Yennifer Castillo

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because as an English-learning student, I was shaped by teachers who poured their hearts into my growth, breaking barriers I couldn’t yet overcome alone. Their dedication inspired me to pay it forward. Today, I see younger generations losing passion for education, and I feel a duty to reignite their curiosity. I became a teacher to show students that learning isn’t a chore but an adventure, full of wonder, possibility, and discovery, just like the journey my teachers gave me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was seeing my students putting on their lab coats for the first time. Their excitement was priceless. It was my first year teaching at that school. The students didn’t do experiments nor did they wear lab coats prior to me. On their first lab Friday, they wore brand new coats, goggles & gloves. They took pictures and stared at themselves in the mirror with aw. One of them said, “I look like a real scientist!” I said, “you are.” Representation matters.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The $25,000 will help me buy a home. I have been living paycheck to paycheck in my one bedroom apartment, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing my masters degree. This money will help me so much financially. I have thought of leaving this career because of the hardship, however, having this money will allow me to continue to teach, inspire and nurture without the pressures of debt and bills.