The educational experience that changed my life was due to my displacement following Hurricane Katrina. I had the opportunity to take a physical science class in which I was constructively challenged. Through this class I discovered an intellectual curiosity that I didn't know I had. My teacher always spoke about how the tests became fun if you understood the material, and in the midst of difficulty found a reason to push on. It was refreshing to have an adult taking an interest in my academic achievement – someone who wanted me to exceed my own expectations. My passion to educate and to be the change in other students’ lives stems from my experiences with phenomenal teachers, tutors, and mentors. Teaching both middle school and high school courses has allowed me to become familiar with the opportunity gap that is affecting students across the country. Considering my own academic journey and how fortunate I've been, I don't merely feel compelled to help young students; I feel duty-bound. Helping to shape the minds and lives of young people is the least I can do to make a difference and honor those who have sacrificed on my behalf.

Fishing, camping, snowboarding, NCAA football and NFL, home technology, automotive repair and modification