Hollie James

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because since I was a child myself, I noticed how knowledge is power in our world. I want every child to feel powerful over their circumstances, whether that be learning how to self regulate or seeing an opportunity out of a poverty cycle. Just like Socrates, it is important to teach children to lean into their curiosity about the world around them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This is a difficult question because every year for the last 9 years I've cherished so many worthy memorable experiences. However, I would have to say my 8th year of teaching was also my first year teaching PreK. I was serving a high poverty, primarily Spanish speaking community that will forever be dear to my heart. My teammate and I took our students to the local library in order for them to get their first library card. My heart was so full watching my students connect to local resources.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to pay bills. If I was given the honor of winning $25,000 I would be able to not only pay my bills, but also help my parents who also struggle financially. I would also be able to pay off my private grad school loans that are currently hanging over my head. It would be a tremendous blessing to have the financial means to breathe a lot easier and even give an amount to my local charity.