What inspired you to become a teacher?

My eighth-grade teachers are the ones who truly inspired me to become a teacher. They built meaningful relationships with me and made me feel that they believed in me. I also remember them being truly invested in my life outside of school. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I wanted to give other kids that same feeling — the sense that someone cares deeply about their growth and success. One of my favorite parts of teaching now is witnessing those "aha" moments, when something clicks for a student and they light up with understanding. Those moments remind me of why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place. I also love seeing my past students around campus — we instantly smile and remember the special bond we had. 

What do you hope students will take away from your classes or your mentorship?

I hope my students will always remember that I believe in them, I’ll always be there for them, and I loved having the opportunity to watch their personalities unfold day by day. Having spent nine months together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become part of each other, and we shall always retain a little of each other. My goal is for them to feel supported and confident, knowing that I’m invested in their growth and success, no matter what challenges they face.
 

How do you recharge and find inspiration when you’re not in the classroom?

When I'm not in the classroom, I recharge and find inspiration by spending time with my family and friends. Being with them helps me relax, refocus, and come back to teaching with fresh energy and new perspectives.

How do you connect with and engage students in the learning process?

I connect with and engage students by forming meaningful relationships with them and learning about their individual interests. Understanding what excites and motivates them allows me to teach lessons that capture their attention and make the material we’re learning relevant and engaging. My hope is that this approach helps students feel more connected to the learning process and shows them that their passions are valued in our classroom.