Jacquelyn DePierro

Tell us why you became a teacher

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I spent countless hours teaching my stuffed animals, Barbies, and My Little Ponies. Beyond that, I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with kids in some way. My biggest inspiration was my grandmother. She left school early to work in a factory and support her family, but later in life, she found her calling babysitting children. Watching her work her magic with kids left a lasting impression on me—I wanted to be just like her.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was going through a difficult time, having just finished Radioactive Iodine treatments for thyroid cancer, with other health issues emerging. I wasn’t myself, often leaving school early. One day, a student handed me a note that said, ‘You are capabull.’ That small gesture profoundly impacted me. In that moment, I realized I was stronger than I thought and capable of facing any challenge. That note became a powerful reminder of my resilience and the strength I didn’t know I had.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000, I would use it to pay off my student loans, relieving a significant financial burden. Any remaining funds would go toward advancing my career by pursuing a leadership certification or contributing to a down payment on a home. As a teacher, balancing finances on a single income has been challenging, leading me to move back in with my parents to manage costs. This opportunity would provide me to invest in my future.