Nikki Burmester

Tell us why you became a teacher

Becoming a teacher was a natural progression for me because of my deep-rooted passion for helping others. Since a young age, I have always been drawn to opportunities where I could assist people in understanding something they didn’t before, whether it was tutoring a peer, helping a friend with their homework, or volunteering with local organizations. The ability to make a positive impact in someone's life through education became something I deeply valued. Over time, I realized that

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was with a scholar-athlete who missed his internship interview. Going against my usual judgment, I gave him a second chance, and it was one of the best decisions I made. He aspired to become a social worker/psychologist and play football in college. I assisted him with college decisions and financial guidance. Years later, he invited me to a game where teachers who impacted their students' lives were honored—a moment I’ll never forget.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I would use it to start a college fund for our children, ensuring they have the resources to succeed in their future education. I’d also use a portion to pay off debt, helping alleviate financial stress. As a family of four, with both my husband and I working hard, this money would allow us to focus on enjoying our time together, creating memories without constantly worrying about our finances. It would bring much-needed peace and stability to our lives.