Stephanie Ornelas

Tell us why you became a teacher

I entered education field backwards. I was offer and Athletic Director position, and went back to school to get my education degree. After 15yrs as an Athletic Director, I am back in the classroom and love it. I love being around the students and not stuck in an office all day. I do not have the "Sunday scaries" and wake up Monday morning excited to go to work, not many can say that.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have too many memorable experiences, as a high school teacher, students rotate class periods and I have students that come back or take all my classes. I asked one student why he is taking all my classes, he said, "cause the make sense and you don't judge me". I am starting a doc of the students one liners and hoping to create a book or a fun video with them all. But the best part is watching them grow, maybe college graduation, and what I love seeing what they become as grown adults.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I was to win $25,000, I would first get out debit and put the rest into a Roth IRA to start another retirement fund. The money would take so much stress off my shoulders, and would get me into a great place financially.