Ashley Whaley

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was woken up from nap time in 4K and my teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had a unique schooling, attending a public school in a small town. My love for reading, along with being so close to my teachers in my small school helped steer me toward my love for teaching. While I had a great school experience, I saw how my sister struggled. I wanted to become a teacher to make a difference in the lives of students like my sister.

My 1st year teaching I had a student who was challenging. I was constantly having to think of new behavior management strategies for him. I got a mint tin with the student’s favorite Disney Character on it. My student worked for mints from the tin and when he earned them all he got to keep the tin. The day he earned the tin I wrote a note to him inside it, telling him that I believed in him. When I gave it to him he started to tear up and gave me the biggest hug. I will never forget that moment.

I am getting married in May! With $25,000 I would use it to help remodel the house we are moving in to. I would also use some to help pay for our honeymoon!