I became a teacher because I believe education changes trajectories. As someone who has navigated challenge, growth, and higher education as a first-generation student, I know how powerful one consistent adult can be. I teach to create classrooms where students feel seen, pushed intellectually, and reminded that their story matters.

One of my most memorable moments was watching a quiet student in special education lead our Dungeons & Dragons club. He had struggled socially all year, but storytelling unlocked something powerful. His classmates leaned in, followed his lead, and respected his ideas. That day he wasn’t defined by a label, he was a leader. It reminded me that education is about belonging and identity as much as academics.

I would invest in opportunities students can touch and feel; more books, hands-on projects, and resources that make learning engaging, especially for students who need multiple ways to access content. I’d also fund the release of my social-emotional books on perseverance and my story of homelessness and relentlessly pursuing education, full circle now serving students.