As a society, we face a critical issue in how we treat children, a group that is especially vulnerable and often taken advantage of. Unfortunately, many children suffer in silence, unable to escape their circumstances due to fear, isolation, and neglect. Personally, I have a deep understanding of this issue, as I experienced it firsthand. Growing up, I was subjected to emotional and physical abuse by my father, an experience that left me feeling powerless and trapped. For much of my childhood, fear was a constant companion in every aspect of my life, and the toll it took on my mental and physical well-being was profound. Living in an environment where abuse was a daily reality, I struggled to gain independence, confidence, and a sense of self-worth. It was a battle that took many years to overcome, but eventually, I was able to find a glimmer of hope, and that hope has become my driving force. With the strength I’ve gained from my personal experiences, I’ve made the decision to dedicate my life to addressing this issue and protecting children who are suffering from similar circumstances. My journey has led me to pursue a career where I can be a part of the solution, ensuring that children in crisis have the support they need to escape a life of torment and trauma. To make this vision a reality, I am currently putting myself through college to earn a degree in social work and psychology. I know that gaining a deep understanding of human behavior and the systems that contribute to abuse and neglect will be crucial in helping me become an effective advocate for children. Upon completing my degree, I plan to undergo the rigorous training required to become a licensed social worker. I want to be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to help children in crisis navigate the complexities of their situations and find safety, stability, and support. My ultimate goal is to work within social services, where I can be the barrier between vulnerable children and the trauma they may face if no intervention occurs. As a social worker, I will be able to advocate for children, ensure they are heard, and provide them with the care and resources they need to heal. I want to be the person who steps in when others have failed them, giving them the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. In conclusion, my personal experiences with abuse have inspired me to dedicate my life to addressing the issue of child abuse and neglect. Through my education and future career in social work, I am working to ensure that children who are suffering from abuse are given a chance at a better life. I believe that with dedication, compassion, and the right tools, we can help children escape harmful situations and support them as they heal and thrive.

I am a determined individual who has faced many challenges throughout my life, but these obstacles have only fueled my desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Growing up in a single-parent household with a father who was emotionally and physically abusive, I developed a deep sense of empathy and a drive to protect those who feel vulnerable or unheard. These experiences shaped my passion for social justice and led me to pursue a career in social work, with a specific focus on helping children and families who are struggling with abuse, neglect, and trauma. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of a lack of support, and I want to be the one who provides that support to others. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by advocating for children who have no voice and helping them find safety, stability, and hope. My goal is to work as a child welfare social worker, where I can directly intervene in the lives of those who are at risk, offering them the protection and care they need to heal and grow. Growing up, I was determined not to let my circumstances define me. Despite facing emotional and physical abuse, I held on to the belief that one day I would have the opportunity to help others who were in situations like mine. This desire to help others, coupled with my own experiences, has fueled my commitment to pursuing a degree in social work. I am driven by the idea that no child or family should ever have to endure the kind of suffering I went through without help, and I want to be the person who can offer that support. I am currently working toward my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in the field so that I can gain the necessary training and knowledge to become an effective advocate for children and families. Through my education and eventual career, I aim to not only intervene in individual cases but to advocate for systemic changes that will prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. I want to work on policy reform, implement preventative programs, and promote awareness around the issues of child abuse and neglect, so that fewer children have to suffer in silence. Ultimately, I plan to make a lasting impact by working with communities and organizations to create environments where children can thrive, free from abuse and neglect. My own experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and advocacy, and I am committed to using these values to make a difference in the lives of others. By becoming a social worker, I will not only change the lives of the children and families I work with, but I hope to inspire others to join the fight for a world where every child can grow up safe, loved, and supported.

Yes, I am currently attending classes at the University of Wyoming, and my journey to higher education has been shaped by a series of challenges, both financial and personal. The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my path to earning a degree has been a lack of structure and familiar support. Growing up, my father was never fully present for our family, which left me feeling unsupported and without the guidance that many students rely on. My mother remarried, and while that created a new family dynamic, I still had to take on the responsibility of holding myself accountable for my grades and accomplishments. I knew that in order to become someone exceptional, I would have to be self-disciplined and work hard on my own. From a young age, I understood that success wasn’t something that would just come to me. I had to fight for it. I didn’t have the privilege of a safety net or the reassurance that someone would always be there to help me. Instead, I pushed myself to succeed, understanding that the only person who could truly pave my path was me. My academic journey, therefore, became a personal mission. I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome any obstacle, and that my future didn’t have to be defined by the lack of support I once had. Financial challenges have also been a constant presence throughout my journey. Neither of my parents could provide financial support for my education, so I had to find ways to support myself. I began working at the age of 14, initially driven by boredom and a desire for money. However, over time, I realized that work wasn’t just about earning an income—it became something I genuinely enjoyed. I liked having a sense of purpose, of contributing to something bigger than myself. Working gave me structure and helped me develop a strong work ethic, something that has shaped both my academic performance and my approach to life in general. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that work has taught me more than just how to manage my time and responsibilities—it has taught me the importance of giving back. Through my work experiences, I’ve learned that success is not just about personal achievement but also about helping others. This is one of the reasons I’ve decided to pursue a career in social work. Social work is all about serving the community and supporting those who are in need, which aligns with my values of giving back and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In conclusion, my path to higher education has been filled with challenges that have shaped who I am today. My experiences have taught me the value of self-discipline, hard work, and the importance of supporting others. As I continue my education at the University of Wyoming, I am committed to giving back to my community through my work and future career as a social worker. I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way and excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

My stepfather’s battle with substance abuse has significantly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. His story is one of hardship, survival, and transformation, and witnessing his struggles and growth has shaped my own values and goals. Raised by abusive parents in a small, isolated community with few people to offer understanding or support, my stepfather turned to substances and the wrong crowd to cope with the pain he endured. The people around him, equally burdened by their own struggles, used drugs and committed crimes as a way to escape their harsh realities. His experiences taught me valuable lessons about the deep impact of early trauma and how addiction can take root when people are left without the help they desperately need. When my stepfather entered my life, I was immediately struck by his warmth, kindness, and love. Despite the challenges he had faced, he was the first person to show me what it meant to truly care for someone. He was there for me when I was being bullied, offering support and guidance that helped me build my confidence. He was also there when I struggled with my work, patiently helping me through challenges and teaching me the value of perseverance. Above all, he helped me develop my own morals and core sense of self, showing me that even in the face of personal demons, love and kindness can guide you toward a better path. His influence is what ultimately shaped my career aspirations. My stepfather’s journey through addiction and rehabilitation opened my eyes to the critical need for support systems for individuals struggling with substance abuse and trauma. I began to understand how early intervention, access to mental health resources, and a network of caring professionals can make all the difference in someone’s life. I realized that there are countless children and individuals, like my stepfather once was, who grow up in environments where they are vulnerable to substance abuse, trauma, and neglect, but they often lack the support and resources to break free from these cycles. Witnessing my stepfather’s journey has driven me to pursue a career in social work. I want to be the person who can offer children and families the help they need to escape the same struggles my stepfather faced. He could have been spared years of suffering if he had received the right support and guidance earlier in his life, and I want to be part of the system that helps people avoid falling through the cracks. My goal is to become a social worker who provides that support—whether through advocacy, intervention, or rehabilitation—so that others don’t have to face the same hardships without help. Through my stepfather’s experience, I’ve learned the importance of compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of the trauma that can shape people’s lives. His story has fueled my determination to help others like him, to ensure they have access to the resources they need to overcome adversity. Ultimately, I believe my stepfather’s struggles and the lessons I’ve learned from them have not only influenced my career aspirations but have also given me a clear sense of purpose: to advocate for and support those who need it most.

Growing up, I knew from a very young age that I was bisexual, but with that realization came an overwhelming amount of bullying and rejection. Not only did my peers target me, but my own family, too, subjected me to abusive comments and restrictions, trying to convince me that my identity was just a phase or "a stunt for attention." The hurtful things they said made me feel like I was fundamentally wrong and unworthy of love and acceptance. The emotional toll of being bullied and misunderstood left me struggling with my mental health. My sense of self became clouded by doubt and self-loathing, and I began to question everything about who I was. As a result, my mental health hit rock bottom. I fell into a deep depression, marked by months of low energy and a complete lack of motivation. I couldn't find the strength to care about anything, let alone about myself. I withdrew from people, avoided social situations, and questioned whether life would be easier if I just suppressed who I truly was. It was a constant internal battle between accepting my authentic self and trying to fit into a mold that others found acceptable. Every day felt like I was walking around with a weight on my shoulders, feeling isolated and invisible in a world that seemed determined to reject me. During this time, I couldn't help but wonder if things would be better if I ignored who I was, if I could just pretend to be someone I wasn't to make the pain stop. Would I have fewer struggles, less shame, and more peace in my life? These questions haunted me and contributed to a cycle of despair that felt impossible to break. I felt like I was stuck in a life I never chose, trying to please everyone around me except for the person who mattered most—myself. However, things began to change when I was accepted into a college that was open-minded and inclusive. For the first time, I found myself surrounded by a community of people who embraced me for who I truly am. I no longer had to hide, to pretend, or to force myself into a box that didn't fit. In college, I found acceptance, support, and understanding from people who had similar experiences and values. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and that being my authentic self was not something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated. It was in this new environment that I began to heal. I learned that I am worthy of love, exactly as I am, and that nothing about my identity is wrong. I rediscovered my sense of self and started to regain the confidence I had lost over the years. The transformation wasn’t instant, but every step I took toward embracing who I truly am made me feel more empowered and whole. Today, I am proud of who I am, and I understand that my mental health is deeply tied to being true to myself. I am stronger for having faced these challenges, and I am determined to continue living authentically, with the knowledge that I am deserving of love and acceptance. I hope that my experiences can help others who feel alone or rejected, to know that they, too, can find their community, their voice, and their strength.

Mental and physical wellness are incredibly important to me, but they haven't always been a priority in my life. Growing up, I faced significant challenges that severely impacted both my mental and physical health. From a young age, I knew that I was bisexual, but with that realization came intense bullying from my peers and even from my own family. I was subjected to hurtful comments and restrictions that tried to force me into a mold that wasn’t me, all in an attempt to "stop stunts for attention." These negative experiences left me feeling isolated and unworthy, deeply affecting my mental health. The turning point came when I finally had the opportunity to escape my small, closed-minded town and start college. Being in a new environment, away from the judgment and negativity I’d grown up with, was the fresh start I needed. College gave me the space to become independent and, in turn, allowed me to find a community of people who accepted me for who I am. I was able to connect with others who shared similar experiences and struggles, which helped me feel less isolated. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who understood me, and I found a sense of belonging that had been missing in my life for so long. As I navigated my college journey, I started to prioritize my mental and physical wellness in a way I had never done before. I began focusing on self-care and made an effort to foster a positive mindset, acknowledging the progress I’d made in overcoming my past struggles. With the support of my peers and the resources available on campus, I began to rebuild my sense of self-worth. I started eating better, getting more rest, and exercising, all of which contributed to improving both my physical and mental health. That being said, maintaining good mental and physical health as a student comes with its own set of challenges. One of my biggest struggles is maintaining healthy eating habits. The stress of balancing schoolwork, assignments, and other responsibilities often leads me to neglect my nutrition, either by skipping meals or resorting to quick, unhealthy options. I also sometimes struggle with overwhelming feelings when coursework piles up, which can affect my mental well-being. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of school and forget to prioritize my health. However, I am learning to manage these challenges by taking things one step at a time. I am working on finding balance, making time for exercise, and actively seeking out healthier food options. I’m also becoming more mindful of my mental health, taking breaks when needed, and recognizing when I need help. Though I am still learning to navigate the balance between academic success and self-care, I am determined to keep moving forward. Ultimately, my mental and physical wellness are important to me because they allow me to be the best version of myself. They enable me to fully engage in my studies, contribute to my community, and pursue my goals. While I continue to face challenges, I know that prioritizing my well-being will help me overcome them, just as it has helped me move past the difficult moments of my past.

Growing up as the child of a parent in the military, I experienced a unique set of challenges and emotions. My father served in the Marines, and his service to our country shaped not only his life but also mine in profound ways. However, his job often kept him away from me during important moments of my childhood. I didn’t have lunch dates with him in elementary school, or a parent at my award ceremonies in middle school, and for a long time, this absence made me envious of the families that seemed “normal” to me. The homes where both parents were present, sharing these small but meaningful milestones, felt like a stark contrast to my reality. For many years, I resented my father’s job, viewing it as the source of my loneliness and feelings of neglect. However, as I’ve grown older and gained more perspective, I’ve come to understand the deeper value of my father’s service, not just to the country but to our family. The years of sacrifice, of missed moments and experiences, have shaped me into the person I am today. Through his service, I learned independence, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. I came to understand that while he wasn’t physically present during every significant event, his commitment to protecting our country and providing for our family left a lasting legacy that I now appreciate. His service wasn’t just about the work he did for others; it was about the sacrifices he made so that our family could have opportunities that we might not have had otherwise. Now that my father is retired, I have the privilege of learning more about the man he became after his years of service. With each conversation, I gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices he made and the values he embodied throughout his career. I am proud of his service, proud of the sacrifices he made, and grateful for the life he gave me. His mind and body were dedicated to supporting this country and ensuring our family had a better life, and as time goes on, I realize how fortunate I am to have lived the life I have. In the end, while my childhood was filled with moments of longing and resentment, I now recognize those years as formative ones that shaped me into an independent, adaptable, and hardworking individual. I could not be prouder to be the child of a Marine, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. My father’s service has taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me every day, and I will forever be grateful for the life he gave me.

My father served in the Marines, and his commitment to our country has had a significant impact on my personal development. Growing up, I was inspired by his dedication, discipline, and sense of duty. His military service taught me valuable lessons that continue to guide me today. Most notably, it instilled in me the importance of independence, hard work, kindness, and the need to always stay true to myself. Watching my father balance the demands of military life with the responsibilities of being a parent shaped the way I approach challenges in my own life. His example showed me that success comes through perseverance, and that being true to oneself and remaining kind and compassionate can make a difference in the world. While my father’s military service inspired a sense of responsibility and determination in me, it also sparked my desire to help others, particularly children. Growing up in an environment where discipline and structure were a part of daily life, I came to realize that a strong, positive support system can make all the difference. My father taught me the value of serving others, and this lesson has influenced my decision to pursue a career in social work. Through social work, I believe I can make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, providing the guidance and care they need to heal and thrive. I have always felt deeply connected to children who experience hardship, as I understand how crucial it is to have someone who listens, cares, and offers support. My goal is to work within child welfare, particularly focusing on helping children escape harmful situations. I want to ensure that they have the opportunity to grow in safe, nurturing environments, much like the ones I learned to value as I grew up. My educational path includes completing a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, followed by a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW). These degrees will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with children and families facing difficult circumstances. After graduation, I envision myself working as a caseworker in Child Protective Services (CPS), where I can advocate for children and families in crisis, ensuring they receive the resources and support they need to heal and build healthier futures. Ultimately, my goal is to become a leader in the field of social work, contributing to policy changes and offering preventive care to families at risk. This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to focus on my studies, gain valuable fieldwork experience, and ultimately achieve my goal of becoming a compassionate and effective advocate for children. It would also alleviate the financial burden that comes with college, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my education and future career in child welfare.

Earning a college degree is a crucial step toward achieving my goal of working in child welfare to protect vulnerable children from the abuse and neglect I experienced growing up. My past has fueled my passion for advocating for children who feel voiceless and unseen, and I am determined to be the support system I desperately needed as a child. By working in child welfare, I aim to ensure that no child feels abandoned or helpless, and I want to create environments where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Growing up in a single-parent household with an emotionally and physically abusive father was a constant battle for survival. My mother managed to escape the situation, but my siblings and I were left behind, trapped in a cycle of abuse. My father was a charismatic man, well-regarded in the military, and his high standing made him intimidating. No one believed us when we tried to reach out for help. We were left isolated, afraid, and unheard. I desperately needed help—an escape from the relentless threat of abuse, threats of further abuse, social isolation, and medical restrictions. My mental health was in a downward spiral, and my physical health was deteriorating. The only thing that kept me alive through those dark years was the hope that one day, I would escape, and I could help other children like me escape as well. Well through time and age I did escape, I made it to college with one dream in mind, that I could provide the escape that was nothing more than a dream I had to wake up from growing up. This desire has driven me throughout my life and serves as my guiding motivation to pursue a career in child welfare. I know firsthand how important it is for children to have someone they can rely on during their darkest times. If only there had been someone to step in and help me when I was a child, I would have been able to heal much earlier. As a aspiring caseworker in for child welfare, most likely child protective services, I aim to be that advocate, providing children with the protection, safety, and care they need to start healing. To become the advocate I wish I had growing up, I must first complete my academic journey. This includes obtaining a bachelors degree, pursuing a masters degree, completing rigorous fieldwork, passing the ASWB Examination, and obtaining state licensure. These steps will provide me with the necessary training, knowledge, and expertise to help children and families in crisis. It’s clear to me that becoming a child welfare caseworker is not a simple task— it requires dedication, an understanding of complex systems, and specialized knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and child advocacy. However, the road to achieving this goal is not without its challenges. As a college freshman, I am just managing to get by financially. Neither of my parents can or will support my education. The burden of paying for tuition, books, and living expenses has weighed heavily on me. While I am deeply committed to my studies, the financial strain often leads me to work long hours just to make ends meet, which negatively affects my ability to focus on my education. The anxiety of not knowing how I will pay for the next semester can be overwhelming, and I know that this constant stress could hinder my academic success. This scholarship would make a significant difference in my life, relieving me of this financial burden and allowing me to focus on my studies and career goals instead of constantly worrying about how to pay for my education. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial assistance. It would be a vote of confidence in my potential to make a difference in the world. It would provide me with the opportunity to fully dedicate myself to my academic work, knowing that I have the resources to achieve my dreams. With this support, I would be able to pursue my passion for child welfare without the constant fear of financial instability. Beyond academic success, I envision myself contributing to a larger, more meaningful cause. My long-term goal is to become a leader in the field of child welfare, advocating for children who are at risk of abuse and neglect. I plan to work not only to protect children but to prevent abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place. I aspire to help families before they fall into crisis by implementing prevention programs, offering resources, and providing education about the dangers of abuse and neglect. These early interventions could prevent children from suffering as I did and help break the cycle of trauma that many families face. I want to be a voice for those who are often overlooked and to create a system that truly prioritizes the well-being of children. In addition to direct intervention, I hope to contribute to policy reform that will help improve the child welfare system. Too many children slip through the cracks, and I want to be part of the movement that ensures every child has access to the help they need. The scholarship would empower me to continue pursuing this goal, allowing me to gain the necessary knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to influence and implement lasting changes in the system. Ultimately, the scholarship would be an investment in my future, providing me with the tools and support to achieve my goals and fulfill my mission of helping children who have experienced what I did. I want to be a source of strength and guidance for children who need it most. I want to be the help I never had growing up. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to making that dream a reality. It would allow me to focus on my education, develop the skills I need to succeed, and one day help children find safety, healing, and hope. Thank you for considering my application. Your support will not only help me achieve my career aspirations but will also contribute to a future where children who face adversity can have the chance to thrive. This scholarship will help me become the help for others that I desperately wished I had growing up.

One of the most significant challenges I've faced in my life was the absence of my father due to his military service. Growing up, I didn't understand his dedication and sacrifice for our country, because it came at the cost of missing out on countless moments that shape a childhood—birthdays, holidays, and the small, everyday moments that bond a family. More often then not it felt like the military service tore apart my family, as not only did i lose my father to his work, but lost my mother too. I often felt a sense of emptiness, envy, and anger, when I saw other children with their parents, especially their fathers, at school events or family gatherings. The distance was not just physical but emotional, and it left me struggling to understand my own identity and place in the world. This challenge deeply affected me, leading to feelings of resentment and loneliness. I questioned why duty had to come before family and why I had to bear the burden of a military lifestyle without the pride of service. Over time, however, I realized that these hardships shaped me into a resilient, adaptable, and independent person. I learned to be strong for myself and my family, stepping up to support my siblings, trying my best to do all I could and more in school and activities, I learned to go and get what I wanted, want I needed. This experience taught me the importance of sacrifice, service, and commitment. It gave me a unique perspective on what it means to serve—not just in uniform but in supporting those who do. I gained a deep appreciation for military families and the strength it takes to endure separation and uncertainty. My father's absence made me value every moment together and inspired me to pursue a path where I can make a difference, support others, and carry on a legacy of service. This challenge became a driving force, pushing me to be resilient in the face of adversity and to seek opportunities to lead and serve. Applying for this scholarship represents more than just financial support; it’s a commitment to uphold the values my father instilled in me—duty, honor, and selflessness. It is a chance to continue the legacy of service that runs deep in my family, to turn a challenging experience into a source of strength, and to honor the sacrifices that have shaped who I am today.

My entire experience as a teenager has been full of awkward, embarrassing moments that make me cringe when I remember them in the middle of the night. I've always heard that this isn't an original experience, everyone remembers embarrassing things they've done as teens, but sometimes when you look around at your peers or your idols you can't imagine they've ever had an embarrassing moment in their entire lives. It makes you feel isolated, envious, and angry. Hence, why I picked the lyric "feels like my skin doesn't fit right over my bones" from the ballad of a homeschooled girl. Adolescence is all about growing up and learning your way through life. Making connections with people that one day we'll call friends, making memories that will last lifetimes, developing our personalities. Unfortunately for us teens, this doesn't just materialize in our lives, half of the time we find ourselves falling into some of the most humiliating experiences. Our parents will tell us that someday it will all be a "funny memory", we say they "don't understand!" and hide away in our rooms, depressed and mortified by ourselves. We feel more and more awkward in ourselves, we want to hide away from the world and say no one could possibly understand us. We wish we could have perfect skin, cooperative hair, more friends, less rumors, less bullies, less eyes on us all the time. We want to be that teenage dream, we want to be our idol, and we want to feel like we belong in our bodies. Sadly that doesn't come for anything less than time, as teens we don't know any better or anything really, although we pretend to. I won't say I've cracked the code, I still have my embarrassing moments that I would do anything to take back. All that I can say is as a teenager about a year away from leaving the teenage age forever, I still haven't grown into myself, I still feel like I don't know who I am, don't know what I want, and still fall into some of the most embarrassing situations. But what I have learned is that you're never truly alone, your friends are always there for you, your parents are always hoping that you'll tell them about your day, your teachers always want you to succeed, and there is always the chance to tear it all down and rebuild it all back up again. But I understand that sometimes life just sucks, sometimes the day is just destined to be bad, sometimes your friends aren't real, sometimes your parents don't understand. In those situations, all you can do is remember life gets better, it's ever-changing, and one day you will feel like you fit into your skin. Always remember, it's everyone's first time living, all we have are experiences, and all we are are moments in a never-ending timeline. One day those embarrassing moments will be nothing but a memory, and you'll always have them. Might even smile and laugh when you look back on them.

I am the youngest child of two teen parents, I struggled through learning and education, and due to my parents having to drop out of school to raise their children, having to sacrifice for their children, and working hard to provide for us all, I and my siblings never got help with our lessons at school. Plus with all the struggles we were having at home which led to the divorce of our parents, we weren't able to focus on our education as much as I wished I had. Due to all the struggles I had to endure, my education was compromised. By the second grade I had just managed to start reading at a kindergarten level, my comprehension skills needed some work, and don't get me started on my nonexistent knowledge surrounding math. Luckily for me, I had a teacher who changed my life, her name was Mrs. Plummer. She was a tough-love kind of teacher that I butted heads with a lot in my little age, however despite my struggles against her, she never gave up on me. She realized how behind I was in my education, and she knew I needed help. Thanks to her I was put into a much-needed reading class to get me up to speed, I was given more time to work with my materials, and I even made friends in the process. Mrs. Plummer was a lifesaver for me, and even to this day, I know she was a giant factor in how far I've gotten today. As I made my way through the rest of my education, I had the confidence to ask for help, I had the time to dedicate myself to other hobbies, I was able to commit to competitive clubs, and to top it off I managed to get all A's all while holding down a job. Now that I'm in my last year of high school I know all my accomplishments are rooted in that one teacher I had, who changed my life for the better. That is where my passion for teaching came from, I've been interested in many careers over the time I've been alive, however, teaching has never once left the focal point of attention, and in the end, it's the one I chose to make my life mission. I want to pursue early education, so that I may walk in the steps of my former teacher by spreading love and support to younger children so that hopefully one day they too will have the opportunity to face the world and change it for the better. My current goal is to get through college so that I may have as much knowledge and experience needed to handle small children, and then go forward to help these small children get equipped with the building blocks they need to continue through life. Once I get stable in my goal, I plan to move my focus outward toward the entire world, so that I may help children everywhere realize their worth.

Throughout my life I've had the opportunity to see and experience many things, some things were beneficial to me while others took another form of beneficial. I've seen what it's like for teen parents, I've experienced what it's like to be the only POC in a classroom, and I've struggled through low-quality education systems. As unfortunate as all these experiences are, they've built me up as a person. Thanks to everything I've been through I have the opportunity to take charge and change the lives of other little girls and boys who are going through what I've been through. My passion is early education, as I believe this is where the most important part of education takes place. At such a young age you're learning what is acceptable, what is good and bad, and building yourself up in all categories from educationally to emotionally. This is a very delicate and influential stage in everyone's life, and it must be cared for and allowed to grow so that person may bloom. I have so many memories from when I was younger, all the things I was struggling with and how they affected my relationships with people and education, i still have some of those effects to this day. So I understand how easy it is for young children to get off track, and this is why I want nothing more than to help children get through this period of their lives and still succeed in education. Hopefully, if I'm successful in this goal, I can continue my dreams of spreading help to all children around the world.

As the daughter of two teen parents I know what it's like to be so behind when it comes to education, my parents had to drop out to take care of me and my siblings, so their educational paths were extremely stunted. Due to my parents working so much to provide for us, my siblings and I fell behind in our studies. None of us were at the level we needed to be, but this is a common case in America today. There are so many different circumstances in which children nowadays can fall into that will drastically affect their youth as well as their opportunity to learn and grow, this can be anything ranging from household issues to disabilities, a new issue prominent in the youth today is the constant technology leading to dependence and issues in the classroom. As someone who fell into this category of struggling youth when I was younger, I can confirm that there is only one thing that helps children like me out of this cycle. That being kind, caring, and quality teachers. There are so many wonderful teachers out there who do their best to help and support their students, courageous men and women who are dedicated to the future generations getting all they need to succeed. Luckily for me, I've had a handful of teachers just like this, they helped me when I was struggling, and helped me when I was behind, and due to their help I've become the person I am today. My experience through my primary and secondary years, with all my struggles as well as with all my teachers has made me passionate about education, these experiences have made me realize my purpose on this planet is to help provide children with a stable environment to grow and learn in, and hopefully, if I'm successful with that plan I can move my focus to children all over the world instead of just in America. Due to my lofty goal, I've been working to make myself one of the best candidates I can be, getting some of the best grades I can, pushing myself to join clubs outside of my comfort zone, and trying to hold down a job while I do it all. It can get hard at times, but thanks to all my efforts I've been allotted lots of new opportunities, and I like to think I've become a more rounded individual. I've already been accepted to an early education program at my college, and now I'm just trying to keep up with how fast time is flying, as well as working to help alleviate my tuition, so that hopefully when it becomes my turn to help the next generations I can put all my attention and focus into their development rather than my student debt. However, no matter the outcome of all my work, I'm confident I'll still make my way into education, as dreams and dedication are fueling my aspirations and goals.

When children are young they never think about what their purpose is, they think about playing at recess, learning their favorite color, and who their friends are. However, as children grow older parents and other adults in their lives begin to ask them, "What do you want to be when you grow up?". Such a loaded question for such young children, but even so many have an answer. Most want to be in the entertainment industry, like singers, and sports players, or maybe they want to be in the helping fields, like teachers, or doctors. As far as I can remember I've wanted to be a teacher, of course as a kid my idea of teaching was playing fun dance videos and going out to recess with my class. The only issue was my family was barely making it by, I saw my mom and dad struggle, I saw their divorce, I saw them remarry other people, I've seen their struggles and their commitments, and it showed me how hard life is when you don't have funds. I wanted nothing more than to help my family and avoid this future for myself, so I decided I would give up on teaching and focus on a different career like medicine. For years I pushed myself into the medical field, never knowing what I wanted out of it. I told myself it was fine, just join the medical field, make money, and help out my family. I joined all the medical-based classes in school, I studied and pursued the best grades, and I put effort into joining clubs that would make me look well-rounded, but I still felt so empty. It wasn't until I met my English teacher from my junior year that my ideas finally started to change. When my teacher Mrs. Sween, got to talking about what I wanted to do with life I mentioned how I used to want to be a teacher before I realized how much money they make. In response, she asked me something I wasn't able to forget, "What makes you excited?". I know it sounds like such an odd question but it really stuck with me, becoming a doctor and imagining helping people fix their ailments didn't excite me, barely even piqued my interest. However, when I thought of being a teacher, making lesson plans, getting to know students, and teaching them important lessons they need to grow, I felt the excitement and daydreams take over my mind and heart. From then on I decided that I must be loyal to myself, I couldn't keep pretending to be something I wasn't. Now I'm in my senior year, I've been accepted into my state college for early education, still putting effort and dedication to my clubs, my job, and my friends, and preparing for the moment I finally get to walk across that stage. Of course, I'm still worried about money, it's what makes the world go round, but in the end, being a teacher has always been so much more than getting money. It's the responsibility of a lifetime to be a proper teacher, to help mold and build up the next generations so that hopefully the world can become a better place. I can't imagine an occupation better for me than education, and I can't wait to start this journey.

As a daughter to two teen parents, I know all about what it means to struggle with education. When my parents had me they were still trying to figure themselves out, however, due to me and my brothers they didn't have the chance. They had to drop out of school, get jobs to support us and make sacrifices for us. Unfortunately for me and my siblings living in constant struggle impacted us educationally. I was behind in all areas of education, especially reading. By the second grade, I was only at a kindergarten level of reading. I did my best to learn and continued my way through education, while I did have many teachers who always did their best to help me grow and learn, there will always be a part of me that is insecure about what I know. There will always be hesitation when I raise my hand to answer a question, and there will always be the impulse to double-check my work even on the most basic of questions, and this is all because of how behind I was as a child. Due to my own experiences, I know how hard it can be for children to learn and grow when there are so many different circumstances affecting their lives. It makes my heart hurt to think how many children are out there struggling in their learning due to things like home life, disabilities, or even sociability. What makes it worse is to realize how many of them are genuinely slipping through the cracks, getting pushed further and further into their misunderstandings, which ends up with millions of children who are behind the curb. This exact situation is why I am so passionate about being an early education teacher, i want to help the children who are struggling, I want to provide them with an environment that is safe to learn in and I want to help build their education instead of letting them slip through the cracks. Luckily for me, I managed to get some of the kindest teachers, who take the time to teach me what I need to know. With the help of these teachers in my life, I've been able to build up my grades, I've been able to join multiple clubs, and I've managed to make friendships and relationships with the people around me. There are still so many children out there who won't be as lucky as me, they won't have access to a good education or good teachers or may fall into other unfortunate circumstances. My goal is to become the teacher I needed when I was younger, and hopefully, once I become established I can help even more children around the world be the best they can be. If I'm lucky, I'll have the opportunity to change the world for the better when I'm gone.

Having a military father was hard, we were always moving, to the point where I have never spent more than three years in one school system up to my senior year. So I would say I know my fair share about being "the new kid", in every school I was enrolled at I had to make new friends, make new connections with teachers, adjust to different rules, and so much more like grading systems. However moving for me wasn't simple, it made me shy, antisocial, and very awkward. I had never gotten the chance to learn social cues because I was constantly moving to different states as a young child, meaning they would have different reactions to what I thought was normal. In other words, I never had the chance to build who I was, I had to change every time I moved to a different state. This made me extremely anxious as a child, never knowing how to act to whom, never knowing what was acceptable to say. It also took a toll on my academics, moving so much during the year meant that I joined different curriculums at different points. For example in fourth grade when we were learning all fifty states, I moved, and when I got to my new school they had already learned all those states, so to this day I still struggle with my country's states. Being "the new kid" was hard for me, I was constantly anxious, and I was bullied often, I didn't even really have friends. When I did make friends it wasn't for long, maybe for a whole school year if I was lucky, but half the time once that school year ended I never saw them again. So being the socially awkward and shy kid I was, I turned to the internet and books. Luckily for me, it turned me into an avid reader and even inspired me to write as a hobby, I can remember having so many phases as a kid, I had so many hobbies that I wanted to make a career out of. As I grew these little hobbies of mine connected me to others, and slowly I came out of my shell and made more friends and meaningful connections, even if I moved away those connections helped shape me. Throughout my life, I went through many ideas of what I wanted to be, and even though being "the new kid" gave me a lot of hardships, I'm grateful for the opportunities I had. Moving so much gave me the opportunities to see different ways of life, to experience different types of people, and to experiment with different hobbies. Now that it's my last year of high school I'm getting ready for college, I know that I want to become a teacher, and I want to give support and connections to kids who are experiencing what i had experienced as they moved through the system. I want to be able to use my position as an educator and mentor to teach young children that being "the new kid" is okay, and I want to teach other children that no matter how new one is that doesnt change how they get treated.

In the second grade I had a teacher named Mrs. Plummer, Mrs. Plummer was hands down the best teacher I ever had in my early education years. That woman loved her students and always did her best to educate them and help shape them for the better. Unfortunately, I moved away and never went back, from then on I had teachers who gave up on me, teachers who called me degrading names to my face, and even teachers who ignored the bullying I went through. Due to this lack of connection with my teachers, I lashed out, and I made some decisions I regret but luckily I've grown past them. Even through all the phases of my life, Mrs. Plummer resurfaces in my thoughts often, I remember the love and effort she put into her students, and truly I believe Mrs. Plummer is what influenced me most to choose early education as my future. Within my own experience, I've seen how much a kind source of love can stay with you for life, and even change the course from then on. Love is Kind, is my relationship with Mrs. Plummer, it is unconditional kindness for another human being, it is the evolution of connection between two people, Love is Kind is changing someone's life for the better with your time, energy, and love. Now that I've grown, and now that it's my turn to give back to the world I am choosing to go back to where it all begins. Once I get through this last year of school and graduate I will go to college and get my four-year degree in early education, I will do my best to experience new situations, meet new people, and participate in all the student teaching opportunities available to me, so that I may be properly prepared for teaching and shaping young children despite language, cultural, or learning differences. Then when I graduate from college with the knowledge needed to properly handle young minds I will start teaching the little ones the curriculum they need to know like their colors, but more importantly, I will teach them how to process their emotions, how to communicate with others, how to treat each other as well as the world, and lastly, I will teach them to love and be kind to one another. When I teach them these lessons I will treat them with all the love, effort, and kindness that was shown to me by my former hero and teacher, Mrs. Plummer.

My name is Amber Kaus, I am the youngest daughter to two teen parents. My parents got pregnant when they were both in high school, this forced them to drop out and get jobs to provide for their new family. With no support from their parents, my father joined the military and my mother stayed home to watch her children. Throughout all my years, I have experienced many things, mostly due to the fact my parents were teens. I have memories of living in poverty, being hungry but there being no food for me or my brothers, memories of my parents divorcing leaving me and my siblings in a broken home without a mother. memories of my father moving us around so much due to the military that I've never been in a school system for more than three years, memories of the horrific bullying I endured in almost every grade, and even memories of my stepfather being intoxicated off of alcohol or even hard drugs to cope with the pains in his life. With all of my life experience, I have gone down many wrong paths, I've stolen from people and stores, I've bullied peers, I've vandalized homes, and many other dangerous experiences that could've landed me in serious trouble. luckily for me, I've grown, I've learned to love myself and accept my life for what it is. Throughout my stage of exploration, I discovered my endearment for small children, I love how they're so wide-eyed and eager to learn about the world around them. Witnessing all the innocence and wonder those children have made me want to foster and protect it. When I realized I had developed a passion for young children, I wanted nothing more than to help those young children through life in a way I was never helped. I want to go to college and earn a bachelor's degree in early education so I may teach young children the many lessons out there that young children must learn to grow properly, important lessons like how to process emotions, how to love themselves, how to speak to others, and most importantly how to treat the people and world around them. Being able to go to college would not only push me further into my development as a human, cause me to experience more of what life has to offer for me. But to unlock a wealth of knowledge about children's psychology and education methods that I must know to best educate and shape young children into the beautiful souls I know they have the opportunity to become.