Since babysitting my neighbor's small son and daughter at the age of 11, I knew my future would involve having a positive influence on children. I decided to start making a difference in the world beginning with its smallest residents--when the very foundation of who they will become is being built. As a teacher, I knew l could help hundreds of students not only learn to write stories, but also write our nation's future story as one of empathy and justice, humility and strength, truth and hope!

My first year of teaching was extremely difficult! I had a first-grade student who would scream, call me names, and destroy the classroom. I questioned whether I could continue in this career--until my students gifted me a book. Each child made their own page. I still have it to remind me why I do what I do. Some pages read, "your smile is like the sunshine; when I am sad you cheer me up; you teach me how to be a nice person; you are like a mom to me; and when you are sad I will help you too."

I plan to use a portion of the money to create a science lab in my school! We lack the tools and space to truly feed our students' love of science! Then I would use another portion to pay some of my debts and build up my savings. Lastly, depending on how many guests the prize trip to Hawaii includes, I would use the rest of the money to bring some of my deserving educator friends with me! I want to give back to my community, but I know I also need to fill my own "well" so I can fill others'!