I know what severe panic attacks feel like, and when I saw the child I was caring for face the same thing my heart broke. Shaking and with tears in his eyes, he was not sure what was going on or how to stop it. From what I learned through my own experiences, I was able to help guide him through it, and go on to teach him methods to deal with struggles such as this in the future. Throughout my time nannying for him so far, we continued to practice strategies to work through his emotions. Seeing him utilize what he learned in order to take control of his life was the most impactful moment of my summer.
I am passionate about helping children. Between my volunteer work at my local elementary school, teaching in my church’s preschool, helping children who face food insecurity, and my work in childcare- I have learned a lot about the lasting outcome leadership in these communities can make, and have had many opportunities to practice this service. It is so rewarding to see academic growth, as well as development in integrity and character, when working with students in and out of the classroom. Helping children create their own bright future has resulted in meaningful connections I have had the pleasure of being a part of. There is no greater feeling I have experienced than a young child running up to me with a smile to come give me a hug. The community I have been able to become a part of through volunteering has driven my motivation to pour into it and help improve upon it. My experiences have helped me to see how important a life including helping children and prioritizing community are to me. From a young age, I have been able to see the impact teachers make on students first hand, through their hard work and compassion towards myself. Through my mother’s teaching career, I have gotten a close look at the profession and how involved she has become in families’ lives. Seeing this community connection, and the satisfaction in helping others, has made a big impact. With this, I have decided to pursue Elementary Education so I can practice my two passions of helping others and fostering community each day.
A future that is centered around meaningful relationships and giving back to the community is of the utmost importance to me, and a college education will give me the required certifications and necessary tools to make that future dream a reality. Higher education would equip me with knowledge on how to truly best support my students, and be able to continue a life of giving back to my community. All that I have taught, I have learned. I was able to help the child I was watching through his panic attack because I had previously learned strategies from those who pour into my life. Becoming a teacher will help me create a life centered around compassion, community, and growth.
"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others,” (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk). An educator is not just a profession, it is a beacon of hope, imagination, discipline, love, courage, and the future.
I have always had this dream of becoming a teacher. I remember the days when I was a child when I would come home from school and teach my stuffed animals. I would use my pointer, point to a blank wall, and recite all the things I learned at school that day. I even remember teaching my "class" about photosynthesis. I also remember when I would participate in my school's career day. I would have all the teacher's needs on. I had my fake glasses, lanyard, formal outfit, and even an apple. I was so excited to dress up and show everyone my teacher's outfit.
My dream sparked more when I came to Asbury. When I was placed in my first clinical my first year, I was placed under Mrs. Combs. She taught a challenging 2nd grade class. Over 80% of the school is economically disadvantaged and 18 out of 30 students in that class had accommodations. Just to name a few: English language Learners, IEP, 504 plans, anger management issues, growth disorder, autism, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, adopted, transgender, history of trauma, EPO against father, and many more. There was even one child who was homeless. Through these challenges, Mrs. Combs did not let it stop her from being the best educator she could be. It pushed her to become better. She handled everything with grace, humility, and patience. She had grace with the student who could not sleep the night before because of their home life. She was full of humility when she would lay down her own needs to meet her students'. She had patience when students burst out in anger and were behind academically. She cultivated an environment of love, kindness, and stability. She made sure the kids felt safe and could express their true selves. Teachers like Mrs. Combs are the teachers that will pave the way to education. As the world is becoming darker and darker, teachers need to take a stand and be a lighthouse in the classroom. Mrs. Combs motivated my passion for learning.
It has made me realize that I strive to be an educator that creates a safe place. This first requires me to build relationships with my students. My prayer for my classroom is that it would be a lighthouse for students who are struggling to keep themselves above the waves. I want students to feel like they can express their true selves. Some students might come from a rough home life, but I hope that they look forward to coming into my classroom where they can feel loved. I want to be a teacher who changes lives. I want to be a teacher where my students learn not just the curriculum but the significant skills needed to improve the world.
In the next 3 years of college, I hope to gain even more skills that I will have to offer to the education system. I hope to be a part of a great movement that will improve education and change many students' lives. Being a first-generation college student and educator is a wonderful opportunity. I have had this dream ever since I was little to be a teacher. However, having the funds to achieve this dream is challenging. This scholarship will help me to receive the education I need to be an unforgettable teacher.
