Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my passion in life has always been to help others. I always have enjoyed working with children even at a young age and knew teaching would be a lifelong career for me someday. Having teachers who inspired me and treated me with kindness and respect are the reason why I am a teacher today. Without them, I would not be who I am today and the teacher that I am.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first year of teaching for the district that I am at required me to go on an hour long boat ride to and from school daily to teach students who live on an island 26 miles off the coast of California. Rain or shine, I would show up to teach and support my students in anyway possible. The relationships that I built with these students have impacted my personal and professional life so much. We are still in contact today and celebrate all moments they accomplish together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my current students and the other second grade class to Disneyland for the day to go on an educational fieldtrip. The fieldtrips at Disneyland not only offer fun experiences for the day but also educational experiences involving science, art, math, and engineering. Many students at my school have not been to a theme park before and would love the opportunity to experience it. The remaining money left over would go towards our school and be used to purchase items that students need.