TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa realtor and former school teacher is now the star of HGTV’s “First Timers Club.” In the program, Amina Stevens works with families who want to buy their very first home.

It’s an issue that’s dear to Stevens' heart. As a child, she lived with her mom in an apartment and never thought she could own a house.

“I still think it’s a little bit like a 'pinch me' because I can still remember growing up and being being bussed to the suburbs to go to school and saying, ‘This is where the rich people live,’” Stevens said. “Now I know that’s so not true. And that’s why I want to demystify what it really takes to be a homeowner because it really is accessible to everyone.”

Stevens graduated from USF with a degree in education and initially taught English. But after some time, Stevens realized her true passion was teaching homebuyers.

“I’ve always wanted to make an impact in the world and I’m realizing that I’m doing it,” Stevens said.

Stevens has been a realtor for four years. She said she never thought about having her own TV show, but a producer spotted her on Instagram and was attracted to her outgoing personality.

“The other day I was overwhelmed with the realization that I get to do this,” Stevens said. “Out of all the realtors out there, I get to be the one to bridge the gap of homeowner education on TV and that is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Stevens is a real estate agent and broker associate with EXP Realty in Tampa.

“First Timers Club” airs on HGTV on Thursdays at 11 a.m.