I was inspired to pursue a degree in special education because when I was in 7th grade I started volunteering at Matthews Helping Hands. Matthews Helping Hands is a non-profit created in memory of a little boy named Matthew who had autism and passed away. Matthews Helping hands holds events where children with special needs can attend and participate in crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and other fun things. It was so special to me to be a part of such a great event where I got to make a difference in not only the children's lives but their parents' lives. The children were always so happy to be there and to see their friends, and that made me happy. I continued Matthews Helping hands until my Junior year when COVID-19 happened. They had to stop doing the events because it was unsafe for the children and their parents. I was heartbroken to not be able to participate in the event because I enjoyed it so much. I was then inspired to turn this feeling of sadness from missing these events into a future career in special education. Another inspiration to become a special education teacher had to do with my job at a summer camp where I have worked the past two summers. I have got to meet and work with the most amazing children. Kids who I almost cry about at the end of the summer when we say goodbye because I will miss them so much. One of these children was named Jack. Jack Q was a 4-year-old boy with autism who had the sweetest personality. Every day I came into work and woul dgo up to Jack and say hello and ask him how his morning is, and then go along with the rest of my day, and say goodbye at the end. The day I came into work and Jack remembered me and came up to me, was truly a special day. It meant that Jack remembered me and that meant the most to me. I always looked out for Jack and wanted to make sure he was always feeling okay, and if he needed anything I was there. I think this was also a pivotal point in my decision to become a special education teacher to make relationships like the one I made with Jack. My plans after graduation are to work in a special education classroom where I can help make a difference in children's lives every day. Having a classroom that is welcoming and inclusive to all. A classroom where I have relationships with all of the kids who come through my classroom doors.I have also thought about the possibility of in the future trying to pursue a degree in psychology to possibly become a therapist, and help children even more. I would try to pursue this while still working in a special education classroom.