For as long as I could remember I always wanted to be a teacher, the year I was in second grade I wrote a paper "I want to be a teacher when I grow up" and I have never waivered. Teaching has become my life's work and my passion. Spending time with children, listening to their stories, sharing the joy of learning and watching their eyes light up when they make connections and discover that they CAN do hard things is the greatest reward. I teach to inspire and make lasting memories.

While teaching second grade I had a little boy who truly could not read. He worked hard, we worked hard, our team worked hard. He wanted so badly to be a reader. One day near the end of the school year I asked if there were any volunteers who wanted to read to the class. His hand shot straight into the air and he read. He read with confidence, clearly and didn't make a mistake. When he finished the entire class clapped and cheered, I cried. He looked at me and said "I am a reader"!

This money would greatly help me support my family. The money would be used to pay bills, debt, and help send my four son's to school to help further their education after high school.