became a teacher because I know what it feels like to struggle.Growing up, I had a learning disability. School wasn’t always easy for me. I remember what it felt like to doubt myself, to need extra help, and to wonder if I was “behind.” But I also remember the teachers who believed in me — the ones who made me feel capable, safe, and seen. That’s why I teach. I teach for the kids who feel frustrated when something doesn’t click. I teach for the moment when the light bulb finally turn on.

My most memorable teaching experience wasn’t a big event or a perfect lesson — it was a moment. It was watching a student who had been struggling for weeks finally understand something we had been working on in math equivalent fractions. I remember the frustration before it clicked — the self-doubt, the quiet “I can’t do this.” And then suddenly, it happened. The light bulb turned on. Their face lit up. They sat up straighter. They believed in themselves.

I would invest it in both my future and my classroom. As a teacher, I see every day how much students benefit from having the right resources. I would use part of it to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment — updated classroom materials, flexible seating, books that reflect my students, and tools that support different learning styles. For me, I would invest in down payment on a house. Helping my family as much as possible.