LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Aliya Cush was nominated by a student.

"Mrs. Cush is one of the nicest, kindest, and sweetest teachers that I have ever met in my entire life. She has been the most successful math teacher I have ever had and is my favorite math teacher ever. Mrs. Cush can break down math into a simpler and easier way for students like me who need a more simplistic explanation of the material. She can turn math class from a boring and worthless class into a fun and engaging class. She explains how we'll use the material as adults and why it's important to learn it right now," said the student.

"I used to go to math class worried about how I was not going to be able to understand the subject and how I was going to fall behind in class and be the dumb one, but now I know I can go to class knowing that I can learn it because of Mrs. Cush. I've gone to her multiple times for extra help since I didn't fully know the subject, and she was sympathetic, understanding, and motivated to help me. She takes the time to make sure that you know the material and shows different ways to solve it, knowing that not everybody can solve it a certain way," said the student.

"She's optimistic and will tell you that you can learn it and are smart enough to. She's why I went from a student disgusted by math to a student excited for it. She teaches the subject in such a unique way that it makes sense, knowing how much of a struggle math is for many. I am so grateful that I got a chance to have Mrs. Cush as a teacher because she is the reason that I am a successful math student, and it's not just me, many others can say the same. Multiple children in her class are grateful to have her because of her funny but serious attitude, persistence to keep trying no matter what, and her intellect on how to teach math appropriately. Without Mrs. Cush, I and many others in her class wouldn't be able to do so well in math, and I know I can do successfully on my algebra keystones because of her. She has changed so many students' lives for the better because of her genius when it comes to teaching, and I, along with my entire algebra class, can say she deserves this award more than anybody," said the student. "Mrs. Cush is a LifeChanger because she's changed so many students' lives for the better, and I am so glad and so grateful I got to be blessed to have her!"