Tell us why you became a teacher

I feel I was born to be a teacher. As the oldest among my siblings and cousins, I naturally took the lead. After starting kindergarten, I would gather my cousins at my grandparents’ house and teach them what I had learned. My grandpa even gave me a chalkboard, and I loved playing “teacher.” It made me feel helpful and proud to share my knowledge, a passion that has stayed with me ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments is watching a student shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. This student strongly disliked math, but through guidance, support, and two years together, they began to try and believe in themselves. Later, they returned during middle school to share they were earning A’s and B’s in math—an incredibly proud and rewarding moment for me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would use part of it to pay off bills and ease financial stress. A significant portion would go toward supporting my children’s educational goals, helping provide them with opportunities to succeed and grow.