"My most memorable teaching moment was at The HOPE Academy, working with a 9th-grade student who had never passed a test. After constant clashes, I made a deal with him: if he tried his best and failed, I’d stop pushing him. He earned a B and transformed overnight—engaged, polite, and motivated. Calling his
mom to celebrate his success reinforced the power of positive reinforcement and grace. This moment taught
me that confidence can spark change, and meaningful relationships, built on trust and encouragement, can unlock potential in students who might otherwise feel destined to fail."
