To some kids, a teddy bear is just another teddy bear. But to the kids I teach at Mooncrest, a new teddy bear means the world.

I created a literacy program for impoverished kids. I would go once a week and work with students. Read books, do activities. My favorite moment was when I read the book the Legend of the Teddy Bear—about Theodore Roosevelt and the teddy bear. I sat in a rocking chair with the kids scattered around me. Such a good feeling. But we didn’t just read. I surprised the kids that day.

Build a Bear donated 25 bears. After the book, the children got to build their own personal bears to take home. To most kids, this would be just another teddy bear sitting in their bedrooms. But to these kids, you could see the appreciation. Their eyes lit up.

Last summer I worked at camp in Texas. Counseled 15 and 16-year old girls. I loved these girls. That age is such a hard time. I went through camp hoping I said one thing right to them the whole time.

Two or three months later, a few of the girls sent me letters. They said I changed the direction of their lives. One girl didn’t have the courage to try out for a field hockey team—because of me, she’s now playing varsity. Awesome.

My whole family is filled with teachers and educators. Believe it or not, I started out as a business major at RMU. When I was a business major, it was always a joke in my family – when would I be sucked into being an education major? They were waiting for me to stop being stubborn. Stubborn, I was. I was determined not to be a teacher because that’s what everyone expected of me.

I finally bit the bullet. Stopped being stubborn. I decided to become a teacher. My mom always said to follow your gut. Then dive all in…and enjoy it. It’s been a blessing ever since. It just feels right. Kids are brutally honest. They always keep you on your toes. Keep you real. I love having honest and true people around me.

My mom inspired me to become a teacher. She’s a strong woman. She’s always kept the family together. She taught me what hard work it is, but also about the benefits that outweighed it. It’s a struggle to be a good teacher, a good mom, a good wife and a good friend. She taught me how powerful it can be when you’re able to balance everything.

Before Robert Morris University, I thought I knew a lot about who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I was wrong. Now, I’m truly inspired. I know I’m in the right place.