Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I enjoy helping others learn and grow. Since the age of 5, I have enjoyed playing a part in helping peers shift from misunderstanding and unknown to feeling confident in their abilities. I valued the experience that my teachers offered me through mixed methods of instruction, and I wanted to provide creative and meaningful learning experiences for my students as well.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have many fond experiences. Some examples are: witnessing the shy student bravely performing a beautiful solo, a student leap for joy because they earned an award their first and only award of their K-5 experience in my class, and inspiring a disengaged student in my math class through building a connection with him, the math content, and his passion of monster trucks and his desired career driving trucks. I'd like to think my students felt valued and that they mattered.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As an educator, I am passionate about helping others realize their potential. I would use a portion of the funds to create a scholarship to support students' college aspirations and invest the remainder in pursuing my doctoral degree. This opportunity would allow me to grow professionally and increase my impact, ultimately helping more students achieve their goals.