Holly Garcia

I became a teacher to empower kids to use their voices for positive change and to embrace mistakes as essential steps in their growth. I want to create a space where students feel confident in sharing their ideas, asking questions, and exploring their potential without fear of failure. Helping them understand that learning is a journey, not a destination, and that every mistake is an opportunity to grow, is what drives my passion for teaching every day.

One of my most memorable teaching moments was in Miami, where many students were of Haitian descent. I was explaining a lesson, and when they didn’t make eye contact, I thought they weren’t paying attention. I spoke about respect, only to later learn that in Haitian culture, not making eye contact is actually a sign of respect. My ignorance was humbling, and it taught me to always ask and listen before making assumptions. Students deserve to be academically and culturally respected always.

If I had $25,000, I’d use it to take my young family on a journey to experience different cultures and meet people from all walks of life. I believe stepping outside of our comfort zones fosters a deeper understanding of the world and teaches invaluable lessons in diversity, empathy, and curiosity. These experiences would shape their perspectives, encouraging them to see the beauty in differences and appreciate the richness of life beyond what they know.