Yaritza (Yaya) Villa

2019 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Recipient

For the first few years of her schooling, Yaritza Villa didn’t fit in, placed in a succession of classrooms where she spoke the wrong language, was the wrong age or ability level - or simply wasn’t accepted. Frustrated and unmotivated, she was ready to give up on school when her third-grade teacher, Ms. Old, came along - and ignited her passion for learning. Today, Yaritza is a strong advocate for the power of education, planning to become a physics teacher and share her infectious enthusiasm for science with her students.

Here is Yaritza's story about Ms. Old, the teacher who inspired her.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2019 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.