Many people dream of what they would do if they ever won money from the lottery or another contest. Some might celebrate their winnings by purchasing a new car, paying off their mortgage, or putting the money into a savings account for their children’s college fund. Others might donate a portion of it to their favorite charity, while using the rest of it for themselves. Yet very few would probably give all of the money away to a cause or group that they felt deserved it.

However, that is exactly what third grade teacher Nicole Bollerman chose to do with her newly-acquired cash. Bollerman, a teacher at UP Academy Dorchester in Boston, MA, won $150,000 in the #Wish for Others online contest, sponsored by Capitol One. And, according to ABC News, she donated her winnings to her school, a public charter school which is a year old.

In her contest entry, Bollerman writes, “My #Wish for Others is that my voracious, adorable, hardworking, loving scholars all leave for their December break with a book in their hand.” Capitol One granted her wish, giving each of her students three books a piece, as well as the grand prize, the $150,000.

Bollerman’s selfless act was honored by the Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, at Boston’s city hall. Mayor Walsh made mention of Bollerman’s “kindness and humility”, according to WBUR of Boston. “We are grateful for your hard work and generosity,” remarked Mayor Walsh. “You have inspired lots of people with your selfless act.”

Bollerman was joined by some of her students, the very people who would benefit the most from her generous donation, and the people whom she thought of soon after she won the contest. “To me, there was no other option,” said Bollerman. “I mean, I wished it for the kids. Where else would it go other than them? As you can see, they are wonderful, and I just wanted it to go to them.”

The $150,000 has not been allocated officially for specific school use yet, but Bollerman and school officials have promised that the money will absolutely make a positive difference in the school and, especially, for the students. The money will help “improve the lives of the students,” stated Bollerman. Lessons in coding and increased computer access are some of the ways that the money could well be put to use, according to ABC News.

Teachers are sometimes credited as being life-changing. They inspire, nurture, and most of all (of course), teach their students. Bollerman has given her students a truly life-changing lesson on what it means to be generous.

UP Academy Dorchester used to be struggling, according to WBUR, but now is one of the best-performing schools in Massachusetts With such a dedicated, wonderful teacher as Nicole “Nikki” Bollerman, it is easy to understand how such a remarkable transformation is possible.