Helen First

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because making a difference with my Navajo students is something I've always strived for. Teaching my students to know that "it's okay to be different and always try your best in everything you do" is something I share with them. My analogy of teaching my students is that they're like a piece of pottery because each of them is created in their own Hozho' way. Some of them are already set in their own ways so it's up to me to reshape and mold them to be that unique individual

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Let me see, which should I choose. Okay, here's one. One of my male students was having a hard time due to socialization skills, after three months, he started to work hard and learned to become a great reader. Then one day, after his counseling class he told his counselor that his favorite teacher was I, because in his own words, he said, "She teaches me good things and she believes in me." This brought me to tears because he just needed that person to encourage him to do his best. And, he did.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would celebrate with my students by purchasing them headphones for their laptops. They work on their IXL and Smarty Ants program on a weekly basis, so this would assist them. Then we would celebrate with pizza and wings. Something they like. Finally, I would use some of the money to pay off my credit cards so I won't stress out. I would also purchase more gifts for my 24th Annual Elderly Gift Giving for December 2025. These are just some things I've though about. Helping those in need.