Jennifer Carpenter

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always loved kids. As a teenager I taught swimming lessons at a city pool. I knew then that I wanted to work with children. I wanted the opportunity to make a difference. I wanted to empower young people, become a mentor and a guiding light for children that didn’t have those opportunities or experiences. I think it is pretty cool that I could be teaching a doctor that could cure cancer, a future president or the next inventor.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment as a teacher was actually at a football game and not in the class room. I ran into a former student and his mom at the game, he told he was in college and pursing his dream of working in politics. He informed me that a recommendation that I write for him years ago inspired him to dream big. He thanked me for being his favorite teacher and believing in him. I was so happy to know that I made a difference for this student and that what I do every day matters.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of the money to spend a summer traveling abroad. I would use the majority of the money to build a small cabin on land that I recently had the opportunity to purchase. This land has been in my family for over 100 years. I would love to be able to build something there for my family to be able to visit and enjoy.