Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my own journey. There was a time when I wanted to drop out of school, but 3 teachers and my mom never gave up on me. They showed up for me every single day and kept fighting for my success. In 10th grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Finding my way through my education wasn’t easy, but those experiences shaped who I am today. Now, I’m a teacher who works in inclusion and supports students. One of my favorite things is watching their confidence grow everyday.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was during my first year. I had a student who was undiagnosed with ADHD. He struggled to sit still, had difficulty understanding the material, and often got into trouble. One day, I sat down and talked with him. I told him that when I looked at him, I saw myself. I shared that I had struggled in school too and I would help him. From that moment on, he began to flourish. A student who was once struggling became a successful and confident learner.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first thing I would do is pay off my debt, including my credit cards and student loans. I believe taking care of those responsibilities would be the right place to start. If the money wasn’t used to pay off debt, I would put it into my family’s savings to help cover future expenses. I would invest in improvements for my home, set aside money for my future child, and donate a portion to a dyslexia school on the coast. I may also use some of it to buy myself a reliable used car.