How a math teacher from a tough neighborhood is investing in the future, one student at a time

What does it take to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators and great thinkers? Middle school math teacher Sheena Evans knows that for her students, having someone who believes in them can make all the difference.

Below is a little more about the story Sheena shared with @CapitalOne about how she inspires her students every day to dream for and achieve a brighter future and become the best they can be.

Giving back to her community

From gang violence to high poverty rates, South Central Los Angeles is a neighborhood with grit. And for the students at Sheena’s school, studying for that next test can often pale in comparison to the other things they need to worry about.

Having grown up in the neighborhood, Sheena understands first-hand how burdensome it can be for students to focus on their studies when there’s so much going on around them.

“It’s my job to create a safe environment for them to learn,” she says.

Not only is Sheena creating a safe space for learning, but she’s also using the cash back rewards from her personal Capital One Quicksilver card to buy the supplies her students need to be successful.

Sheena especially loves to bring her students treats like pizza to keep them motivated while making learning fun and rewarding at the same time. She’s found that these extra gestures help encourage her students to dream big and accomplish anything they set their mind to.

“I try to provide them opportunities to earn rewards because I know that will help them,” she says.

This is all part of Sheena's larger effort to encourage her students to go to high school and college, and to help make the neighborhood better.

Sheena is making a difference and changing lives – one student at a time.

Share your dreams

Spread the word about your own dreams — the #DefineYourDream campaign is seeking additional stories to share with the world.

Are you challenging the status quo or inspiring others to make a difference? Share your story with on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for a chance to be featured in an upcoming story. Just use @CapitalOne and the hashtag #DefineYourDream now through February 2 for a chance to be featured.

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