughter. It is a calling rooted in childhood memories, strengthened by perseverance, and fueled by creativity and love.

With $25,000, I would invest in both the two places my heart lives—my home and my classroom. I would put it toward a safe, stable home for my family, creating the foundation we need to grow. I would also enhance my kindergarten classroom with hands-on learning tools and themed resources that make education magical. This gift would strengthen my family’s future while allowing me to continue pouring creativity, stability, and joy into the lives of my students every single day.