Tell us why you became a teacher

I struggled as a teenager in various ways after my family became homeless in the 90s. I had a single possession: my notebook. I used drawing to escape my daily struggles; it was my safe place. My teachers saw my passion and found creative outlets for me, especially my art teachers. They provided an actual sketchbook and art materials, and pushed me to study the arts. They worked so hard to share their passion for the arts with me and their students, healing us. They inspired me to teach. :)

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Rather than one memorable teaching experience, my students often remind me of why I teach. To promote my school's Visual and Performing Arts program (VAPA), I ask my classes for volunteers to help present and recruit middle schoolers to join our program. Every year, I have dozens of students who help me in my classes, programs, or events and it never fails to amaze and move me how kind, passionate, and caring my students are. Rather than moments, I am reminded daily of how great our kids are.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to go on a true vacation. I helped my impoverished family when I was in high school, worked three jobs in college, worked throughout the year as a teacher including winter, spring, and summer breaks for the past 21 years. I would like to rest for one summer after 16 years of teaching. I hope to take my parents back to their hometown in South Korea, and visit families that I haven't seen in many years. I would also like to host a reunion event for my graduated students. I miss them.