Tell us why you became a teacher

I grew up in Japan and attended an American parochial school. In first and third grade, our school welcomed a teacher from the United States. He was enthusiastic, encouraging, and deeply inspiring. I remember trying to absorb every English idiom and colloquial expression he shared. More importantly, he saw a potential in me that I had not yet recognized in myself and helped build my confidence as both a learner and a person. That experience stayed with me, and it inspired me to become a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After over ten years teaching middle elementary grades, I stepped into kindergarten for the first time. Initially, I was nervous about guiding children in reading and writing from the very beginning. By March, I witnessed a breakthrough: all of my students were reading and writing—and loving it. That moment cemented for me the importance of teaching foundational literacy skills to young learners.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With any extra funds, I plan to allocate them toward tutoring young students who struggle with reading and writing. I believe literacy is a fundamental right, yet many families face limited time and resources. I have always felt conflicted charging for my private sessions, so I hope to give back to the community by providing local tutoring at no cost, helping children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.