Sally Lopez

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because when I was growing up, I didn’t have very many teachers who looked like me and it left me feeling very isolated without a sense of belonging. As a woman of color, I strive to be the representation for my students that I wish I had when I was growing up because I bring unique experiences and perspectives to all the students in my classroom and school. Most importantly, though, I want to help every student I meet to know they belong in any room they enter.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is from my first year of teaching. I was teaching a lesson on kindness and empathy using myself as an example. At the end of the demonstration, one student stood up and defended me. This prompted other students to also stand up to defend me. While it was all a demonstration, it spoke volumes to our connection as teacher and student, and to his comfort level in our classroom. After this, I knew I was doing something right.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 from this contest, I would alleviate some of my financial stressors. As a first generation college student, I made a lot of poor financial decisions to put myself through my bachelors and masters programs that I am still dealing with today. I want more than anything to feel financially secure to support my family and work towards my dreams of travel.