I became a teacher after starting my career in the corporate world. Through volunteer opportunities at work, I discovered how much I loved working with kids and building relationships with them. I took a leap of faith and changed career paths. Now, I focus on creating a positive and safe classroom where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn every day through fun and creative lessons!

Early in my career, I taught a lesson incorrectly. The next day, I apologized to the class, openly shared my struggles, and corrected the lesson. Months later, a student told me they’d never seen an adult admit a mistake or apologize to a child. That moment showed me the impact I can have beyond just the content—I can model honesty, growth, and the productive struggle of failing forward!

If I were fortunate enough to win, I would invest it back into the reason I became a teacher—my students! I would use the funds to expand our classroom library, create a more engaging learning space, and provide opportunities like field trips, writing projects, and experiences my students might not otherwise have. I would also set aside a small portion for my family, who encouraged me to take the leap into teaching.