How did you discover your passion for what you do?    

Becoming an educator was never a plan until I had to take an elective Intro to Education course in college. Our professor welcomed us each morning calling every person in the room a scholar. She made me feel so important and validated that I switched my major to elementary education. My passion grew exponentially my first year teaching when I was placed in Eastern North Carolina by Teach for America. Seeing my own scholars grow every day is a true blessing.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.”

Who is your mentor and how did he/she shape your career?

My 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, was the kind of teacher that didn’t just teach book lessons, she would teach you about life and how to be a good person. She knew what my favorite color was and how to make me smile when I was sad. I have always sought to leave the same impact on my own students. When I was awarded Teacher of the Year for Sampson County Schools, I got a phone book and called Mrs. Wolfe immediately. We were both crying as I told her she made me the person and teacher I am today.