Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to be the person I needed when I was a child. Growing up as a first generation student from a Hispanic background, school was not always easy for me. I walked into the classroom with little to no English and often felt confused and out of place. I remember sitting quietly, wanting to participate but not always knowing how to express myself. Many times I understood more than I could say, and that made me feel frustrated. It was not that I did not want to learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences happened during my first year when I worked with a student who reminded me of my younger self. He had recently moved and spoke very little English. He was very quiet, avoided eye contact, and rarely participated, even though I could tell he was trying and paying attention. By the end of the year, he grew out of his shell and thrived in class. Another unforgettable experience has been creating a class book, watching their imaginations come to life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded the $25,000, my first priority would be to finish paying for my studies. As a first generation college student, earning my degree in education is something I have worked very hard for, but it also comes with financial pressure. Removing that burden would allow me to focus completely on becoming the best teacher I can be for my students. I would be able to dedicate more time to planning, professional development, and improving my instruction instead of worrying about tuition.