I was inspired by Wicked and its impactful story, as well as its unforgettable characters. This musical, with its emotional storyline has inspired me in ways that I never expected. This musical's inspiring characters, Elphaba and Glinda, change and grow in ways that convey strong messages. Elphaba's distinctive green skin, faces adversity and isolation, while Glinda represents beauty and popularity. Their journey of self-discovery and friendship when faced with expectations pressed upon them from society deeply resonates with me. Elphaba's struggle to be accepted for who she is mirrors my own experiences of feeling different and misunderstood. Her resilience and determination to stay true to herself, despite the odds, has inspired me to embrace my own uniqueness. Glinda's character is equally impactful. Initially seen as caring only for herself, Glinda eventually shows significant personal growth, learning to value empathy and genuity. Her transformation is a reminder that people are capable of change, and that true friendship can occur beyond physical differences. This theme of growth and acceptance has encouraged me to be more open-minded and compassionate, both towards myself and others. The themes within Wicked are life changing. The story explores identity, acceptance, and changing perspectives. It challenges a black-and-white perspective, encouraging us to see the gray in between. This new perspective has influenced my outlook on life, teaching me to approach situations with empathy and understanding. Beyond the characters and themes, Wicked delves into the impact of the expectations that society has for many and the courage, as well as determination it takes to defy them. Elphaba's journey embraces the power of self-acceptance and the importance of staying true to one's beliefs, even when faced with a great amount of pressure to conform. Her story has inspired me to be courageous in the face of adversity and to pursue my goals with unwavering determination. Wicked also reinforces the importance of kindness and the impact that small acts of compassion can have on others. Elphaba's story is a testament to the difference one person can make, even when faced with adversity. This message has inspired me to strive for positive change in my own life, whether that is through volunteering, supporting my community, or simply being there for a friend. In a way, Wicked is more than just a musical to me; it is has inspired and empowered me in a magnitude of ways. It has taught me to embrace my true self, to value the bonds of friendship, and to approach life with empathy and resilience. The themes and messages of Wicked continue to inspire and uplift me, reminding me that, like Elphaba, I too can defy gravity and make a difference in the world.

Community involvement is a way to give back to the people and place that has nurtured and shaped me. I am deeply inspired by the ripple effects that small acts of kindness can have. Each step I take to contribute to my community is the opportunity for me to encompass the values instilled in me from a young age: the importance of generosity, empathy, and commitment. Witnessing acts of kindness from my family and friends has deeply resonated with me. These moments of kindness, whether it's lending a helping hand or sharing resources, have shown me what it means to be a part of a community. They have inspired me to be a part of something greater than myself and to be a support for others. One of my most impactful contributions is my financial support to the local library. The library is more than just a building filled with books; it's a place of knowledge and a refuge for many. I am an active reader, a daily visitor to my library, and participate in most library events. By donating, I help ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a variety of educational resources, as well as stories to inspire imagination and a love for reading. Equally important is my involvement with the local food pantry. By supporting the pantry, I provide food to those in need, helping to alleviate some of their burdens and ensure no one in my community goes hungry. Every year, I also pack shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse and each year it always brings an immense sense of fulfillment. These small parcels, filled with toys, hygiene items, small articles of clothing, a small Bible, and notebooks and pencils, travel across the globe to children in need. Packing shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse does not just impact those who receive them globally, but it creates a sense of unity and purpose within my community. We unite for a common cause, fostering a spirit of generosity and cooperation. It helps raise awareness about global issues and encourages others to get involved in charitable activities, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion. More importantly, these shoeboxes bring people closer to God, fostering spiritual growth and hope. My commitment to give back to my community also extends to my church, where I volunteer in children’s ministries. Assisting in the nursery, two-year-old, and four-year-old rooms during services isn't just about childcare; it's about nurturing the next generation. Providing a safe, engaging environment for these children allows parents to participate in worship, knowing their children are cared for. This small act fosters a stronger community bond, where everyone feels supported. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have also made it a priority to give back to my community by donating funds and food, through my church, to provide meals for families in need during the holidays. I also give back to my community by donating gifts, through the Angel Tree program, to families that are facing financial hardship. By doing so, I provide toys, clothes, games, and more for families so that they can give them to their children on Christmas morning. I am greatly inspired by the belief that everyone has the potential to impact their community in a positive way. By sharing resources and time, I strive to create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone benefits from small acts of kindness. My involvement is driven by a profound sense of responsibility and a desire to make meaningful connections. It is through these connections that real change happens, one small act of kindness at a time.

From a young age, I have found immense fulfillment in lending a hand to those in need, understanding that selflessness is not a singular act but a compilation of meaningful interactions that shape individual lives. Two experiences that have truly emphasized the importance of selflessness for me involve supporting my sister and dedicating time to volunteering with children at my church. Growing up in a very tight-knit family, I have always been close to my sisters. One particular month, my younger sister started becoming very overwhelmed because of academic and extra-curricular pressures. I made it my mission to be there for her, ensuring she knew she wasn’t alone. I would spend many hours talking with her, helping her manage her schoolwork, and teaching her various relaxation techniques. We would take go for walks or runs, where she had the opportunity to just clear her mind and find some sense of peace. Witnessing my sister slowly regain her confidence and navigate through her challenges was incredibly rewarding. It was a reflection of the power of unconditional support and the immense impact that selflessness can have within a family. Knowing that I could be a source of comfort and strength for her during such a tough time reaffirmed my commitment to always support and be there for my loved ones. My journey of selflessness also extends to my church community, where I volunteer most weekends teaching and helping with small Bible lessons to children from age two to four. Being a part of their early spiritual education and nurturing their curiosity about faith is incredibly fulfilling. I also spend time with the toddlers in the nursery, providing a safe and loving environment for them while interacting with their families to build a strong community bond. In addition to my local volunteering, I dedicate time each year to global causes. Through Samaritan's Purse, I donate hygiene items and toys to children around the world who need them the most. Donating items to these children and their families that may not have access to at all. This year, I also extended my efforts to help those affected by the hurricane in Florida, sending essential items to support their recovery. These experiences have strengthened my belief that selflessness is about establishing connections, showing empathy, and making a lasting impact on others' lives. It's a journey that has enriched my own life. As I look forward to pursuing higher education, I carry these lessons with me. I am determined to continue embodying selflessness, driven by the understanding that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the opportunity to change many lives.

Growing up in a small town, I often heard people speak of “my truth” as if it were a fixed reality. Each person carried their own version of truth, shaped by experiences, beliefs, and the stories they created over time. Yet, I found myself reflecting on what might happen when our personal truths meet a more fundamental truth. I have walked through various life challenges, and I have come to realize that while my truth is significant, it does not often align with the eternal truths found in the Bible. This realization has shaped my understanding of faith and has become profound as I have navigated my own life. As a teenager, I often struggled with feelings of doubt. In high school, I struggled with facing overwhelming pressure to succeed. My truth at that time was marked by anxiety and self-criticism, convincing me that I was not enough. I often turned to friends and others for validation, seeking comfort in their affirmations. Yet, these fleeting moments of comfort did not fulfill me. During one difficult month I discovered Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse began to reshape my understanding of strength and capability. While my truth was rooted in my perceived limitations, God’s truth offered a new lens through which I began to view my potential. I began to realize that my worth was not defined by grades or accomplishments but by my identity as a child of God. This ignited a transformative journey within me, shifting my focus from personal struggles to spiritual strength. It helped me understand the distinction between my truth and God’s truth. The difference between our truths and God’s truth often becomes visible in moments of crisis. In my family, we faced a significant loss when my grandmother passed away. The grief felt suffocating, and my initial response was to let myself drown in sorrow. In my truth, I felt abandoned, as if God had turned away during my time of need. However, as I navigated my pain, I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which tells us that “God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others.” This perspective shifted my understanding of suffering, teaching me that while grief is deeply personal, it can also be a pathway to empathy and connection. It can mean the chance to offer solace to others, helping them feel less alone in their pain. By reflecting on this scripture, I began to see how my experience of loss could be changed into a source of healing for others. I began to share my story with others and offer encouragement to those in similar situations. In this way, my truth became a bridge for God’s truth, creating an opportunity to extend comfort rooted in my own experiences. Through these experiences, I have realized that my truth and God’s truth are an evolving relationship. While my experiences shape my understanding, they also motivate me to seek a deeper truth that goes beyond my circumstances. I have learned that God’s truth is unwavering and grounded in love, grace, and redemption. I know that while my truth may shift with life’s ups and downs, God’s word remains reliable and trustworthy. While my personal experiences hold value, they find deeper meaning when aligned with the eternal truths of scripture. As I continue to strengthen the relationship I have with my faith, I am committed to fostering understanding, compassion, and healing in the lives of others, knowing that we are all part of a larger story woven by God’s grace.

Accountability is the foundation in which personal growth and success is built upon. It is a value that I have embraced throughout my entire academic and life’s journey. My dedication to holding myself accountable has not only shaped who I am but has also been a major motivation behind my accomplishments. From a young age, I have been deeply aware of how important personal responsibility is. Growing up in a family with a single parent has taught me to value hard work and integrity. I learned at a young age that success is not just simply handed to you but must be earned through consistent effort and self-discipline. This understanding was further solidified during my high school years, where balancing high school academics, college course work,, and home life tested my overall ability to effectively manage my responsibilities. One major moment in my life that exemplifies my approach to accountability occurred during my junior year. I was juggling a demanding high school course load while also taking college classes and caring for my 83-year-old grandmother at home. I soon found myself overwhelmed and struggling to maintain high standards within these various areas of my life. This experience forced me to confront the reality that my methods of time management were not working. Instead of giving in to the stress, I took a step back to reevaluate my priorities and devise a strategy for improvement. I began by setting clear, measurable goals for each area of my life, breaking them down into specific manageable tasks. I implemented a strict scheduling system that included dedicated study periods, specific times to take care of my grandmother, and certain hours to complete assignments for both high school and college. Additionally, I reflected daily on my progress to see what necessary adjustments needed to be made. Holding myself accountable meant being honest about my limitations and seeking help when I needed it. For instance, I would reach out to teachers for guidance on challenging subjects. Rather than ignoring challenges, I accepted and faced them head on, allowing me to maintain high academic performance while also being able to fulfill other life commitments. The results of this rigorous self-management were evident. My grades improved significantly, and I was able to handle taking both college classes and high school classes simultaneously, while also taking care of my grandmother during the day. This experience demonstrated that accountability more than just ensuring I meet deadlines, it is an overarching approach to personal growth One of the most significant aspects of my approach to accountability is my focus on continuous improvement. I regularly seek feedback from mentors, peers, and family members to identify areas for growth. This willingness to listen and adapt has been beneficial to my overall development, enabling me to refine my skills and broaden my horizons. In addition to personal achievements, my commitment to accountability has had a positive impact on those around me. By modeling responsible behavior and fostering a culture of accountability within my academics, I have inspired others to adopt similar practices. This shared motivation for excellence has led to successful collaborations and a supportive network of peers. Holding myself accountable has played a major role in my success. It has empowered me to navigate challenges, achieve my goals, and inspire others. As I pursue further academic and career aspirations, I am confident that my dedication to personal responsibility will continue to be a guiding force, helping me reach new heights.

Throughout my educational journey, one teacher stands out because of her inspiration and guidance: Ms. Burgess, my first-grade teacher. Her influence has not only shaped my academic pursuits but has also ignited a passion within me to give back to my community through teaching. As I reflect on her mentorship, I am more committed than ever to becoming an educator who imparts both knowledge and a love of learning to the next generation. Ms. Burgess’s impact on me was profound. Her classroom was more than a place of instruction; it was a place where curiosity was nurtured, and every student felt valued. Her teaching fostered a genuine love for learning through innovative methods and kinesthetic opportunities. Her hands-on approach made learning engaging and accessible, and it instilled in me a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for discovery. What set Ms. Burgess apart from every other teacher was her unwavering belief in every student’s potential. She recognized that each child learns differently and took the time to understand our individual needs. I was particularly inspired by how she helped me overcome my struggles with math. Instead of focusing on my difficulties, she provided tailored support and celebrated my smallest victories. Her encouragement transformed my perspective on learning, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Ms. Burgess also taught me the value of empathy and patience. She listened to our concerns and offered guidance not just as a teacher but as a mentor who genuinely cared about our well-being. This compassionate approach made a lasting impression on me and demonstrated the major impact that a supportive mentor can have on a student’s life. As I embark on my own journey to become a teacher, I am committed to paying forward the lessons I learned from Ms. Burgess. My goal is to create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, much like I did in her class. Inspired by Ms. Burgess’s adaptability, I will strive to understand each student’s unique learning style and needs. By incorporating diverse teaching methods and providing individualized support, I aim to help all students reach their full potential. I intend to make learning as engaging and interactive as Ms. Burgess did. Whether through hands-on activities, creative projects, or exploring real-world applications, I want to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity in my students. Recognizing the importance of mentorship, I will focus on building strong, positive relationships with my students. I will create a classroom culture where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help. This supportive classroom environment will also encourage students to embrace challenges. Following Ms. Burgess’s example, I will promote a growth mindset in my classroom. I will celebrate progress and effort to help students view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Beyond the classroom, I plan to give back to my community by mentoring and supporting future educators. I will offer guidance to new teachers, sharing insights and strategies to help them navigate the challenges of the profession. Additionally, I intend to participate in community programs that promote education and literacy, ensuring that the love of learning extends beyond the classroom and into the broader community. Ms. Burgess’s mentorship has profoundly influenced my approach to education. Her dedication to fostering a love of learning and her compassionate support has inspired me to follow in her footsteps. As I pursue a career in teaching, I am committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for my students. Most importantly, I plan to give back to both my students and the community by inspiring the next generation of learners and educators.

Growing up as the child of a military parent has deeply influenced who I am, shaping my character and values through the stories and principles imparted by my mother’s service. While I did not to experience deployment, the impact of my mother's military career on my personal development has been significant. Her dedication to duty, her stories of service, and the values she instilled in my family have significantly shaped my personality and aspirations. My mother’s commitment to the military has established the foundation of our family life. From a young age, I was introduced to the world of discipline, honor, and service through her stories and experiences. Her tales of friendship, resilience, and the challenges faced during training were more than just stories. They became lessons in integrity and perseverance. These stories not only captured my imagination and interest, but also provided me with a framework for understanding the importance of commitment and hard work in all aspects of my life. One of the most fundamental lessons I learned from my mother was the value of discipline. Her consistent routine and never-ending pursuit of excellence became models for me to follow. I watched as she approached each day with a sense of purpose and dedication, traits that I began to adopt within my own life. This influence is shown in my academic achievements and extracurricular activities, where I have applied the values of discipline and responsibility to succeed. The values of teamwork and loyalty were also important parts of my mother’s stories. She often talked about the strong bonds formed with her fellow troop members, and the importance of supporting one another in achieving shared goals. These stories shaped my understanding of collaboration and mutual support, which I have incorporated into my own interactions with others. In school projects, I strive to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, inspired by the example set by my mother’s military service. The sense of service and duty that my mother personifies has had a lasting impact on me. I have been inspired to engage in community service and volunteer work, motivated to contribute positively to society. As I participate in my local community, I approach volunteer activities with the same dedication and sense of responsibility that my mother demonstrated in her military career. My mother’s military career has imparted a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve. While I did not experience the challenges of deployment firsthand, I have come to understand the broader involvement of military service in families and communities. This awareness has helped me have a profound respect for the armed forces. As I look toward my future, the influence of my mother’s military service continues to shape my goals and aspirations. Her values of discipline, teamwork, service, and resilience are principles that I strive to follow in my own life. These lessons have not only guided my academic and personal endeavors but have also inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact, one where I can utilize the values instilled in me through my mother’s example. The stories of service, discipline, and sacrifice shared by my mother have provided me with a strong foundation of character and purpose. As I continue my educational journey and look toward my future, I will continue to utilize the lessons learned from her military career, where I am committed to applying these values to make a positive difference in the world.

Throughout my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to lead various group projects, experiences that have significantly shaped my leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. One notable instance occurred in my communications class, where my team and I were tasked with creating and presenting a speech on the dangers of social media for young users. At the beginning of this project, our group faced challenges in defining roles and determining the scope of our presentation. However, I assumed a leadership role by evaluating our schedules, drafting a layout for the speech, and assigning tasks to each member. The project’s success was not without its challenges. One major obstacle arose from a disagreement regarding the inclusion of certain talking points in our speech. A debate ensued between team members about whether to address both the minor and major impacts of social media or to focus solely on the more significant effects due to time constraints. To mediate this conflict, I conducted research on the lesser-known impacts of social media and assessed their relevance to our speech. After evaluating the length of our presentation, I provided a compromise. We can incorporate the minor impacts within the discussion of the major effects rather than dedicating a separate section to them. This solution satisfied all group members, maintained our speech’s time constraints, and ensured that all perspectives were acknowledged. Another challenge we faced was coordinating our schedules. Initially, finding a specific time for all group members to collaborate proved difficult. To address this issue, I devised a plan to divide the speech outline into sections, color-coded for each member. This approach allowed each person to focus on their designated segment independently, while working around the scheduling conflicts. By segmenting the work and assigning specific tasks, we were able to work on our project both efficiently and successfully despite our varied availability. Overall, the successful completion of this project, reflected in our project’s good grade and positive feedback, reinforced my belief in the value of leadership, particularly in guiding a team through challenges while remaining open to feedback and innovative ideas. As I strive for a career in education, I recognize that teaching inherently involves leadership. In the classroom, I aspire to be a leader who addresses challenges proactively and fosters a love for learning among my students. I aim to be a role model, providing guidance and support for both academic and personal growth. My goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to embark on their own learning journeys and to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and valued. To achieve this, I will strive to be an approachable and empathetic educator, actively listening to students’ ideas and concerns. I will encourage them to take initiative, explore their interests, and develop critical thinking skills. By nurturing an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere, I will help students build confidence and resilience, preparing them for future leadership roles in their own lives. My experience with leading, most specifically through this communications project, equipped me with valuable skills in problem-solving, mediation, and team coordination. It is this experience that has shaped my approach to leadership and will guide my future career as an educator. I am committed to fostering a classroom environment where students can thrive, develop leadership qualities, and contribute meaningfully to their learning community. As I continue my educational journey, I am dedicated to inspiring and supporting my future students, ensuring that they have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

In reflecting on my experiences, I realize that leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and self-discovery. It involves learning from failures, celebrating successes, and constantly evolving. It is about understanding that leadership is not a destination but a process that requires dedication, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Leadership is often perceived as a prestigious role or a title, but to me, it represents something far more profound. It embodies the dedication to empower others, inspire strength, and instill wisdom to achieve remarkable feats. True leadership is about influencing positive change and fostering an environment where others can thrive. My journey into leadership began early and has since been shaped by a blend of experiences and extracurricular activities that have deepened my understanding of what it means to lead effectively. My earliest experience with leadership was in elementary school when I was a Girl Scout. I set my sights on earning my bronze award, which required me to plan, organize, and host an event for promoting physical health. Initially, I was excited about the authority and decision-making involved. However, I quickly learned that leadership transcends titles. It involves taking responsibility and making a genuine impact on others' lives. Balancing my ideas with the diverse needs and opinions of my peers taught me that leadership is not about dictating terms but about listening and empathizing. Collaborating with my fellow Girl Scouts, I recognized that incorporating their perspectives enhanced the event’s success. By understanding their views on physical health, we collectively created an impactful event that resonated with a broad audience. This experience highlighted that effective leadership thrives on collaboration and shared vision. In college, I encountered leadership opportunities through group projects in my education classes. Serving as a team leader, I coordinated tasks, managed timelines, and improved our group's presentation techniques. These roles demanded clear communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. The success of our projects reinforced my belief in leading by example. These experiences underscored the importance of maintaining a clear vision while being open to feedback and new ideas. A particularly challenging period during one of these group projects tested my leadership skills in a new way. I was tasked with mediating conflicts among team members. By actively listening to each person’s concerns and facilitating a solution. I navigated the group through its difficulties, leading to a successful outcome. This experience reinforced my understanding that effective leadership requires empathy, resilience, and the ability to manage interpersonal dynamics while keeping the group’s goals in focus. Through these experiences, I have come to view leadership as an ongoing journey of growth and self-discovery. It is not a fixed destination but a continuous process of learning from both successes and setbacks. Leadership involves dedication, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to others' well-being. It is about understanding oneself and applying that understanding to inspire and guide others effectively. Reflecting on my leadership journey, I realize that the essence of leadership lies in its capacity to evolve and adapt. Leadership is not defined by titles or positions but by the ability to inspire and support others in their journey toward success. It is about fostering an environment where others feel empowered and valued. My experiences have taught me that leadership is less about commanding and more about connecting with others, understanding their needs, and working collaboratively towards shared goals. This perspective has shaped my approach to leadership and will continue to guide me as I seek to make a positive impact in every endeavor I undertake.

Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to be. I was constantly stuck deciding between many different options. After flying in a plane for the first time, I wanted to be a pilot. When I went shopping for back-to-school clothing, I wanted to be a fashion designer. When my family and I took my dog to the vet, I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian. I wanted to be a writer after I read my favorite book. I wanted to be a dancer as I loved dancing for my church. I wanted to be a nurse because I love helping others. Yet, despite all of the different career choices that I wanted to pursue, I found that there was only one that was right for me. The one career that I instantly fell in love with. When I was in sixth grade, I found my passion. One day in sixth grade my English class took a surprise trip to the elementary school. My English teacher told us that today we would be the teachers. That each student within this classroom chose a book from the library and we were going to not only read the book to the student but find ways to engage them in the reading. We were each given an index card with a specific student’s name and then we entered the classroom. I walked around the classroom looking at each name on the students’ desks, until I found the student that I was going to read to. She was very shy and timid. I sat down in a chair next to her desk and introduced myself. She did not introduce herself, just pushed her book to me as she continued to stare at her desk. I looked at the book and immediately saw that it was one of my favorite books growing up. I began reading, finding ways to have fun with the story. I used various different voices and kept asking questions during the story to engage her. Eventually, halfway through the book, she looked up from her desk and began to examine the story pages while answering my questions. Soon, she began to laugh at the different voices I gave characters. After I finished reading to her, she hugged me and whispered a quiet thank you. It was in this moment, that I truly felt I found my calling. This experience led to my decision of wanting to be a teacher. I want to be a teacher that will make a positive difference in students’ lives, helping them find the joy in learning. To develop a love of learning and to have the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone while learning new things. I want to teach and inspire the generation of tomorrow by being a role model they can look up to. I want to make learning fun and engaging, where students will be excited to come to school the next day. I want to make a difference in students’ lives by providing them with a classroom environment where they can feel safe and secure, a place where they can be themselves and know that their voices are heard. I am not only excited to be a part of my future student’s educational journey, but I am also excited that I will get to support them every step of the way. Most importantly, I am excited to open students’ minds to the various wonders in the world and the amazing opportunities that accompany learning and education.

Community service has always been a part of who I am. It has defined my morals, my beliefs, and my values. It has shaped my personality and has become the lens in which I view the world around me. Growing up as the daughter of a single mom, I learned to help others at a young age. What started out as small acts of kindness, became community involvement. I would help my mom take care of my sisters and then I began to find ways to help my teachers in school. Eventually, helping others and being a part of the positive change in their lives began to motivate me on a daily basis. It has led me to become an active participant in my community who always strives to find ways to help others. I have donated to my local food pantry to help families in need, I volunteer my time as a caregiver to infants and toddlers in my church’s nursery, and I volunteer my time and donate items to pack shoeboxes for children in countries all over the world, bringing them closer to the word of God. I have volunteered my time to help sort, pack, and deliver donated items to a Girls Inc. corporation and I have volunteered my time to clean and create a local community garden within my community’s nature preserve, to bring locals and visitors closer to nature. It is not just community service that has defined who I am, but also my life experiences. Being the daughter of a single mom at a very young age taught me responsibility, perseverance, and resilience. To always look at an impossibility, as being entirely possible. Every challenge that I have faced, whether it was financial or mental, has taught me hardship and in turn, that hardship has taught me how to be strong and how to preserve. I enjoy challenges as they change my overall way of thinking and present me with the opportunity to learn something new along the way and I embrace the hardships that I face as they have taught me many important life lessons. Helping others and finding ways to make a difference, even if it is small, led to my passion of teaching and I consider it my life’s purpose. Having the opportunity to shape the minds of the future and help and inspire great children in my community as they achieve many endeavors is what I live for. It is this passion that led me to pursue a path in early childhood education and it is this life’s purpose that will continue to motivate me as I inspire many generations from today. Pursuing my future career of teaching is my ultimate educational goal, as when this goal is achieved, I will touch the hearts and minds of my future students. And I strive to be an inspiring role model in their lives, always there when they need me and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Using our voices, using our talents, and using our brilliant, life-changing ideas, is what makes us women such a powerful part of society. When we find our voice, and when we find our identity, we can become so much more than we already are. Sabrina Carpenter encompasses all of these things. She uses her voice, through music, to express her self in ways that impact those that are willing to listen. Her lyrics speak multitudes, and inspire many women today. It is not just her voice that has made her a strong woman, it’s her ability to act upon her beliefs, and to show what it means to be a strong woman, whose not afraid to be heard and not afraid to take a stand for all that she feels passionate about. Sabrina Carpenter is an advocate, an inspiration, and a role model for many women in society. She’s not afraid to give voice to her inner most opinions and she’s not afraid of what others may think. She finds a way to give a voice to those who are still trying to find theirs. I was first introduced to Sabrina Carpenter when I listened to her song “Thumbs.” Right when I finished the song, the message and beliefs behind this song fully hit me. This world is revolving in a pattern that we have always followed, since day one. On a daily basis we get up, we get ready, go to work, we come home, we go to bed, and then we start all over again the next day. This pattern never changes, even when the pattern’s done for the day, it still begins again the very next day. And we are all just trying to get through the day, while being stuck in this continuous loop. This song challenged the way that I approach my every day life. Making me wonder “why am I stuck in this constant day by day rhythm and am I satisfied with it?” And although I may be stuck in this rhythm, I could possibly find a way to try something new, to change it up a little bit. So this song challenged me to do something different during the day. Sabrina Carpenter challenged me to change my routine and to step out of my comfort zone. Before this song, I was stuck in a routine where I felt okay and somewhat satisfied. However, this song helped me learn how to try new things and and how to be adventurous, even if it was in the smallest of ways. It is not just this particular song that is impacted my life, but who Sabrina Carpenter is and her entire persona. She’s willing to use her voice for those that can’t. She’s willing to stand up for what she believes in even when others don’t. She’s not afraid to back down from a challenge, and she is always going to approach that challenge head on. And I aspire every day to do the same. I aspire to use my voice by standing up for myself, standing up for what I believe in, and not being afraid to say what I need to say. I approach every single challenge and obstacle head on and despite it seeming impossible to defeat, I know that there is always a way. I’m also now not afraid to give voice to my opinions and thoughts, especially when I am advocating for an idea that deeply resonates with who I am and what I stand for. Sabrina Carpenter is more than a strong, amazing, independent woman; she is my idol.

As an aspiring teacher, I have always been excited to teach younger students about various different subjects. I have not only brainstormed the different ways to make learning enjoyable but have made it my priority to expand on these ideas to make learning memorable. To me, learning is more than just learning about a new topic and doing a few activities. Learning is about diving deeper into a subject, finding ways to connect topics to children’s lives, and exploring the various pieces of a subject, gaining the most knowledge possible. Learning is about having fun, learning from others, and exploring amazing new opportunities and ideas. It is about opening our minds up to the wonders of this world. With this in mind, I have made it my goal, as a future teacher, to make learning fun and to find a multitude of ways to creatively teach each subject in school. However, among the various subjects that I will creatively teach, I have so many fun and engaging ideas for the subject of reading. Reading was a big part of my life growing up and it was the highlight of my school days. Being able to visit the library, explore new genres, hear amazing stories, and be able to tell my mom all about them made school exciting for me. It is this love for reading that was inspired by the many ways that my own teachers made reading engaging and exciting. In the future, I plan to have a featured reading theme week. One where the students and I will explore various books pertaining to a specific theme, making theme connections between school and home. I will schedule a library visit to encourage students to explore more books with a specific theme, setting up a group discussion with the librarian, allowing the students to learn from different perspectives and views. I plan to have various hands-on activities for the theme, one where students can create a craft to take home, engage in an activity that allows them to dive deeper into the theme, or possibly creating a class story with this theme. All of which not only helps students expand their reading and story telling skills, but also engages them in various ways. I would also love to have volunteer readers come into the classroom to read a book chosen by the class. The volunteer readers could be high school students or parents. Allowing the students to not only explore a book with someone new, but also giving parents the opportunity to be a part of the student’s classroom and learning experience. It would also be a very engaging and inspiring experience, if during a week about sports, have a few students from one of the high school sports teams come to read to the students and complete activities with them, teaching them a few skills of the sport in the gym or outside. Lastly, I would love to give students the opportunity at the end of every month to participate in various book games, like book bingo, book themed board games, or having a book/word/theme scavenger hunt as a class around the school. Making learning fun is all about making learning engaging. By engaging learners, students enjoy what they are learning, understand the concepts on a deeper level, and are excited to come back to school to learn the next day. So, not only am I excited to implement so many fun and exciting learning ideas, but I am also excited to become a teacher that makes the learning experience engaging and memorable for all students.

Losing a loved one is one of the biggest adversities that I have had to face in my life. Losing an important person in my life that was always there for me, who always made me laugh, and always had a smile ready to be unleashed at any moment. This loss is what makes moving through life hard. It puts a hold on life, freezing you in time, within a bubble of grief and despair. And I can’t help but wonder, what would I do if I had just one more day with her? What would I say if I could speak to her one last time? Losing my grandmother felt like losing a piece of myself. She was my inspiration, my role model, and my life. When my mom became a single parent taking care of three young girls, she was there by my mom’s side every step of the way. Following alongside me from the moment I took my first step. And although it has been hard to get past this loss, I like to still think that she is still walking beside me every day with every step I take. If not physically, then spiritually. It is this thought that keeps me going, keeps me fighting, and helps me get up every morning to start anew. Knowing that although she is gone, she might still be by my side. Sometimes I believe that I may only be achieving my dreams for me, but in reality, deep down, I know that I am striving for success in all my endeavors because of her. That I am achieving my dream of pursuing a bachelor's degree in education for her, for my family, and for the the youth of tomorrow. Knowing that she is looking down at me right now from Heaven and seeing who I have become and all that I will achieve is the light at the end of the tunnel. It is because of her help that I am where I am today. Her consistent support during times of great need. Her ability to drop everything and help me when she saw I needed a helping hand. Her willingness to motivate me at times when I felt like giving up. And her immense wisdom that she imparted on me when she felt I had a lesson to learn. Losing a loved one is hard to get through, as the weight of grief is heavy to carry. It is challenging to adapt one’s everyday life once someone is gone. My grandma was my center, she was a big part of who I am and my family. Losing her left a gaping hole not only in my family but in myself. A hole that has not yet been filled completely, as it never will be, but has been mended with time. This loss taught me to continue focusing on what matters in the most in life, my future endeavors and my family. It has helped me find the time to spend as many hours as I can with my family and achieving everything that I put my mind to, as these were her most important things in life too. This loss and grief helped me come back stronger. It helped me grow into the person that I want to be. And although I still grieve the loss of an important person to me, I have figured out how to fight for what I want to achieve. I have fought past the feelings of sadness and despair, fought past the many misconceptions that my mind created about what I can and cannot achieve now that she is gone, and fought past the feeling that my life no longer has a purpose. I now fight for what I want to achieve in life, fight to become the version of myself that I want to be, and fight for the future that I know my grandma would want me to have. I am fighting for my bachelors degree in education, fighting to inspire and motivate children, fighting to become the best teacher that I can be, and fighting for a chance to make a different in others lives just as my grandma did in mine. After this great loss I felt sorrow, pain, and despair, but remembering all that my grandma helped me achieve and all that I will achieve because of her has helped me learn to be strong and courageous, and to continue fighting with all that I’ve got.

I have always found joy in guiding others along their path to success and finding ways to inspire them. I enjoy being a role model to others and making a positive difference in the lives of those around me. Offering a hand and support when it is needed. And it is from this joy of guiding and supporting others, that I found my true passion in life. Teaching others has always been my life's purpose, as well as my passion. Having the opportunity to shape the minds of the future and inspire amazing children as they achieve many endeavors is one of the biggest things that I live for. It is this passion that led me to pursue a path in early childhood education and it is this life’s purpose that will continue to motivate me as I inspire many generations from today. The youth of today are the future of tomorrow. Teachers are the mentors to the individuals of our future society. And although each teacher is different than the next- either through their different teaching styles, educational strategies, and different focuses on how to achieve success for our students- they will stop at nothing to ensure that each student is supported and succeeds. That each student wakes up every morning excited to come to school and ready to learn new things. And despite what makes teachers different from one another, we all share one thing in common. Our desire to inspire the next generation and future generations of students. As an aspiring teacher, I hope to inspire every single student that walks through my classroom door. I hope to touch their hearts and their minds. I aspire to be a role model in their lives, always there when they need me and always willing to lend a helping hand. I plan to inspire my students by challenging them to use their imagination and always work harder. I believe that children can do anything they put their minds to. I want to help them see what their hard work looks like. To show students what they can accomplish with their education and growing knowledge. I plan to make learning engaging and interactive in ways that encourage students to continue learning. I am motivated to make school and learning a fun experience. A fun and engaging classroom filled with the wonders of education is one that will inspire the youth of tomorrow. It will encourage them to continue their studies. To always seek new opportunities to enhance their educational knowledge. I want my students to wake up every morning excited to come to school and start learning something new. Excited to come to class ready to contribute their ideas and thoughts to lessons and discussions. Ensuring that each student’s voice and idea is heard. That they have an important place in both my classroom and in society. Helping them feel and see that they are important and special, no matter what. I will ultimately inspire youth to be themselves. To be the unique and amazing individuals that they are. So, my passion to become an educator involves a lot of various pieces, but when put together, they will help educate, motivate, support, and inspire many generations to come.

Life has never been easy as there are many obstacles, challenges, and hurdles to be jumped that will stand in one’s way. Much of the adversity that I have faced has affected how I view myself and has motivated me to keep moving forward. Yet, it is the adversity that we face and the hardships that challenge us that give us so many opportunities. Throughout the entirety of my life, I have faced much adversity, that in turn has taught me perseverance, courage, and resilience. Yet, there is one hardship that I experienced growing up and it has been the biggest adversity that I have ever had to face and deal with. I was born with a genetic disorder that affects specific parts of my physical appearance. It is because I look different that I faced one of my biggest adversities: bullying. When I started fifth grade, the very first thing that my peers noticed about me was my differences and at first, they would ask questions about why certain parts of me looked different. In the beginning, I welcomed the questions, relishing the fact that people wanted to know more about my genetic disorder and that I could teach them about it. However, as the year progressed, the questions turned into rumors. I became a spectacle to my class, all because I was born physically different. People in my class started distancing themselves from me, began making jokes at my expense, and I was called many rude names, sometimes to my face and sometimes in hushed whispers between groups of friends. And it hurt to know that I was treated differently just because I looked different than everyone else. This continued the next year and the next year, and so forth. I tried my hardest to ignore the comments and names, yet, at the same time, I still heard those whispers and rumors all day, which damaged my self-esteem quite a lot. It was not until eight grade that I finally got up the courage to talk to my family about everything. I decided that I was not going to let my differences define the entirety of who I was and how others saw me. I was going to stand up for myself and show others that I am not ashamed of how I look. My differences, yes, do define who I am on the outside, but what was on the inside matters more. Although I was scared at first to face this adversity and was determined to just ignore what everyone was saying, my family helped support me in standing up for myself. My family shared their own experiences with the genetic disorder and how they overcame adversity. They helped me learn that I am not what people say I am. That I am who I make myself to be. So, on the first day of eighth grade, I walked into the school with my shoulders back and my head held high. No longer afraid to stand up and speak for myself. Every rumor I heard, I corrected. Every gaze that landed on me, I returned. Every name that I was called, I stood up for myself and told them that I did not appreciate being called those names. Eventually, weeks later, the rumors died down and the whispers were no more. I even made a few good friends. And although this adversity was hard to overcome and it took me a long time to figure out how to face it, I eventually did, and in doing so learned many life changing lessons.

Growing up as the daughter of a single mom, I had to learn to grow up faster than most children. I learned responsibility at the age of five, I learned to work hard at the age of seven, and I learned to never give up and to face every challenge head on, just like my mom did. It was this experience that helped shape the personality that I have today and that will one day complement my future dream. I enrolled in a community college in the eleventh grade of high school, taking both college classes and high school classes. I earned my associate degree in December, and I am continuing my journey with higher education by currently striving for my bachelor’s degree to achieve my lifelong dream by pursuing my future career. It has been my dream since first grade to be an elementary teacher. To inspire students, to make a difference in their lives, to make learning enjoyable, and to support them in all their endeavors. Mostly, it has been my goal to introduce students to the many joys of learning. Throughout the entirety of my higher education journey, I have learned what it means to be an educator and how to be the best teacher I can be. I have been introduced to the various theories that support and enhance learning, the multitude of ways to differentiate learning, and the numerous ways to engage learners, sparking curiosity and wonder in their young minds. During this educational journey I have decided that I want to be a kind teacher, so that students feel comfortable, seen, and that their voices are heard. I will be a responsible teacher, motivated to make learning wondrous, so that students feel safe in an environment that makes learning exciting. I will also aim to be an inspiring and supportive teacher, so that students know that I will always be there to lend a helping hand. Being a teacher is more than teaching children, it is about touching the minds and hearts of young learners. To inspire them to accomplish great things, while supporting them in all their endeavors. I chose this career path so that I could set the most important foundation of learning for children. I am not only excited to be a part of my future student’s educational journey, but I am also excited that I will get to support them every step of the way. I am excited to expand students’ knowledge and to inspire the next generation. I hope that I can motivate students to continue learning by positively impacting their lives through making school a fun and wonderous place. A place that students can be themselves and be excited to come to every day. Lastly, I want to give students a unique opportunity to open their minds to the various wonders in the world and the amazing opportunities that accompany learning and education. Supporting women’s empowerment is no small task, for it is the most rewarding. I plan to support women’s empowerment by becoming a mentor for women. By becoming a mentor, I can offer valuable insight and support as they strive to achieve success. I can become a constant support system that women can turn to, helping them with all their endeavors. I will become a strong advocate for equal pay and opportunity equity. Lastly, I will support women owned and created businesses and organizations, helping empower women to keep achieving success and their dreams. I will seek and support female entrepreneurs as they will make an amazing difference in the world.

The moment I decided to apply for college, my entire future was in my hands. All of the decisions that I would make and all of the actions that I took, would be up to me and only me. For it was my decision to be a college student to pursue my life’s passion and every day that I follow through on this decision, I have learned that good mental health is necessary to success. College has presented me with so many unique opportunities. Since being a college student, I have gotten to know and work with students who are a part of a broad range of diverse cultures. I have been exposed to diverse ideas and perspectives that have come from the opportunity to work with individuals that hail from different backgrounds and experiences. Every day as a college student I am still excited to broaden my horizons, challenge my preconceived notions, and gain a more global perspective in order to become more culturally aware. However, at the same time, being a college student has presented many challenges. The biggest challenge for me, by far, has been supporting my mental health. Mental health not only guides my thoughts and decisions but begins to define the entirety of who I am. I have had to face the constant stress of achieving success in all my endeavors, in stepping out of my comfort zone, and in making many important decisions that could make or break what I have already achieved and what I will achieve in the future. Yet, despite the challenges that arise from holding my future in my own hands and from being a college student, maintaining good mental health has been my upmost priority. Without good mental health, I would always be in a state of worry, I would not be able to cope with my stress, I would begin to doubt my abilities, and I would never fully see what I truly am capable of as both a student and as a person. Although it has been hard at times, keeping a good mental health state has helped me achieve great success. It has helped me learn to be confident in the work that I turn in, to maintain strong relationships with the people who are close to me, and it has helped me learn to support others. I have begun supporting others through their own mental health journey, both in my home and in my community. I have shared my fears and worries about mental health when I first became a college student, and I have also shared how I overcame those fears to establish the strong mental health that I have today. I have shared with others how to grow a healthy mindset that can help build good mental health, while also taking the time to listen to others mental health stories to learn more. I have offered emotional support to those who have needed it, creating a safe space for those who wish to talk about their mental health struggles while helping them gain clarity on how to develop a healthier mindset. Lastly, I have also volunteered my time at a non-profit organization that helps empower girls, offers them support, and helps them learn that they are enough. This in turn has helped girls reflect on their mindsets, giving them the opportunity to learn how to begin approaching and having good mental health.

Giving to others is more than just volunteering my time, it is actively ensuring that I can make a difference in someone else’s life. It is about doing everything in my power to make a positive impact in the lives of those that I give back too. When I look around me, I see so many opportunities to give back to others. I see a variety of opportunities to give back to my family, to give back to my community, and to give back to the various organizations that have helped so many in need. By advancing the spirit of giving to others, I have grown into the version of myself that I want to be. I have learned what it means to be a giver, what it means to make a difference, and what giving back can truly do to the many who receive. By finding ways to give back, I have been given the opportunity to help many people and organizations by volunteering my time. I volunteer to pack shoeboxes filled with toys, hygienic products, and a bible for my church around Christmas time, so that children in countries all around the world can be introduced to the word of God and receive a gift on Christmas. I have volunteered my time on Sundays to help in the nursery at my church. By doing so I have become a caregiver to infants and toddlers, giving them opportunities to grow and interact with other children, while parents can participate and be fully immersed in church service. I even volunteered in my community by helping clean and create a community garden that will educate both locals and visitors about the beauty of nature and the ways can make an environmental difference. Giving back to others has helped open my eyes up to what my true passion is and the dreams that I want to achieve in the future. I want to inspire others, to be a positive role model, and to help others achieve their goals and succeed in all their endeavors. I want to give back to my community in a way that will make a difference in the lives in many families. By giving back, I have realized that it is my passion and, in my opinion, my life’s purpose to be a teacher. Being a teacher is the embodiment of giving. We give back to families by educating their children, inspiring them, and supporting them in all their endeavors. We give back to the community by educating the minds of the future. We give and share our knowledge to help expand students’ thinking and understanding of the world around them. As a teacher, I would also be ensuring that every student in my classroom feels loved, understood, recognized, and welcome. By being a teacher who gives back, I can ensure that each and every student achieves success and follows their dreams. While inspiring children to give back as well, whether in the classroom, at home, or in the community. And by becoming a teacher, I will not only be positively impacting future society and the world, but also helping inspire the next generation of future givers.

Life was never made to be easy. For there are many obstacles, challenges, and hurdles to be jumped that will stand in one’s way. Many of the hardships that people have faced, myself included, have affected how we view ourselves, have changed how we perceive the world around us, and have been the motivation we needed to keep moving forward. Although hardships are challenging to face and at times, we may feel like giving up, they also hold many opportunities. The opportunity to grow as an individual, the opportunity for us to learn important lessons, and the opportunity to grow closer to those who stand by our side through it all. Throughout the entirety of my life, I have faced many hardships, and it is these hardships that have taught me perseverance, resilience, and courage. Yet, there is one hardship that I experienced growing up and it has been the biggest adversity that I have ever had to face. I was born with a genetic disorder that affects specific parts of my physical appearance. Although I am affected in a minimal way, the effects are quite noticeable to others. It is because I look different that I faced one of my biggest adversities: bullying. When I started fifth grade, the very first thing that my peers noticed about me was my differences and at first, they would ask questions about why certain parts of me looked different. In the beginning, I welcomed the questions, relishing the fact that people wanted to know more about my genetic disorder and that I could teach them about it. However, as the year progressed, the questions turned into rumors. I became a spectacle to my class, all because I was born physically different. People in my class started distancing themselves from me, began making jokes at my expense, and I was called many rude names, sometimes to my face and sometimes in hushed whispers between groups of friends. And it hurt to know that I was treated differently just because I looked different than everyone else. Yet, this did not end when fifth grade ended. It continued the next year and the next year, and so forth. I tried my hardest to ignore the comments and names, yet, at the same time, I still heard those whispers and rumors all day, which damaged my self-esteem quite a lot. However, it was not until eighth grade that I finally decided that it was time to overcome this hardship. I finally got up the courage to talk to my family about everything. I finally decided that enough was enough. I was not going to live a life where I let others decide how I would be viewed. I was not going to let my differences define the entirety of who I was and how others saw me. I was going to stand up for myself and show others that I am not ashamed of how I look. My differences, yes, do define who I am on the outside, but it is what is on the inside that matters more. My family was by most the biggest support system that I had. Although I was scared at first to face this adversity and was determined to just ignore what everyone was saying, my family helped support me in standing up for myself. My family shared their own experiences with the genetic disorder and how they overcame adversity. They helped me learn that I am not what people say I am. That I am who I make myself to be. So, on the first day of eighth grade, I walked into the school with my shoulders back and my head held high. No longer afraid to stand up and speak for myself. Every rumor I heard, I corrected. Every gaze that landed on me, I returned. Every name that I was called, I stood up for myself and told them that I did not appreciate being called those names. Eventually, weeks later, the rumors died down, the whispers were no more, and I no longer heard the rude names. I even made a few good friends. Although this adversity was hard to overcome and it took me a long time to figure out how to face it, I eventually did and in doing so learned many important lessons. I learned that you have to stand up for what is right, whether that pertains to you or something that you care deeply about. Trying to ignore the hardship or to put off facing it is only going to make conquering the challenge even harder. I also learned that it is not our flaws that define us but how we choose to view our flaws. It is about determining whether your differences are going to control who you become and how others see you or if your differences are going to become a part of you and compliment the best parts of yourself. Lastly, I learned that although adversity seems impossible to overcome, it is not, for there are others that are facing their own obstacles and there are many who have overcome them as well. This lesson has kept me going, helping me know that I am not alone. That as I face every obstacle, I can overcome them, just as so many others have already.

The number one thing that my mom taught me was to always be brave, to face your fears and obstacles head on. And at times this has been hard, especially when facing one’s fears. Yet, at other times, it is bravery that helps us achieve the most amazing things in life. My mom, an Army veteran, has always told me stories about her time in the military and during basic training. She tells me about the hardships she has faced, the funny stories of times in the barracks, and the many lessons that she’s learned. She has told me about the time she had to face her fears to complete a basic training obstacle course and she speaks about her time in the military with such passion and detail, it sometimes feels like I was there with her too. I even enjoy when she tells me about her favorite pair of uniform boots as once she broke them in, she says that they were the most comfortable piece of clothing she ever had. Yet, there is one memory that I share with her, in which she taught me an important lesson: that with bravery we can accomplish great things. I remember visiting an amusement park in Germany for my twelfth birthday and wanting to ride this really tall roller coaster, but I was afraid to do it alone. I remember looking at my mom, with the biggest puppy dog eyes I could give her, trying to will her into riding the roller coaster with me. At first, she was hesitant, but I remember her looking at me, taking a deep breath, and saying, “Let’s do this.” At that time, I thought that my puppy dog eyes were magic, but later I found out that my mom was willing to face her fear of heights to make me happy. That she was willing to be brave to help me accomplish this feat. So, we wait in line and the next thing you know we are strapped in and ready to go. My mom’s knuckles are really white, as she is holding onto the coaster handles with a very tight grip. Right when we crest the hill and start diving down, I look over at my mom and she looks at me with wide eyes and we both start screaming so loud when we start descending. We were screaming so loud that we could probably be heard on the entire other side of the park. Yet, I also remember laughing so hard with her at the end, both of us with crazy, messed up hair and pounding hearts, because it was the best experience I ever had, and it really showed me what bravery looks like. Now although my mom rode that coaster with me, she did tell me that she would never get on another coaster again. But that was okay, because she faced her fear of heights to help me get over my fear of riding tall roller coasters, and we now share this most amazing memory. And although she is still afraid of heights, she taught me to be brave. She was able to face her fear of heights in basic training to show herself that she could face her fears and she was willing to do it again for me. My mom, the Army veteran, has taught me all the lessons that she had to learn in the military, and it is these lessons that have guided me throughout my entire life.

Reading is more than just opening up a book and looking at the words on a page. It is about diving deeper into a story that teaches us important lessons that we may only find within the pages of a book. Reading helps us find who we are and helps us recognize pieces of ourselves that we did not know about before. A variety of books exist that could teach us a lot about the world and ourselves. Yet, one book that I believe not only everyone should read, but could change a reader’s life, is “The Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss. Although this book is a children’s book and quite short, it has the most powerful message of all. That we should not judge others based solely on how they look. We should not perceive others as inferior or unworthy of acknowledgement because of their outward appearance. When I read this book as a child, at first, I did not get the message. I just knew that Dr. Seuss was by far one of my favorite authors and that “The Sneetches” was one of my favorite stories. Yet, as I grew older and learned more about the world around me, this book got me thinking. It had me reflecting on the story, the message, and the characters, leading me to make connections and asking questions that expanded my understanding of the world around me. A person may first see this book and think, “Is this book really worth my time?” And the short answer is yes. The story not only teaches us to reflect on how this book can represent the world around us, but it gets us thinking about how this book may apply to our own lives. It puts the world around us into perspective and may make us start to question, “Who are we in this book? Who am I in this book?” This book shows us that although we may look different on the outside, we are the same and therefore should not be judged based on how we may look. It is not our appearances that should define who we are and how others perceive us, but the part of us that is inside that can really show others that deep down we are all the same. “The Sneetches” may very well be one of the best books that could teach us this important lesson.

Growing up the daughter of a single mom has not only taught me many important valuable lessons but has helped me develop and strengthen skills that I never knew I had, let alone needed. At a young age, I took it upon myself, as the oldest child, to help my mom take care of our family. That meant helping prepare dinner every night, helping my mom keep the house clean and organized, helping my younger sisters with their homework, and working hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. At times this was hard, as I had to grow up faster than most children. Yet, this life experience helped me develop a lot of the skills that I have today and most of the skills that I need in order to pursue my passion. I learned to be selfless, and to put others before myself. Sometimes this meant ensuring that my younger sisters and those around me succeeded first before I did. I learned patience, as there were many times during my childhood where not everything could happen right away. I had to learn that good things come with time. I learned how to recognize the smallest of details by being attentive when observing my family and the world around me. This helped me recognize when someone needed help, where I could best give help, and the different ways that I could support others. Lastly, I learned empathy and how to place myself in someone else’s shoes. This skill helped me see a person’s challenges and successes from their point of view. It guided me in figuring out where I could best support someone, while also helping me see the impact that this support would make. These skills have not only made me into the person I am today but have guided me in recognizing my life’s purpose. It is my dream to help and inspire others. To support them as they work hard and do their best. To guide them as they succeed and help them achieve great aspirations. It is my passion to be an elementary teacher and in doing so, I hope to one day help my students be their very best. I believe that change and inspiration can begin in the classroom. I am pursing this dream in the hopes that one day I can use the skills that I learned from being a daughter of a single parent to help my students be their best. I will aim to help my students recognize their potential, support them in all their endeavors, and always be there to lend a helping hand. I want to teach students that it is okay to make mistakes, and as we learn from them, we grow, and as we grow, we become better versions of ourselves. I will inspire students to follow their dreams, using my skills of attentiveness, empathy, patience, and selflessness to support them as they do. The skills that I learned at an early age, are the skills that will guide me as I make a difference in the lives of my future students and help them be their best.

When you think of school what do you see? Maybe you see students at their desks listening to the teacher talk. Maybe you see students engaging in activities to expand their knowledge. Maybe you think of your own past experiences with school. When I think of school, I think of opportunity. The opportunity to teach young children. The opportunity to open students’ minds and touch their hearts. The opportunity to make learning fun and encourage growth. However, I also think of the opportunity to make learning equal. An equal opportunity for every student to succeed. There is a wide range of students that do not have access to the educational materials that they need to succeed in school. Students do not have access to technology, the internet, project materials, resources for research, a place to study, and accommodating access to content. Some students cannot complete their assignments and homework because they do not have the same opportunities to learn outside of school as they do inside of school. As an aspiring teacher, this is the issue that I am working to address. I want to ensure that every single one of my students and hopefully all the students within the school will have access to the materials they need to succeed outside of school. The school district that I am currently helping in is taking important steps to ensure that their students are not left behind. That their students have equal opportunities to learn both inside of school and outside of school. The school district is issuing Chromebooks to a variety of students to borrow for the school year that can be used in school and at home. Students who have to complete homework and projects online are now able to have access to a computer for this. Teachers within my school district are providing materials for students to use for the projects that they begin in class and then take home. Helping alleviate the stress that students’ families may face to obtain the necessary materials. Students are sent home with borrowed books, as well, to enhance their education and to help with projects. This prevents families from having to buy additional resources to help with students’ education. Students are also given multiple opportunities to learn educational content in different ways. Learning, in my school district, is designed to accommodate all students. It is presented in a variety of ways that capture students’ interest, enhance students’ education, and makes school fun and exciting. Every student, no matter their age or grade, is given the opportunity to learn in different ways. Unequal access to educational materials, content, and learning presented in only one way is a concerning social issue that needs to be solved as soon as possible. We, as teachers, are in charge of teaching and inspiring the next generation. Students that are not given all the support and resources they need to succeed may fall behind in their education. Yet, as of right now, especially in my school district, we are finding ways to ensure that our students have equal opportunities and access to the education they seek and need to succeed.

The youth of today are the future of tomorrow. Teachers are the mentors to the individuals of our future society. They pave the path that students will take to achieve success. They are the guides that will lead youth through all their endeavors. They are the helping hands that shape the minds of the future. They are the support systems that ensure every student feels like they belong. Teachers have different teaching styles, educational strategies, and a different focus on how to achieve success for our students. Yet, despite what makes teachers unique from one another, we all share one thing in common. Our desire to inspire the next generation and future generations of students. As an aspiring teacher, I hope to inspire every single student that walks through my classroom door. I hope to touch their hearts and their minds. I aspire to be a role model in their lives, always there when they need me and always willing to lend a helping hand. I plan to inspire my students by challenging them to use their imagination and always work harder. I believe that children can do anything that they put their mind to. I want to show them, not just teach them, what hard work looks like. To show students what they can accomplish with their education and growing knowledge. I plan to make learning engaging and interactive in ways that encourage students to continue learning. I am motivated to make school and learning a fun experience. A fun and engaging classroom filled with the wonders of education is one that will inspire the youth of tomorrow. It will encourage them to continue their studies. To always seek new opportunities to enhance their educational knowledge. I want my students to wake up every morning excited to come to school and start learning something new. Excited to come to class ready to contribute their ideas and thoughts to lessons and discussions. I also plan to inspire the youth of tomorrow by ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate and contribute to class. I want to ensure that my students know that their voices are heard. That they have an important place in both my classroom and in society. That they are important and special, no matter what. I will ultimately inspire youth to be themselves. To be the unique and amazing individuals that they are.

The woman who is my best friend, my teacher, my everything: my mom – Sandra Vischer Through both the thick and the thin, the rain and the sunshine, the happiness and the sadness; my mom was always there. From the very beginning my mom has been my best friend, my support, and my entire life. It is because of her that I am where I am today. Her hard work, her resilience, her guidance, and her love has helped me grow into the strong, independent woman I am. Of course, there are times when life is hard, where I sometimes begin to feel lost and unsure of myself. Yet, every time I am reminded that I am not alone because my mom is always there. Prepared to give me a smile, an encouraging word, and a hug. This amazing, beautiful woman is everything that I aspire to be. She is my role model and therefore my hero. Her ability to be a single parent, work a full-time job, and provide for her family is both astounding and inspiring. She has taught me that success is born from hard work and that resilience is the key to conquering any challenge. From the moment I graduated from high school, I began my educational journey. I took my first step on the pathway towards my bachelor’s degree. Every step after that has been challenging yet rewarding. And during each step, my mom has been by my side. My first educational goal was to earn my associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year university. It is because of my mom and her support that I graduated with my associates in December. And with her everlasting support, I am continuing my journey at a four-year university this year to study early childhood education. It has been my dream since first grade, to inspire my students in all aspects of learning and to make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. When I told my mom in first grade that I wanted to become a teacher, she looked me in the eye and said, “I am going to help you do it.” Not a day goes by where I am not supported. Regardless of the challenges, hardships, and struggles that my mom faces, she still finds time to be my biggest supporter. It is because of her that I have achieved so much. My mom has supported my goal of earning my bachelor’s degree by helping me budget for college, helping me create a quiet space to study, and helping me maintain a good mental health state by participating in self-care routines with me. I would not be where I am today without my biggest supporter, my mom. There has never been a time when I doubted that my mom would not be there because she always has. Her ability to face challenges has shown me what perseverance and endurance looks like. Most importantly, she has shown me what love looks like. It is because of her love for my family and I that she continues to support us in everything.

Philosophy is more than just abstract truths and theories. Philosophy has a way of taking our perceived reality and morphing it into something entirely new. It takes our preconceived notions and set in stone viewpoints and transforms them into a wider perspective. Philosophy is an art that provides knowledge to those who wish to be wise or seek the answer to life. Yet, the different types of philosophy are the most intriguing part of this art. A form of philosophy, known as existentialism, revolves around explaining our very existence. Not only does existentialism explain why we exist and what our existence means, but it also explains our purpose. It answers the questions of do we live one life, should life feel like something more, and who exactly am I (in an existentialist perspective)? As a seeker of wisdom and knowledge, I am always looking for new ways to expand my mind. I seek the opportunity to expand my overall understanding of the world around me and the way that others think. When I stumbled across existentialism, I was amazed by the acuity and perception of many existentialists. Their wisdom made me curious, and their perspectives made me eager. Eager to learn more, to compare my view with theirs, and to see the world through the eyes of an existentialist. It was not until I read this passage that I began to see an underlying meaning to much of the philosophical works that I read. In "Existentialism: A Very Short Introduction" Thomas R. Flynn writes, “Because of the almost irresistible pull toward conformity in modern society, what we shall call ‘existential individuality’ is an achievement, and not a permanent one at that. We are born biological beings, but we must become existential individuals by accepting responsibility for our actions. This is an application of Nietzsche’s advice to ‘become what you are’. Many people never do acknowledge such responsibility but rather flee their existential individuality into the comfort of the faceless crowd.” This passage is pretty straightforward in explaining that as human beings we seek conformity. It is among our many goals to fit in with a crowd of individuals that we may not know or have never met before. Yet, upon further exploration this passage presents a deeper meaning to conformity. As existing human beings who rely on our ability to conform to society to “fit in” we fail to see and acknowledge that our ability to conform is short lived. We conform to a group as we see fit. The basis of our conformity lies within the group we reside with, and it changes as we explore various groups. Our ability to conform can be seen as an achievement, yet one in which we must aim for over and over again as it is not permanent. We are human beings made of biological meaning. However, we do not truly exist until we take responsibility for every action that we make. Our recognition of the actions that we take is one step into true existence. By not taking responsibility we “cease to exist” and become nothing more than a mere biological being. We have to earn our existence. By doing so, we can truly become an existing individual. It is because of the overwhelming burden and responsibility that accompanies acceptance of our actions that we resort to conformity. Conformity is our chance to escape and becomes our easy way out. Instead of acknowledging our existence, we tend to become someone we are not. We withhold the chance to truly “live.” We deny ourselves our purpose, our individuality, and our chance to have answers to all the questions we may have about life. By denying our actions and welcoming the chance to conform, we no longer “exist.”

Being a single parent is no walk in the park. It has many of its own sets of challenges. I grew up seeing this hardship. Watching my mom try to figure out how to be both mom and dad. Seeing my mom work both day and night since I was five years old to ensure that my sisters and I had a roof over our heads and food on the table. There was never a moment where I saw my mom take a break because as a single parent there is not really any extra time for breaks. Growing up with a single parent most of my life and seeing the hardships that my mom faced daily showed me that single parents work really hard to support their children. I watched my mom rise above a hardship one day, only to be challenged by more the next day. However, through it all, she found the time to support me in all my studies and has helped me get closer to achieving my educational goal. Despite my mom being faced with the hardship of being a single parent, she always found the time to support me. Whether it was in sports, hobbies, or education. Her support from the very start is what has pushed me towards success. My biggest educational goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. It has been my goal since first grade, to inspire my students in all aspects of learning and to make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. When I told my mom in first grade that I wanted to be a teacher, she looked me in the eye and said, “I am going to help you do it.” Not a day goes by where I am not supported. Regardless of the challenges, hardships, and struggles of being a single parent for 14 years, she has still found the time to be my biggest supporter. It is because of her that I have achieved so much. She has shown me that despite being faced with the challenge of being a single mother of three girls, she has persevered. She gave us all her support. Despite the sleepless nights, the many tears, and the overwhelming feeling of responsibility, she still always put us first. My mom has supported my goal of earning my bachelor’s degree by helping me fund my college, ensuring I have a space to study, being a peer reviewer for some of my college assignments, and helping me keep my mental state in check. I would not be where I am today without her, my biggest supporter. There has never been a time when I doubted that my mom would not be there because she always has. In spite of everything that she has faced, she has shown me what perseverance and endurance looks like. Most importantly, she has shown me what love looks like. It is because of her love for my sisters and I that she has never given up, she has kept going. All of my life I have looked up to her because she has been and always will be my number one hero.

As an online student, I have a variety of online tools and platforms at my fingertips. However, after much experimentation, I have found that some platforms and tools are more beneficial to me than others. These platforms and tools have helped me achieve success in my education, have helped me gain the most knowledge from my studies, and have reinforced content being learned so that I can always carry the knowledge with me. Completing college online comes with its drawbacks as well as its perks. Being online means that I do not get to meet my fellow students face to face. Sometimes, the only interaction that I get with my peers is through discussion posts. Also, if I need assistance for an assignment, I would normally use email or “Remind” texting to communicate. Yet, some of the tools and platforms that I use have helped conquer some of these disadvantages. In a world with growing technology, I have been able to fix this problem. The online platform that I use to further my understanding of my courses and subjects is “Zoom.” It is because of this platform that I have been able to converse with my peers’ face to face on group projects. Being able to share my screen and collaborate with my peers virtually allows us to meet at a time that fits everyone’s schedule and in a much more efficient manner. “Zoom” has also given me the opportunity to connect with my professors’ face to face virtually. It is because of this that I have been able to receive extra help on assignments, get assistance when I am not understanding a concept, and to discuss important class topics further. Zoom recordings that my professors create have also allowed me to learn at my own pace, by pausing and rewatching sections that I need to the most help in. Aside from “Zoom,” I have begun to use a variety of tools to help me learn how to be great at my future career and to help with the various aspects of becoming a successful student. “Kahoot,” “Edpuzzle,” “Quizlet,” and “TED Talks” are among the tools that I utilize as a college student. After much exploration and experimentation, I have found these four to be the most educational and beneficial. “Kahoot, Quizlet, and Edpuzzle” have helped with exam preparation, extra practice with concepts, the repetition of important points, and the expansion of already learned topics. On the other hand, “TED Talks” have given me the chance to see what I am learning applied to real life, either through a speaker in my career field or through the concept being talked about. If anything, TED Talks present information and knowledge in a way that is real and has come from experience and research. They have helped me learn a lot about my major and how to best succeed at what I want to achieve. It is because of all of these resources, that I have succeeded in my endeavors, and I am where I am today.

It has been my dream since first grade to be a teacher for elementary school. I even have a letter that I wrote to my future self in first grade that I opened up on the day that I graduated from high school. And the very first line read, "I want to be a teacher when I grow up." This letter solidified my decision to pursue a career in teaching. It is my passion and I also consider it my life's purpose, to inspire children in all aspects of learning. I want to be a role model and make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. I want to foster creativity in my future classroom and help my students experience lessons through their senses, like touch, hearing, etc. I want to ensure that every one of my students’ learning styles is incorporated into the classroom. I also want to show my students that learning is more than just gaining knowledge. Learning is about taking what you already know and expanding on it to learn more. It is about taking the new knowledge you learn and going out into the world to make a difference. I plan to ensure my students achieve success in both their short- and long-term goals. And I will encourage them to not only see their potential, but to also use it. I hope to inspire youth to become the best version of themselves, the version they want to be when they venture out into the world on their own. The version of themselves that will one day change the world in the most amazing ways. Among a teacher’s many responsibilities lies one responsibility that stands above the rest: to inspire the next generation. When a teacher inspires their students, their students achieve great feats. And a teacher’s motivation during youth encourages their students to stay motivated in the future. I have the ability and opportunity to inspire change in the lives of my students. Teachers also help students grow and encourage them to keep growing and learning. Many opportunities lie just at the fingertips of children’s grasps, and teachers are the ones who help those children reach those opportunities. When I was a child, I remember always being excited to go to school and learn something new. I was excited to be introduced to the different wonders of learning and to see my teachers again every day. I want to be a teacher that makes learning fun and engaging. I want to foster excitement in my students, so that every morning they, too, wake up excited to come to school. As a future kindergarten teacher, I will have the unique opportunity to lay the foundation for a child's educational journey. I will play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning, developing essential skills, and nurturing a child's curiosity and creativity during their formative years. By doing so, I get to witness the growth, progress, and milestones achieved by each child throughout the school year, while having the chance to make learning fun, exciting, and meaningful for my students.

To say that I enjoy reading would be a major understatement. Coming from someone who has weekly visits to the library, a floor to wall bookshelf, and finds happiness between the pages of a good book, reading is one of my passions. The books that I read and the stories within have taught me many important lessons and have shaped my values and views of the world around me. They have helped me see the world and its many wonders through a new set of eyes. Books have become a guiding factor for much of what I have done and will do in my life. Books have taught me empathy and putting myself in the shoes of someone else. The characters present on the many pages of my books go through life’s ups and downs and even though these emotions are fake and imaginary, to me, they are real. I have learned how to grieve, be happy, and empathize with others. This shaped my personal goal of finding a way to make a difference in someone’s life when I can. Reading has also helped me build off my newly learned empathy skill and has taught me how to effectively communicate with others. When I first started reading books, I tended to keep to myself and struggled with starting a conversation with others. Yet, many books later, not only is my vocabulary expanded but I have now learned how to communicate with others. I have taken a page out of many of my books and taught myself to start conversations and make them more engaging. This learned skill through reading has helped me a lot in my community and is very beneficial when it comes to my future career. This skill has shaped my educational goal of becoming an engaging and communicative elementary teacher. It has been my dream and my passion since first grade to be a teacher for elementary school. I also consider it my life's purpose to inspire children in all aspects of learning. I want to be a role model and make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. I want to show my students that is about taking what you already know and expanding on it to learn more. It is about taking the new knowledge you learn and going out into the world to make a difference. Many opportunities lie just at the fingertips of children’s grasps, and teachers are the ones who help those children reach those opportunities. As a teacher I am shaping and teaching the future generation that will one day change our world. Yet, my impact as an elementary teacher starts small and is focused on my community. The students and children that reside in my community are the future. What I teach, what I inspire, and what I encourage is going to help these students make a difference in the world around them. I am going to help students expand their knowledge so that they can become who they want to be. I, as a future teacher, can ensure that the children in my community receive positive guidance and I can help my students become great citizens in the future. Sometimes a teacher is a child’s very first role model. The one who makes the biggest impact on their life and motivates/supports them to follow their heart and reshape the world around them. And as a future teacher I will do everything that I can to not only make a difference in my community but also in the lives of my students.

Burdened by the overwhelming feeling of not being good enough and feeling like a failure. Weighed down by the struggle of trying to be perfect all the time. Wondering if maybe, just maybe, the glass is actually half empty and will never be half full. Looking around me and everyone is smiling. Making their lives look easy and stress-free. Showing others their accomplishments like they have never hit a bump in the road. I watch from the sidelines, physically quiet but mentally loud. My thoughts wrapping around my head over and over again like a train. Never really understanding what is happening to me and why I never see it happen to other people, at least not with my own two eyes. Feeling seen but at the same time lost. Feeling steady but at the same time shaken. Mental health: the epitome of everything that goes on within me, both mentally and sometimes physically. What I feel in my mental state, contributes to how I feel in my physical state. Anxiety: more than just a feeling. It is who I am, it always has been. Stressing about deadlines, conversations, finance, home life, past experiences, and everything under the sun. Never quite feeling free and sometimes left with a crushing weight on my chest. Feeling as if the food I am eating is nothing more than sand, scratching its way down after every bite. Lying in bed at night, wide eyed and awake, wondering and stressing about all the things I have done and said in the past. While also thinking about everything that might happen in the future. A pain in my chest accompanied by an upset stomach. The feeling of not being able to get enough oxygen into my lungs, yet always being surrounded by air. Anxiety has affected my mental health for quite a long time. Always making me feel that something bad is going to happen. Worrying about whether I have the capabilities to achieve a goal that seems just out of reach. Making me feel like the world is moving at a speed that I am not quite in tune with. And occasionally, feeling like there is nothing that I can do about it. Feeling like I am stuck with the shortness of breath, the chest pain, and the rapid beating of my heart as I experience an anxiety attack. Yet, if anything, I have been more motivated than ever to get past it. More motivated to solve my mental health problem. Finding that a few simple breaths can ease the pain in my chest. Noticing that focusing on objects and sounds in my environment helps slow down my rapidly beating heart. My breathing becomes easier through mediation and progressively relaxing my muscles helps with sleep. Anxiety has defined who I am and what I feel for so long. It has taken over the way that I live my life and experience the world around me. Now, I am finally learning to take my life back into my own hands.

It has been my dream since first grade to be a teacher for elementary school. It is my passion and I also consider it my life's purpose, to inspire children in all aspects of learning. I want to be a role model and make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. I want to foster creativity in my future classroom and help my students experience lessons through their senses, like touch, hearing, etc. I want to ensure that every one of my students’ learning styles is incorporated into the classroom. I also want to show my students that learning is more than just gaining knowledge. Learning is about taking what you already know and expanding on it to learn more. It is about taking the new knowledge you learn and going out into the world to make a difference. I have created many goals that have helped me reach many milestones in my life. Both educational and personal. Yet, my biggest goal, is an educational one: receiving my bachelor's degree in early childhood education to achieve my dream of being a kindergarten teacher. I have had to sacrifice a lot to achieve this goal and have faced great adversity along the way. Adversity in the form of financial need, but mostly in mental health. Anxiety has played a big role in my life. It has been with me in the past and is still with me today. The pressure and stress that students, especially college students, face in regard to GPA, grades, deadlines, and financial need, can cause major anxiety. Which in turn can cause adversity when it comes to one’s mental health. For me, I have faced anxiety in all aspects of college, which has become my biggest adversity yet. This mental adversity not only takes a toll on my physical health, but also inhibits my ability to achieve my educational aspirations. Yet, despite this adversity getting in the way of achieving my goals, it has also helped motivate me to reach the finish line. Like stress, anxiety also focuses on a flight or fight response, it is just harder to accept the fight response when flight is the most comfortable choice. For me, every time that I have experienced this mental adversity in the past, I have chosen to fight and it has gotten me to where I am today. This mental adversity has helped me learn from past mistakes, learn to persevere, and learn to accept when things are out of my control. It has taught me to see things with a positive perspective, more glass half full than glass half empty. It has taught me to never give up, even when giving up seems like the most comfortable option. Sometimes the best things that happen to us are when we step out of our comfort zone and embrace something new. I have learned to accept when I am facing adversity and to stay focused on how to get past it in order to succeed. All that I have learned from facing adversity has helped me get to where I am today, and I am confident that it will help me get to where I want to be in the future. If it was not for adversity, I would not have achieved many accomplishments or reached many milestones in my life. And if was not for adversity, I would not be the same, strong person that I see every day in the mirror.

It has been my dream since first grade to be a teacher for elementary school. It is my passion and I also consider it my life's purpose, to inspire children in all aspects of learning. I want to be a role model and make a positive difference in the world by touching the hearts and minds of young children. I want to foster creativity in my future classroom and help my students experience lessons through their senses, like touch, hearing, etc. I want to ensure that every one of my students’ learning styles is incorporated into the classroom. I also want to show my students that learning is more than just gaining knowledge. Learning is about taking what you already know and expanding on it to learn more. It is about taking the new knowledge you learn and going out into the world to make a difference. Many opportunities lie just at the fingertips of children’s grasps, and teachers are the ones who help those children reach those opportunities. When I was a child, I remember always being excited to go to school and learn something new. I was excited to be introduced to the different wonders of learning and to see my teachers again every day. I want to be a teacher that makes learning fun and engaging. I want to foster excitement in my students, so that every morning they wake up excited to come to school. Achieving dreams sometimes requires sacrifice. We have to give up certain things to obtain other things. My big educational goal, the end result, is receiving my bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Yet, in order to achieve this goal I have had to sacrifice some things. The first being that I have sacrificed socialization and free time. I started my educational journey as a dual-enrollment student in the 11th grade. This took up a lot of my free time, so I did not really have extra time to be with friends. I have also had to sacrifice going onto a college campus for my classes and instead have been an online student. I grew up the daughter of a single mom and I help my mom around the house and help her take care of our family. Therefore, I have had to sacrifice taking classes on campus and do my college coursework online. Even though I have had the sacrifice face to face interaction with my peers and professors, I enjoy being able to create my own schedule for school that works alongside my home life. One of my personal goals is to learn more about different cultures and traditions. Learning more about different cultures is a major part of being a teacher because it helps create inclusivity within the classroom. I wanted to achieve this goal through travel so that I could be immersed in the heart of a country’s culture. However, since school takes time and commitment, I've had to sacrifice traveling. Instead, I have turned to books to learn more about different cultures and traditions. Another personal goal of mine is that I want to learn how to be the best teacher that I can be. However, I have had to sacrifice the opportunity to strengthen the relationships I have with the people around me because I have little free time. Yet, I have been finding that school-life balance to remedy this. Overall, achieving dreams and goals can be challenging at times. Yet, with determination, motivation, and a little bit of creativity, everything that we aspire to be and aspire to do can and will be achieved.

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” – Destin Sparks I got my first camera when I was eight. It was not an over the top, professional looking camera. Just a small blue camera that my family could afford. This camera became a big part of who I am. It became a defining factor in how I saw the world around me. I would take pictures of everything, from a blade of grass to my family to the architecture of buildings. Through the lens of my camera, I stopped looking at the surface of the world, but rather at the small things that are sometimes overlooked. When others saw an office building, I saw the variation in color of the bricks used to make the building. Photography is my creative passion. It is my way of capturing a moment so that it lasts forever. My photos have brought families together to reminisce about the past. My pictures have advocated for issues yet spotlighted the solutions. My passion has introduced others to the tender hand of mother nature. Most importantly, my photos have helped me show others that there is more to the world than what meets the eye. Photography, to me, is more than just whipping out a camera and snapping a picture. It blends creativity, imagination, and a specific focus point to design one picture that speaks volumes. It is about capturing a moment so that it lasts a lifetime. It is about showcasing a certain aspect of the world in a way that is much more powerful than spoken words. Some days, I do not take any pictures, and other days I am struck by the beauty of a simple object that just has to be captured on camera. Being able to spend an entire day, a total 24 hours, with nothing but my camera and the world around me would be amazing. I can already imagine the captivating and extraordinary pieces of this world that I would capture in a single photograph. I would take the time to visit new places, while telling the story of the various buildings, locals, and history there through photography. Creativity with a camera strikes when I least expect it. I never know when I am going to stumble across something that just has to be photographed. Yet, I feel the most inspired and creative when I am among nature. I enjoy highlighting the many ways that life surrounds us every day. Life through flowers, trees, birds, grass, deer, and the many types of plants. There is always something to capture and there is never a dull moment when you are surrounded by nature. In a way, nature is my muse in which my creativity is sparked.

Giving to others is not just about volunteering time. It is about making a difference and having an impact on those that you give to. When we look around us, within our communities and in neighboring families, we begin to see where our help and giving nature is most needed. Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective and a whole lot of love. As someone who loves to give and take time to help, I have found many ways to give to others in my community. I have given a weekend of my time to help Girls Inc. sort, pack, and deliver donated items to their building to enhance the development of young girls. I help pack shoeboxes for my church around Christmas time, so children in poverty-riven countries can be introduced to the word of God. In my community, I volunteered to be a camp counselor for my school’s sixth-grade camp to be a part of the educational journey this experience would take them on. I helped clean and build a community garden that will teach both locals and visitors about the beauty of nature. Lastly, I give back to my church community by helping take care of infants at my church’s nursery on Sunday mornings. I have not just served others in America, but also in Germany. I was a Girl Scout in the Girl Scouts Overseas program. As a Girl Scout, it was my goal to help and give to those around me, either on the military base where I went to school or in the German community that I lived in. I gave back to my community by creating a health and wellness day event, where I promoted healthy eating and exercising. I also participated in a community clean-up to promote the cleanliness of our environment. It also inspired others to keep their community clean and to treat our environment with respect. By giving to others and encouraging those around me to give and serve as well, I have advanced the spirit of giving in my community. I have given hope to my family, my community, and myself that the world can be a better place if we all lend a helping hand to those around us. Giving to others has also been a huge inspiration in helping me decide what I want to do with my future. I want to inspire, to be a positive role model, to help others achieve their goals and succeed in all their endeavors. I want to teach. Teaching is the embodiment of giving. Teachers give their knowledge to expand their students' knowledge. They give their time to ensure students succeed. And they give their love to make sure every student feels loved and welcome. Giving is a part of what makes a great teacher, it is the reason most teach. We want to give to our students and ensure their success. And in doing so, we ensure that the world also succeeds in the future. Teachers are shaping the very minds of the future, and by giving to our students, we can create a future society that is prosperous and filled with people who will be inspired to give back to others as well.

To say that I am a fan of Stranger Things would be an understatement. I eat, sleep, and breathe Stranger Things. And it all began one winter evening when I discovered the show after some thorough Netflix browsing. Cuddled up in a warm blanket, I decided to try this show and it was not until several episodes in that I noticed I had begun binging one of my now all-time favorite series. When I am not working on schoolwork or spending time with my family, my mind is running wild with possible new episodes, new character introductions, and the many ways Eddie could have survived. I have thought many times about who I would pair up to be a new team to fight the various existing evils and possible new ones. The team that I eventually settled on was chosen not just because they would work well together, but also because they all have strengths and various skills that they can bring to the table. This legendary team would include Dustin, Steve, and Eddie. Dustin: The brain to Steve’s brawn. I chose Dustin because of his expansive technology skills, his knowledge of various random topics (that somehow come in handy), his empathetic side, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his team. In case of any technological problems or challenges encountered, Dustin is the guy. His ability to use materials available to him at the moment to create technological wonders is extraordinary and beneficial to the team. He also has knowledge of true north and parallel universes, which can come in handy when battling evil foes and exploring new terrains. He also tends to place himself in other people's shoes to see their perspective of a situation and is willing to place his life on the line to guarantee the safety of others, showing his loyalty to the team. Steve: The brawn of the operation. I chose Steve because of his protective big brother nature, his determination to stand up to every challenge, and his willingness to have a heart-to-heart talk when it is needed the most. If the team is facing a foe unlike any other, the team can count on Steve to face it head-on. Especially with his baseball bat full of nails. It does not matter if the foe is alien to the world, he knows that the safety of the team lies within his hands and is willing to fight till his last breath to keep them safe. During times of need and doubt, the team can rely on Steve to give them a motivating heartfelt pep talk that will change the entire outcome of the fight. Eddie: The optimist. I chose Eddie because of his optimistic nature, his willingness to learn from his mistakes, and his knowledge of the upside-down. The team can count on Eddie to remain the optimist in the most challenging of times. He always sees the fight ending in the best outcome. He learns from all the mistakes that he makes to ensure that he does not make them again. He is the character that has stayed a kid at heart (not afraid to be the leader of a Dungeons & Dragons club in high school) yet has experienced the most growth through the series. Through everything, he will always remain a role model to Dustin and the team can rely on him to show off his mad guitar skills if a distraction is ever needed.

One thing that I remember about my childhood is that I always looked forward to turning on Disney Channel in the morning and seeing which show was playing. Yet, the shows that I was always excited to see on Disney Channel were the ones where two shows, two worlds, collided to create an all-new experience. This scholarship brought me back to my childhood and motivated me to recall every single show on Disney that I have seen that has done a crossover. Yet, there are two of my favorite shows that have yet to meet. Imagining a crossover episode between my two favorite Disney Channel shows would take place between “Shake it Up” and “Jessie.” Jessie relates to my life. I grew up with many different nannies. Each nanny had their own unique personality, yet it was my last nanny that I felt was more like family than a babysitter. My time with this nanny felt a lot like the show Jessie. We had our ups and downs, yet she was always there when I needed her the most. In a way, I felt a personal connection between the show Jessie and my own life. Shake it up, on the other hand, taught me that sometimes the best things in life require us to step out of our comfort zone. A crossover episode between the two, titled “Dancing into New Friendships,” starts with a scene from Shake It Up. In the Windy City of Chicago, CeCe and Rocky are chatting about “Shake it Up, Chicago” during breakfast before heading to school. Before they leave for school, Rocky’s brother Ty comes in with yesterday's mail. Among the stack of bills, magazines, and advertisements, lies a paper flyer about a $5,000 dance competition taking place in New York City. The flyer states that signups close that night at midnight and the competition starts in two weeks. This is what motivates CeCe and Rocky to travel to New York City where the storyline of this crossover episode unfolds. Meanwhile, in the famous penthouse where Jessie, the nanny, works lies a similar stack of mail on the kitchen counter. Bertram, the butler, is making breakfast for all of the kids. Of course, Zuri is complaining about the food, Emma is talking about the latest school gossip, and Luke is playing with his food. Jessie strolls into the kitchen and goes straight for the stack of mail. She reads off everything in the mail pile and pauses when Luke hears about a $5,000 dance competition being held in Central Park. After some coaxing, Jessie finally agrees to let Luke sign up for the competition in two weeks. When CeCe, Rocky, Jesse, and Luke decide to go to Central Park to see where the competition will be held these two worlds collide. First, they see each other as the competition and are not very friendly with one another. However, Luke begins to fall in love with Rocky and Jessie can't help but overhear CeCe on the phone with the hotel that they were going to stay at. The hotel was fully booked because of this competition, so Jessie invites CeCe and Rocky to stay in the penthouse. Many events, catastrophes, and friendships grow and take place throughout this episode. In the end, Luke nor CeCe and Rocky win the competition. Plot twist: Ravi does. Little did Jesse know that Ravi had signed up for the competition the day signups began. In the end, this episode ends with newly formed friendships, plenty of laughs, and a $5,000 richer Ravi who uses it to spoil Ms. Kipling.

Is it a cliché to say that I grew up with Spiderman? If it was not the movies, then it was my fanatic friends, the popular Halloween costumes, and the various action figures within the store. Spiderman was everywhere. Yet, as I watched each Spiderman present a different side to the beloved comic, I would ask myself: which Spiderman did it better? If this sounds familiar, then you know the dilemma that I was and am now in to pick a Spiderman that brought different strengths and personalities to the movies. If this does not sound familiar, then you might just enjoy all of them and might be asking yourself, why should I pick when I liked all of them? After some careful and thoughtful “research” (which required a rewatching of the movies), I have decided that if I had to rewatch the Spiderman movies over and over, I would choose the Spiderman movies with Tobey Maguire. And the reason I chose this actor to be my favorite is for a few different reasons. The first reason is that Tobey Maguire as Spiderman is relatable on many levels. Maguire is not only empathetic himself but is a Spiderman who evokes sympathy in his fans/viewers. His ability to show emotion on a level that makes you feel sympathy for him and anguish for the downs of his story. His challenges and heartbreaks become our challenges and heartbreaks. The betrayal of his best friend and his death which happened in Maguire's own arms, and the loss of his grandfather; the one whose advice Peter Parker carried with him wherever he went. Not only did Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman experience great loss in the form of betrayal and death, but his idol, Doc Ock, began to change before his very own eyes into the madman that Spiderman would have to face and defeat. This Spiderman has had to fight both of the people he cared for and looked up to. Tobey Maguire gave the comic book web-slinging hero life on the screen. This spiderman, an awkward and unconfident teenager, bullied by his peers, and spending most of his time encompassed by science and academia, became his confident self because he discovered and learned who he truly was when he dawned on the spider suit. The growth of Maguire’s character came in the form of discovery. Discovery of becoming a hero, learning to fight for what is right, and experiencing love for the first time. The second reason is that Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker set the foundation on which all other Spiderman movies were based off of. He set the standard of how Peter Parker should look and act. He encompassed the storyline of growth that future Spiderman movies played off of. Tobey Maguire was the first to take the Spiderman comics and create a persona that matched the original Spiderman, delivering an original and refreshing franchise to the screen. His portrayal of Spiderman will forever be known as the “first,” for it is because of Maguire that fans of this all-time comic hero got to see him brought to life.

When you reflect on your childhood, what is the one memory that sticks out the most? Is it playing dress-up with your parents’ clothes? Perhaps it is learning how to ride a bike for the first time. Whatever your unique childhood memory is, it is special to you because you cherish it the most. For me, getting my first Barbie house is my favorite memory. I remember the one Christmas I found a giant gift wrapped under the tree and inside the wrapping was my first Barbie house. The combination of light pink walls with white wood floors drew me in and the small box of furniture captured my interest and imagination. The opportunity to decorate a house for my Barbies was my favorite part because I could let my imagination run wild. I was always dreaming up new ways to design the rooms in the house, planning what outfits my Barbies were going to wear to the party that seemed to always take place, and determining which Barbies were going to arrive fashionably late. Later on, my imagination was no longer confined to just my Barbie house. I began to imagine that if I could live in my own Barbie house, what would it look like? And even though my dream Barbie house design is constantly changing, there are a few pieces of the design that remain the same. I traveled to Italy several years ago and I instantly fell in love with the Mediterranean style homes. The blend of the dark red tiled roofs, beautiful tall doorway arches, white walls, and expansive gardens captured my attention. The gardens outside of these houses were always beautiful and filled with many different colors, making it a must-have for my dream Barbie house. Soon after my trip to Italy, the exterior of my Barbie house was born. A Mediterranean-style house, with rich white walls, a tropical garden in the front of the house, and a redwood gazebo covered in climbing roses in the center of the backyard. Yet, my design did not stop there. Growing up on an island, I was always near the beach. Sandcastles and boogie boarding encompass my childhood. And when I picture my happy place, I picture the beach. Essentially, this is where my Barbie dreamhouse would reside. One of the places in my life that has always felt like home. Since my Barbie house would be on the beach, I would take walks on the beach at dusk, sit in the sun and listen to the waves, and always find the time to build the biggest sand castle. However, even though I dreamed up the design and the location of this house, I felt that a Barbie dreamhouse was not complete unless it had some amazing features inside. Since I am a major bookworm, I felt that it was necessary to have a place for all my books and room for more. So, my Barbie dreamhouse has a hidden library that can only be accessed from a fake bookshelf in the master bedroom. This library has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the walls, with a small red loveseat and a redwood side table in the center. I also have the iconic walk-in closet that Barbie and her friends have the tendency to get lost in, as well as a special space for the animals I adopt from the rescue, and a farmhouse kitchen that my big family can celebrate holidays in while dancing to music.

I was first introduced to Harry Potter when my cousin and I had a Harry Potter movie marathon. At first, I was not sure why the movies were such a big hit, but as we kept watching the movies I finally understood. It is not just the storyline that makes Harry Potter a worldwide phenomenon, it is the attention to detail and the no stone goes unturned attitude that makes this series truly extraordinary. I soon made it my utmost priority to track down the Harry Potter books so that I could experience the wizarding world through the art of words. J.K. Rowling is a legendary author who has a way of bringing a world made entirely from her imagination to life as if Hogwarts and Diagon Alley actually exist. However, what J.K Rowling does best is her ability to make a reader imagine what house they would be sorted into and what their experience at Hogwarts would be like. I always questioned, when reading the series, would I put my name into the Goblet of Fire? And what house would the sorting hat place me in, based on who I am? These questions became a big part of reading the series. It was no longer just picking up a book and reading the words within. It was picking up a book, reading the words, and having an internal conversation with myself filled with questions and contemplations. Instead of taking the various online quizzes that match me with a Hogwarts house, I decided to research the attributes and characteristics of each house to determine which one I would most likely align with. Even though there are characteristics of each house that I coincide with, I felt most connected to Hufflepuff. As the daughter of a single mom, I have had to work hard in a lot of aspects of my life. At a young age, I helped take care of my younger sisters, helped around the house where it was needed, and developed a put others first attitude in life. I learned how to separate my school from my home life, but still working hard in both. I have developed a personality where I treat everyone the way I want to be treated, with respect and kindness. I developed empathy by placing myself in other people’s shoes so that I could best support them. I became someone who will be there when they are needed the most, as a shoulder to cry on or to lend an ear. Also, growing up surrounded by nature and taking care of plants, I learned the importance that the environment has on the world. I am respectful to all wildlife, plants and animals alike, regarding each with a caring attitude and a gentle manner. I feel that my personality best encompasses a Hufflepuff. Hufflepuffs are loyal, caring, and kind. They care a lot about the environment because this house enjoys subjects like Herbology and Magical Creatures. Hufflepuffs are there when they are needed and know how to empathize with others. They also work hard in everything that they do, giving it their all. They appreciate the value of friendship and regard everyone equally. In the end, the one Hogwarts house that I feel the sorting hat would place me in, based on who I am, is Hufflepuff.

My reading journey began on a cold February day when I was in middle school. In 2016 on Valentine’s Day, I walked into the library for a school project, regarding the shelves of books with disinterest. I was only there to pick up a non-fiction book that I would have probably never read for my interest. However, it was not until I walked to the checkout desk that I noticed books wrapped in pink paper with a small summary written delicately in the center. I remember being drawn to the mystery of what kinds of books lay underneath that pink paper. My curiosity got the best of me and after reading each summary, I found the one book that captivated me the most. This was the day my love for reading was born. Since then I have become a regular at my local library, I created a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and I always travel everywhere with a book or two. Yet, it is not just the stories within the books that I always find fascinating, it is what I have learned from those books that captivates me the most. Reading has taught me one of the most valuable lessons that any person can learn, how to be an effective listener. When I take the time to pay attention to all the details within the book, especially the smallest ones, I am able to pick up on those details in conversations. The person I am conversing with could be describing one thing, but at the same time, I am picking up on facial expressions, changes in tone, keywords, and hidden meanings. All of which help me to interpret the conversation and determine how best to respond. Empathy comes more easily to those who take the time to read a book, especially one that invokes an emotional response from the reader. As I read and get to know the main character, I begin to experience the feelings of the character as well. I begin to empathize with them. By empathizing with a character I am becoming more aware of the character's perspective in situations. I am getting to hear and feel the characters' emotions and thoughts as they experience a life-changing situation. Lastly, reading has taught me how to be more culturally aware. Through the art of reading, I have learned about different cultures and their unique traditions, which has helped me expand my horizons. Reading is also playing a major role in how I am achieving my biggest goal. I dream of being a kindergarten teacher and making a difference in my students lives. The broad range of cultures that I have been exposed to in books has taught me how to be accepting of all cultures, which will help me connect with both my students and their families, while also allowing me the chance to incorporate their traditions into the classroom. I now know how to pay attention to detail in the conversations I have through effective listening. This will be especially important with the families of my future students because I will learn not only about the concerns they may have but also how to best support them. I can also use my ability to empathize, thanks to reading, when having a one-on-one conference with students' families. Empathy will help me to share information with families in a way that is considerate and respectful. In the end, the lessons I have learned within the pages of books are the reason my goal seems more and more possible each day.

Taylor Swift: A legendary fashion icon, an inspirational activist, a powerful voice sharing musical words of change, and one person who has given me the chance to be something great. Taylor Swift has both empowered and inspired many generations, including mine. My childhood was filled with the musical brilliance of Taylor Swift. I grew up listening, singing, and dancing (not so well) to her earliest songs like “Teardrops On My Guitar" and "Tim McGraw.” She became an iconic part of my childhood. It is because of her songs and the stories behind the lyrics that I have learned a lot about who I am. Her empathetic, outgoing, and not afraid to express herself personality influenced my own personality. However, it was not until her 1989 album that I truly found myself. In 2014 I was going through a dark time. My family had just moved to a new place and not just any place, but a new continent. I became the new kid at school halfway through the school year. I became an outcast that no one really wanted to invite into their friend group but felt bad for all the same. I had a hard time finding my place and became lost. Lost inside my own head, filled with “what if’s” and a negative view of myself. I thought that maybe no one wanted to be around me because of how I dressed, looked, and acted. I trudged through school, not quite making friends but also not quite being ignored. I eventually became the source of my peers' comments. My flaws became the definition of who I was. Due to a rare hereditary disorder, certain parts of my outward appearance are not normal and my peers began to use these differences as a reason to treat me differently. August 18, 2014: A few days before my birthday, one of my many days of feeling lost, “Shake It Off” was released. One of the many great songs in Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. The moment this song came on the radio, my heart stopped. In my mind I was thinking, “How did she know?” How did Taylor Swift know that I needed a song about shaking off negative views, hate, and shame? In a way, the release of this song was just for me, at a time where I felt like I was alone. Taylor Swift wrote this song to show listeners, whether they were fans or not, that we need to just shake it off. Shake off all the rumors that people create and spread and listen to the voice inside telling me that it is going to be alright. Everyone is going to talk just to talk and it does not mean that everything they are saying needs to define who I am. It does not mean that I need to become the person they make me to be rather than just being me. In the end, I just need to “Shake It Off.” This is why Taylor Swift’s song “Shake It Off” is my favorite song in her 1989 album. It spoke to me at a time when I needed it the most. It was as if Taylor herself was speaking directly to me, letting me know I am not alone. All I need to do is ignore the taunts and rumors and just keep walking. Everytime I hear this song, it reminds me of the time that Taylor Swift, a musical legend, helped me become who I am today.

Growing up as the daughter of an Army veteran, my perspective on life has been shaped by a unique blend of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. As the daughter of someone who selflessly served our country, my mom’s experiences have instilled in me a profound appreciation for the values instilled in military service. The sacrifices and dedication my mom made during her military service have left an indelible mark on my identity and worldview. From the moment I understood the magnitude of her commitment, I became acutely aware of the unique perspective and responsibilities that come with being part of a military family. The impact of my mom’s commitment extends far beyond her stories; it has shaped my aspirations, beliefs, and the lens through which I view the world. Being the daughter of an Army veteran has influenced my life and inspired my career aspirations. Following in my mom’s footsteps, I pursue a career that provides me with the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life and in the world. As a future kindergarten teacher, I will have the unique opportunity to lay the foundation for a child's educational journey. I will play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning, developing essential skills, and nurturing a child's curiosity and creativity during their formative years. By doing so, I get to witness the growth, progress, and milestones achieved by each child throughout the school year, while having the chance to make learning fun, exciting, and meaningful for my students. Ultimately, my passion to be an elementary teacher and my career aspirations have been greatly influenced by my experience as the daughter of an Army veteran. Growing up with a veteran parent instilled in me a sense of patriotism and service to my country. This has influenced my desire to pursue a career that directly contributes to the well-being of my nation and community, such as pursuing a public service career. As I grew up hearing about the stories and sacrifices my mom made in the military, I cultivated a deep appreciation for sacrifice, honor, and dedication in my life. It has inspired me to seek a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact, display integrity, and uphold values such as loyalty and discipline. Being exposed to military cultures and values from my mom helped shape my career aspirations by making me more inclined towards professions that align with those values. For example, a career in leadership, teamwork, and a structured environment. Being the daughter of a veteran has profoundly influenced the trajectory of my career aspirations. By learning about my mom’s selfless service and sacrifice, I have developed a deep appreciation for duty, honor, and the values that define the military community. It is within this context that my own aspirations have taken root and blossomed. As I embark on my journey, I am driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact, to serve others, and to uphold the values instilled in me through the example of my veteran parent. Whether it is pursuing a career in public service or working in fields that embody the values of loyalty, discipline, and service, I am committed to making a difference. The legacy of my mom’s service will continue to shape my path, driving me to embrace challenges, seek opportunities for growth, and make a positive contribution to society. I am proud to carry the lessons learned as the daughter of a veteran, and I am eager to forge my own path, guided by the indomitable spirit of those who have served before me.

When I was young my parents got divorced. I became the daughter of a single mom, who has faced many hardships in her life with very little support in the beginning. However, it is because of my mom and the strength that she showed through this difficult time, that I have become who I am today. I have learned many lessons from my mom and those lessons have carried me along my path to a higher education in order to achieve my dream of being a teacher. One of the biggest challenges that I faced was actually part of an opportunity. This opportunity gave me the chance to learn about the world and grow into a new person, but it also introduced a few challenges. My mom, even as a single mom, never turned away from an opportunity. So, I lived in Germany for five years due to my mom receiving a promotion from her work, which took my family overseas. We moved when I was nine and I had the opportunity to learn a new language at a young age and was immersed in a culture very different than my own. However, even though this opportunity to live in Germany was a great one, I did experience major hardships. After five years in Germany, we decided to move back to America, which was a challenge in itself. We left in the last month of school, so when we moved back to America, I had to begin at a new school with only a month left in the school year. Due to my school in Germany having a more rigorous curriculum, I had a difficult time adjusting to the curriculum in America. In some subjects, I was ahead and in others, I fell behind. Another challenge was getting used to not having a close-knit of family and friends in America. For example, in Germany, there are not many Americans that live in German communities. However, the American families that do live in German communities gave my family and I the feeling of being at home. There was a more sense of family with the Americans that lived in Germany than when we moved back to America. However, even though it took some adjusting after moving back to America and this adjustment was enveloped in hardship, this experience changed and affected who I am today and is responsible for my successes. I overcame these challenges by immersing myself in my studies to make sure I was not behind in certain subjects. And I became more involved in my community in America, as a way of finding that sense of friendship and family that I had in Germany. I found that I was able to learn from that hardship. I found ways to overcome the challenge itself by using what I learned when I first moved to Germany and in the process I ended up finding the real me. The obstacles that have stood in my way and the challenges that tried to bring me down, only made me stronger. They paved the way for my future of being a kindergarten teacher and have taught me that my current educational path is going to have a positive impact on the world. I plan to educate the next generation of children who will one day take their place in the world as future leaders, engineers, artists, and in many more important careers. By being a teacher, I am teaching the children who will become the foundation upon which the future of the world is built.

When I was young my parents got divorced. My dad left and my mom became a single parent taking care of not only myself but my two younger sisters as well. And at times, life was hard. My mom was on her own, with very little support in the beginning. She worked a full-time job while my two younger sisters were not yet old enough to go to school. She spent hours looking for a daycare for my sisters after a full day at work, while also cooking dinner at night. As a single parent, she faced much hardship. However, it is because of my mom and the strength that she showed through this difficult time, that I have become who I am today. In first grade, I made the decision to be a teacher and I carried this potential career path option with me all the way to the end of my high school days. By the time graduation rolled around, I was ready to go to college to earn my bachelor's degree in early childhood education. However, this was going to be a challenge to achieve because I did not have financial support from two parents, and my mom was funding one of my younger sister’s college due to her being dually enrolled. When I found out the cost of tuition and the amount of classes that I was going to have to take each semester in order to graduate in four to five years, I became overwhelmed and a little scared. How was I going to fund my classes without stressing my mom even more? Regardless of how much I tried to ease the financial burden my mom was going to face to pay for my college, she still found a way to support me. Whether it was through varying amounts of money contributed here and there to my classes or through emotional support. My biggest educational goal is going to college and learning how to become a successful teacher. Once my first full-time semester was paid for and I began my classes, my mom always made sure I was given an adequate amount of time and a quiet place to study so that I could succeed in those classes. For the college classes that required observation, my mom taught me how to professionally contact my professors, teachers, and elementary schools so I could set up times to observe. When I would receive a grade on an assignment that I was not happy with, she would sit down with me, go over the feedback from the professor, and then help me learn from the mistakes that I made. She taught me that I am going to make a ton of mistakes in life, but I can learn from them and let them be an opportunity to do better next time. Growing up with a single parent most of my life and seeing the hardships that my mom faced daily showed me that single parents work really hard to support their children. I watched my mom rise above a hardship one day, only to be challenged by another one the next day. However, through it all, she found the time to support me in all my studies and help me get closer to achieving my educational goal. And to this day, she still remains my biggest hero.

As an aspiring teacher, I always look for ways to educate the young minds of the future. Many opportunities lie just at the fingertips of children’s grasps, and teachers are the ones who help those children reach for those opportunities. When I was a child, I remember always being excited to go to school and learn new things. Not only was I excited to be introduced to the different wonders of learning, but I was excited to see my teachers again every day. I want to be that teacher who makes learning not only fun but also engaging. Who fosters excitement in her students, so that every morning they wake up excited to come to school. Since I am always looking for ways to educate children, I decided to start teaching my niece and a few children in my community about an important social issue known as climate change. Climate change is not a major topic taught in elementary schools today, even though it is a very important topic. So, I decided to take the time to not only introduce science to the children in my life but to also expand on that science by addressing climate change. Climate change does not just affect a single person, it affects all of us. It has become a global phenomenon and because of it, there have been significant consequences. Due to our enlarging carbon footprints and our excess emissions of greenhouse gases, people’s actions are the number one cause of climate change. Since the future of the Earth lies within our hands and soon the children of the future’s hands, I have begun teaching and acting on ways to prevent climate change. The heating of water results in the burning of fossil fuels. These are fossil fuels that are eventually released into the atmosphere to aid in the process of climate change. I have started to use less water in my home, only do my laundry in cold water, and turn off water when it is not in use. Not only have I slowed the burning of fossil fuels in my home, but I have also turned off the lights when they are not needed and have begun to throw away less food. When you throw away less food you do not contribute to the amount of waste in landfills, which is waste that eventually rots and emits methane, a greenhouse gas. However, aside from my actions to prevent climate change, I have also begun to educate a few children in my community about climate change. I begin by teaching them about the use and importance of science, what science is, and how it impacts our daily lives. Then I tell them that with science we have discovered that our actions tend to harm the planet we live on. I engage them in conversation about what actions they do and do not participate in. Then finally, I encourage them to reflect on their actions, offer them ways they can minimize those actions to save planet Earth, and explain how I am preventing climate change as well. Climate change is not an easy topic to discuss, especially with children, but it is an important social issue that needs to be addressed. By using my field of study, I have found ways to introduce children to climate change and show them ways they can prevent it starting at a young age. If the fate of Earth lies in our hands now, then we need to educate the children of the future on climate change, so that the Earth can lie safely in theirs.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – B.B. King Among a teacher’s many responsibilities, lies one responsibility that stands above the rest: to inspire the next generation. Teachers not only teach students how to grow, but they also encourage them to keep growing. I made the decision to become a teacher when I was in first grade because I wanted to change the world. Out of every possible career choice I could have chosen from, I chose mine based on the fact that teachers are more than teachers. They inspire their students in all aspects of their life, not just in their studies. My teachers have always inspired me to go out into the world and make a difference. It did not have to be a difference that changed the entire world, but a difference that changed a single person’s world. And when I made the decision to pursue education, I knew I could make a positive difference in a person’s life. How I plan to inspire youth with my career is a growing list I created in high school, but a few ways stand out the most. I plan to become a role model to my students, giving them the courage and support they need to grow and become the person they hope to be. I want to encourage my students to always have a positive attitude, even in the most difficult of times and teach them to be genuine. I plan to ensure my students achieve success in both their short- and long-term goals. And I will encourage them to not only see their potential but to also use it. I hope to inspire youth to become the best version of themselves, the version they want to be when they venture out into the world on their own. The version of themselves that will one day change the world in the most amazing ways. When a teacher inspires their students, their students achieve great feats. And a teacher’s motivation during youth encourages their students to stay motivated in the future. A teacher has the ability to inspire change in the lives of their students and I hope to one day be that teacher.

“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart” – Unknown I have always found joy in guiding others along their path to success and finding ways to inspire them. I enjoy being a role model to others and making a positive difference in the lives of those around me. Offering a hand when it is needed, and teaching others has always been a passion of mine. At first, I did not know what specific career path I wanted to pursue. Did I want to teach high school or be a guidance counselor? However, I noticed that I felt more alive and energetic when I was around children. And in those moments, when the little light bulbs went on after learning something new, I knew that I wanted to pursue early childhood education. My major of choice became very personal to me as well. On the day I graduated, my first-grade teacher handed me a letter that I had written to myself back in first grade. And the very first line read, “I want to be a teacher.” In that moment, I really saw how my passion and my major choice came full circle. My passion for pursuing early childhood education not only stems from wanting to teach children and inspire them to do great things but stems from a personal experience as well. When I was in kindergarten, I had a hard time connecting with other students. I had just experienced my dad leaving and my parents getting divorced, and I was afraid to make new connections. I was cautious when I walked into the classroom yet felt curious as I took in the new environment. However, the one person who made an effort to get to know me and encouraged me to connect with others was my kindergarten teacher. She helped me and my peers through activities and gave us time to interact with one another. I remember my kindergarten teacher being someone that I looked up to, a role model in a way. I remember feeling safe when I walked into class and saw my teacher greet me with a smile. And it is because of this experience as a kindergartener that I have chosen my current career path. I hope to one day inspire students to make a difference in the lives of those around them and become a role model to each and every one of my students. I hope that I can encourage my students to get to know one another and to find ways to always lend a helping hand. Kindergarten is the first step a child makes into the world of learning, and it offers kindergartners a multitude of benefits that will aid them through the rest of their school experience. By pursuing my passion of teaching and inspiring others, I hope to become the best kindergarten teacher I can be.

When I was six, my dad left, and my parents got divorced soon after. To a child, this experience can be quite confusing. I would ask my mom why my dad decided to leave and if he was coming back. And even though this experience was confusing and left me feeling a little lost, being the daughter of a single parent taught me many important life skills. At a young age, I had to learn responsibility. I helped my mom take care of my two younger sisters, helped her clean the house, and would attempt to help her cook. As I grew older, I made it my responsibility to always make sure the house was cleaned, and dinner was started when my mom got off of work. I learned to be independent, making my own breakfast and completing my homework by myself. Watching my mom take on the responsibilities normally shared by two parents taught me the importance of hard work. My mom earned an income, while also cooking, cleaning, shopping, fixing things around the house, taking care of her children, and still finding time to have a social life. And she worked hard every day. To a child, watching their mom do almost everything, makes them seem like a superhero, and soon my mom became my hero. She taught me to embrace adversity and always face challenges head-on, while also finding ways to work towards the future I want. Each life skill that I learned from being the child of a single parent has shaped my educational journey. I began my college pathway as a dual-enrollment student, always working hard to succeed in completing a full high school course load while being a part-time college student. When I face adversity in college and in my life, I list all possible ways to overcome that challenge and never give up. Even at times when I feel as if the world is against me and I just want to give up and move on, I always remember that if my mom could face challenges and succeed, then so can I. I have taken on the responsibility of still not only helping around the house but also being a full-time college student. I organize my schedule to make time for cooking dinner, completing my college work, and helping my mom with anything else she may need. I also take responsibility for all my assignments and aim to always remain honest and maintain academic integrity. My independence helps me to be conscious of the time needed to complete all assignments in college and learn to be respectful of the freedom I am given as a college student. I also use my independence to seek assistance and help in college. When I complete my educational journey, with the help of these life skills, I hope to become an elementary school teacher. By doing so, I plan to give back to my community by educating the bright, young minds of the future. A teacher, in a way, becomes a role model to their students. Becoming someone they can look up to, while offering their students a safe space. My mom was my role model, and I hope to be my students role model as well. I also plan to volunteer and lend a helping hand where it is needed in my school and in my community. The life skills I was taught at a young age have had a great impact on my life and my educational journey. And every day I am proud to be the daughter of a single parent.

When my mom was in the Army, she played an important role in this country, alongside many others. She made an impact, not only in her country, but also in my life. When she became an Army veteran after ten years in the service, a few important lessons and outlooks stayed with her. My mom was taught to always embrace new experiences. Many opportunities are going to come and go in our lives, but whether we take them or leave them will determine our future. My mom, no longer in the army, still finds ways to always take advantage of the opportunities in her life and I have learned to the do the same. As the daughter of a veteran, I am not afraid of change and new experiences. I embrace them with open arms, just like my mom does. New experiences and opportunities help you grow and can shape you into the person you see in the mirror every morning. They not only introduce you to new aspects of the world around you but can help you embrace those new aspects. When my mom received a job offer in Germany, she did reflect on the outcome of this opportunity and decided that it was an opportunity that she needed to take. And I am glad she did because living in Germany taught me more about myself than I even knew. I found that I enjoy learning about new cultures, and I am accepting of people’s differences. I always look for adventure and never walk away from a challenge. All good qualities for my future career. I want to be a kindergarten teacher and by following this career path I aim to make a positive impact not only in the lives of my students, but an impact in my community. Just like my mom made an impact when she was in the military, I want to make in impact in my career. I want to help my students to learn new concepts with an open mind and learn to embrace everyone’s differences. I want to build my students foundation of learning, so that when they move through school, the new knowledge they receive builds on that foundation. I also want to be an accepting teacher who treats all her students with kindness and respect, regardless of their differences. Being the daughter of a veteran has also taught me how to be a leader and to approach challenges with an open mind. Even though my mom is no longer in the Army, there are bits and pieces where I can see the Army is still with her. She is a natural born leader, however, being in the Army solidified her leadership skills. Watching her in her current job and whenever we go places, I can see the leader inside her, and I find that, I too, am a leader. I hope to be a leader in the classroom when I stand in front of my students and teach them new knowledge. I hope to lead my students through activities, while also motivating and guiding them in their endeavors. In the end, being the daughter of a veteran has shaped my life and who I am. Every lesson, every outlook on life, and every opportunity I take, I owe all to my mom. It is because of her that I am proud, each and every day, to be the daughter of a veteran.

Growing up, I was a major Disney fan and I still am. When my eight-year-old niece comes to visit we watch a multitude of Disney movies. And it’s as if I am living in the world of Disney right next the character themselves. However, one character has always been my favorite. He’s made of snow and always has a positive outlook on life; his name is Olaf. When I first watched Frozen, I was in middle school. I felt like I could instantly relate to Olaf. I love Olaf not only because of his personality but also because I see a piece of myself in him. Olaf’s one goal in his life is to experience summer, which is my all-time favorite season. I was born in the summer and even though I enjoy playing in the snow with my niece, I prefer the sun shining and the warm weather. Another aspect of Olaf’s personality is that he is adventurous and always on the look out for a new adventure, no matter where it takes him. When I was in third grade my mom received a job offer in Germany, and she took it. For five years, I learned a new language, got introduced to a variety of German traditions, and got to visit many different places. This experience led to my love of adventure, which has led me to never let an opportunity pass by without taking it. And this love of adventure connects me with Olaf because I am always looking for my next adventure whether it be college, learning to live on my own, or learning a new skill. Lastly, Olaf has the biggest heart and never stops to think about helping someone, he just does. And this encompasses who I am. I want to be a kindergarten teacher and the very first step to being a teacher is to always be willing to lend a helping hand. My ability to empathize with others and show compassion on a daily basis proves that I have a big heart and I know that when I become a teacher, I will be both kind and generous. Disney has taught me many important lessons. However, Olaf, my favorite Disney character, has shown me who I am and how to conquer any challenge because in the words of Olaf, “I love happy endings.”

I learned at a young age that life is never easy. Life is going have many bumps in the road, obstacles standing in the way, and hardships that need to be faced. When I was around six years old, my dad left my family. A few months after he left, my parents got divorced. At such a young age, I learned that life can be hard, but you need to learn how to embrace those hardships because it is the only way you will grow. My mom became a single mom of three girls after my parents got divorced. At the time, my sisters and I were ages 2, 3, and 6. I watched my mom struggle to not only take care of my sisters and I, but also take care of herself. My mom had to put me on the bus every morning for school, take care of my little sisters during the day, and work a full-time job all at once. Eventually, my maternal grandparents came to live with us and took some weight off of my mom’s shoulders. But having a single mom as a parent and watching her struggle every day, impacted my life as child. I saw worry, anger, and sadness in my mom’s eyes, but I also saw hope, love, and determination as well. This experience did not break her, it only made her stronger. I ask my mom if there are days that she wishes she could have changed the past, and she always says no. My sisters and I have grown into the women she always wanted us to be. She knows that as a single mom she has helped us grow, become stronger, and gotten us to this point in life, making her proud of who we have become and for never giving up. This experience may have had a lasting impact on my life, my sisters’ lives, and my mom’s life, but it helped us learn how to move past difficult situations both from the past and in the present. From the very first day my mom became a single mom, she became my role model. I follow her guidance, I ask for her advice, and I have learned many important lessons from her words and actions. These lessons have been the motivation I needed to move past my past experiences and to always keep moving forward. The one lesson that I learned from being the daughter of a single mom is that no matter how hard life gets, no matter what is thrown at you in life, you need to remember to stay strong and always move forward. I learned that when you live in the past, you tend to lose focus on what is happening around you. You lose sight of the beauty in the world when you focus on the bad. So, I taught myself from my mom’s guidance, to always look for the beauty in a situation even if you feel there is none. Out of everything that makes up my mom’s personality, I find her strength and her determination is what inspires me the most. Every day when I am faced with hardship or a challenge, I recall every moment, time, and memory of my mom being strong and facing those challenges with determination. I am proud to be the daughter of a single mom and I would never go back and change the past because those experiences have helped me learn who I am and who I want to become.

As children learn and grow, safety is the number one priority. Teachers have the responsibility to protect and keep their students safe in and out of the classroom. In order for teachers to keep their students safe, they need to know the necessary first aid protocols and know how to keep students from getting in harms way. Playground safety is important because students can not only get hurt but can also find themselves admitted into the hospital. Playgrounds are meant to be fun for students. They provide students with time to bond with others, to take a break from learning, and give students time to get fresh air. I know that when I was in school, my favorite part of the day was recess. I enjoyed getting to play with my friends and having time to just be a kid. Being safe on the playground goes a long way. By keeping students safe, teachers ensure that children go home harm free to their parents. It also allows parents the chance to not worry about their children’s safety and also takes the burden of hospital bills off of families who have a low-income. A few actions I would take to keep students safe on the playground include educating teachers in first aid, provide equipment that is age appropriate, asking for ground cover that protects a child if they fall, looking around the playground for any harmful debris lying around, and bring recess inside if the equipment is too hot to play on. Each of these actions can eliminate or lessen the amount of harm that can come to a child on the playground. By offering first aid classes to teachers, they will understand the necessary steps that need to be taken in certain situations. For example, giving CPR or tying a tourniquet. Equipment on the playground should be age appropriate, meaning that the equipment for young children should not be too high off the ground in case of falls. Another action I would take is asking the principal to change the ground covering around the playground. Concrete, brick, and sometimes grass, are painful to fall upon and can cause a child to bleed. An appropriate ground covering for the playground should be rubber, sand, or chips made of rubber or wood. Sometimes trash is lying around the playground due to high winds the night before or by people dropping their trash. By inspecting the playground beforehand, teachers can pick up trash or other debris before students come outside to play. Another unsuspecting harm that can come to students on the playground is when the equipment is too hot. Plastic and metal can both trap heat, making the equipment hot to the touch. If this happens, then teachers can bring recess indoors and play games inside the classroom during that time or in the gym. By taking action for better playground safety, we can keep our students safe and our playgrounds injury free.

Everyone deserves the chance to go to school, but with high tuition costs, that chance is never given. Many people in this world want the chance to further their education. To obtain a degree in a career field of their dreams, be offered more job opportunities, and eventually achieve their long-term goals. But this is not always the case. Some students finish high school and start college but after a few classes, they do not have the money to pay for more. They move on to finding a job to pay for more classes, but after a few years of working, they notice they do not have the time to work and go to college at the same time. Some start families during this break and have to take care of their families, losing the chance to go back to school. High tuition costs are the reason many choose to take a gap year after high school and never make the choice to go to college. That many decide to work or take out expensive loans and end up going into debt. Most of the tuition money is given to the board members of colleges rather than the professors themselves. One of my professors stated that she works two jobs and she gets paid more working her second job than she does as a professor. Yet we pay thousands of dollars to go to college. This needs to be changed. I believe that in order to make education better for future generations we need to find ways to decrease the tuition costs for college. By doing so, we give future generations the chance to further their education without the stress of finding a job and not making much money or taking out loans. We give future generations the chance to go to college for a degree in a career field of their own choice and allow them to focus on their studies rather than how they are going to fund their next class. Many people will say that the money that we put towards school is understandable, that the big amounts of money we pay makes sense. But it doesn’t. What about the people who come from low-income families, who wish to go to college to make a better life, and who have not won any scholarships? Do we look over them without ever giving them a chance to make something great of themselves and to make a positive impact on the world? Do we leave them to fight for a future that they know may never happen? By making college affordable for everyone, we give everyone a chance. A chance to make their lives better, a chance to further their education, a chance to live a life debt-free, and a chance to make a difference in the world. If we cannot give our generation the choice of going to college for an affordable price, then let’s do it for the future generations of America.

Men and women standing on the front lines witnessing death and chaos. Holding onto the hope that they will make it home to see their loved ones again. Watching as their friends and fellow soldiers lay down their lives to fight for this country. Making the decision to do the same. Everyday, I think of the people who have made the major decision to fight for their country. The ones who have decided to join the military, whether it is right after high school, or twenty years down the road. They all decided they wanted to make a difference in the world, and it is a decision that my mom made too. Straight out of high school, my mom joined the Army. Every morning she was up at the crack of dawn, throwing on her regulated exercise clothes, and running around the perimeter of the base with her cabin mates. She learned how to fire a weapon, throw a grenade, put on a gas mask while enveloped by tear gas, and completed various obstacle courses. Sounds hard, right? Well, it was, and she did this for ten years. After ten years of vigorous training where she dripped buckets of sweat and her body screamed in protest, she was honorably discharged from the military. However, she did not stop there. She became a civilian and started working for the government, was given the opportunity to live overseas, and went to college to receive her bachelor’s degree. Her continuous hard work, determination, and the choice to never give up got her to the place she is today. A successful woman with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make a difference in the world. I am proud to be the daughter of a veteran. Not only because she taught me to work hard, but also because she helped shape my career aspirations. I have made many goals in life. Some short-term and some long-term, but they all have one thing in common. They require hard work if they want to be achieved. My aspirations will lead to my success as a teacher in the near future. My biggest aspiration is to make learning fun, engaging, and enjoyable no matter what age group I end up teaching. Every student deserves the chance to find the fun in learning because no student wants to sit for an hour and listen to a teacher talk for all of class. Students want to get up out of their seats, learn lessons with hands on activities, and engage with a lesson in a creative way that requires them to think outside of the box. Another aspiration of mine is to guide students’ past obstacles they may be facing with school and life. I come from a family that has seen hardship up close and has learned how to face it many times. I want to teach my students how to work hard for their futures and use determination to make a difference in the world around them. I come from a military family that has encountered challenges, obstacles, and hardships. But through it all, we have come out on top each time. We have proved to ourselves and the people around us, that life can throw as many things as it wants at us, but we will not back down. As the child of a veteran, I have learned that I need to work hard to achieve my dreams and to make a difference in the world.

As an avid reader, I do not leave home without a book with me. Wherever I go, a book follows. In my room, stacks of books tower off the floor threatening to topple over. But with all the books I own, only one is my most favorite: Tigers Curse by Colleen Houck. This book blends fantasy, magic, romance, and adventure all into one mesmerizing and page turning story. My attention was captured at the very first paragraph and I was captivated by the delicate and precise details given to the written story in my hands. This book taught me a lot about the world. It taught me about a culture and traditions different than my own. I learned about different exotic food and what they smelled and tasted like through a description of words. I also enjoy a good adventure due to my adventurous spirit. Growing up, I traveled all over the world from France, to Germany, to Spain and many more places. My adventurous spirit comes from my travels and getting to experience a new place in a book feels almost as if I was there. Any book that can keep me on the edge of my seat, make me burst out laughing, and smile all at once is a book worth reading and Tigers Curse did just that. Reading is not just about reading words on a page, its about immersing yourself in a world different than your own. It is about learning different lessons that will teach you how to grow in both body and soul. And most importantly, reading is about letting go of what you believe is real and embracing an unknown reality. A good book contains a story that will take you an adventure that you wish would never end.

I find that I live in my own little world. One where the leaves on the tree’s don’t just turn orange and red, but also turn pink and purple. Where the grass is squishy beneath my feet like a soft trampoline. Where the clouds are made of cotton candy that can be molded by my hands and are quite tasty too. This is how I apply creativity in my life, through daydreaming and by looking at reality in a whole new way. I have always been a child at heart, it is what makes my future career path so exciting. And I believe that being a child at heart is the reason I see the world in different ways, because I see the world in a new and exciting point of view. A child’s imagination never stops, and children are able to view the world and everything in it as if the rules of reality did not exist. I spend about ten to fifteen minutes daydreaming during the day. By allowing my mind to wander, I am to create unconstrained solutions to problems. I am able to reflect on my own personal goals in a creative manner and daydreaming helps me diversify the different parts of my brain. I apply creativity to my life through daydreaming and by viewing the world in a way that bends reality. By doing so, my days become fun and interesting, allowing me to step back from the worries and stressors of everyday life. To expand our creativity, we need to learn to think outside the box.

“Life is not without pain, but life concerns itself with how we handle that pain, or joy, or confusion, or triumph. Life is more than time passing before death; it is the sum and total of all we make of it.” - Elegos A’Kla (I, Jedi) As a Star Wars fan, most of the advice I take to heart comes from the characters themselves. This quote, by Elegos A’Kla, was not something I heard but something I read. As an avid reader, I come across sayings, quotes, and thoughts that all change the way I see the world around me and how I live my life. The quote above taught me that I need to live in the moment. That instead of concerning ourselves with the pain we feel and the confusion we experience, we need to learn to embrace the joy and the triumph as well. There is no life without pain, both physical pain and the pain we feel on the inside. However, depending on how we choose to live our lives, determines how we handle those emotions. This quote also taught me that life is not simply meant to be the time we have till we leave this world. We need to make the most of it and experience everything we can before death comes upon us. I have the habit of counting down the days in the week or living in the future when I need to start learning to live in the present. Elegos A’Kla, a character in the novel I, Jedi, taught me that life is more than what we believe. There is more to life than what is seen on the surface, you need to dig a little deeper to learn what life truly means to you.

Nothing brings me more joy than watching my seven-year-old niece finally understand a lesson she is being taught. The moment the light bulb goes off in her brain, I know that my future career is the perfect choice. Being an elementary school teacher is a job that entails responsibility, social skills, experience, and finding joy in teaching young children. I believe that when I become an elementary school teacher, I will obtain and grow these skills, allowing me to be the best teacher I can be. In a world that is constantly changing and experiencing hardships, I find a way to help my community in any way I can. The little steps that I take to help my community is a little step in the direction of making the world a better place. I want to make my community and possibly the world a place of security, a place of new knowledge, and a place for growth for the students of the next generation. As a student pursuing a career in education, taking the lead is all about being able to take initiative. Being a teacher requires you to plan, coordinate, and execute lessons to successfully teach anyone. Though my career will focus more on opening up kindergarten minds to the wonders of learning, being a camp counselor for my schools overnight camping trip brought me a scope of a different age group. My sophomore year of high school, I signed up to be a counselor for a group of sixth graders. Being a counselor was a new experience and I did not know where to start. I had a group of six girls, all with opinions on everything we did. The first night of camp, I sat outside and brainstormed ideas to make their camping experience amazing. It was my responsibility to take my campers to their activities, have them to bed before midnight, and support them in their studies. I created a special bond with my campers, and when they looked up to me, I found that I wanted to do this for a living. I wanted to inspire children to learn, to be a role model to all my future students and encourage my students to enjoy learning. My campers went home after camp with new friendships and new knowledge because I encouraged them to grow. I also found that while they learned from me, I learned from them, and they became the reason I want to pursue a higher education for the opportunity to teach young children. Spending time with an age group completely different than mine made me realize that I felt happier after spending time with them. The things I was taught by the girls in my group and the tasks I had to take on by myself guided me to the career choice of early childhood education. I knew I wanted to teach young children and get to experience the joy of showing children there is always something new to be learned. Being a camp counselor, me showed me that I enjoy bringing smiles to people’s faces, knowing I am sending them home with memories they may cherish forever. By volunteering for this experience, I learned more about myself than I ever did before and I made the decision to be a future teacher.

The person I am today was built my family and by mentorship. I grew up changing my mind all the time on what I wanted to be when I grew up. I went from wanting to be a fashion designer to a nurse then to pilot, and eventually to the career I have chosen today. Even though I did not know my future career path growing up, I did have an experience that solidified the choice of the career I want to have. A few years ago, in 2019, I volunteered to be a camp counselor for my school’s sixth grade camp. By volunteering, I was put in a mentorship position that allowed me to embrace my field of study and gave me the opportunity to be a mentor to my campers. I was a counselor for a total of six girls and it was my responsibility to take them to their activities, have them to bed before midnight, and support them in their studies. I created a special bond with my campers, and when they looked up to me, I found that I wanted to do this for a living. I wanted to inspire children to learn, to be a mentor to all my future students and encourage my students to enjoy learning and embrace their old and new knowledge as they grow in both body and mind. My campers went home after camp with new friendships and new knowledge because I encouraged them to grow. I also found that while they learned from me, I learned from them, and they became the reason I want to pursue a higher education for the opportunity to teach young children. I played the role of a mentor when I was a camp counselor. My campers came to me when they had a problem they needed to work out, when they had trouble understanding an activity, and when they needed help connecting with their fellow campers. I was able to mentor them when they came to me for assistance. I gave them advice when they asked for it and I showed them how to expand their overall knowledge of themselves, their learning, and the world around them. Being a mentor has showed me who I truly am and has played a major role in the decision of my future career. As a child, the world is a large and intimidating place, but having a family who travels the world showed me the beauty that lies within. Being a member of a military family is something I am proud of. My mom has been through both thick and thin, and instead of letting the hardships get in her way, she has persevered through them and grows stronger every day. When I was nine, my mom was given the opportunity to live overseas. As a single mom, she brought my two younger sisters and myself with her. I grew up learning a new language, exploring different places around the world, and I got to learn about the different cultures and traditions in each place I visited. Growing up in a military family can be challenging, but there are opportunities that only happen once in a lifetime. I consider “home” to be two places. The place where I grew up and live now, and the place that has shaped me into the successful and adventurous woman I am today. Overall, I am proud to be a part of my military family.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Have you thought about your major?” “What are you going to school for?” All questions I could not answer. Until I volunteered to be a camp counselor for sixth grade camp at my school. Then, finally, I found my answer. By volunteering for a camp counselor role, I was put in a leadership position that allowed me to embrace my field of study and gave me the opportunity to be a role model to my campers. I was a counselor for a total of six girls and it was my responsibility to take them to their activities, have them to bed before midnight, and support them in their studies. I created a special bond with my campers and when they looked up to me, I found that I wanted to do this for a living. I wanted to inspire children to learn, I wanted to be a role model to all my future students, and I wanted my future students to enjoy learning and embrace their old and new knowledge as they grow in both body and mind. My campers went home after camp with new friendships and new knowledge because I encouraged them to grow. I also found that while they learned from me, I learned from them, and they became the reason I want to pursue a higher education for the opportunity to teach young children. In the future, I hope to utilize my education to teach young children. The knowledge that I obtain, the lessons that I learn, and the education that I receive will all benefit my future career of teaching. My one experience of being a camp counselor opened up my eyes to what being a role model is and I loved watching the light bulbs go off when a student finally understood a concept. Education is important to me because teachers make the greatest impact in the lives of children. Teachers are the foundation of the teaching community and they are the role models that students look up to. Without teachers, the world would be greatly impacted. Without teachers, children would not learn the concepts they need to know and the skills they need to have in order to be successful in the future. When I become a teacher, I want to be a role model and I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and in the teaching community.

A few years ago, in 2019, I volunteered to be a camp counselor for my school’s sixth grade camp. By volunteering for this position, I was put in a leadership position that allowed me to embrace my field of study and gave me the opportunity to be a role model to my campers. I was a counselor for a total of six girls and it was my responsibility to take them to their activities, have them to bed before midnight, and support them in their studies. I created a special bond with my campers and when they looked up to me, I found that I wanted to do this for a living. I wanted to inspire children to learn, I wanted to be a role model to all my future students, and I wanted my future students to enjoy learning and embrace their old and new knowledge as they grow in both body and mind. My campers went home after camp with new friendships and new knowledge because I encouraged them to grow. I also found that while they learned from me, I learned from them, and they became the reason I want to pursue a higher education for the opportunity to teach young children. Great leadership means to be willing to make hard choices in the form of self-sacrifice. A great leader needs to be willing to take responsibility for their actions and they also need to show respect to their fellow team members. Even though leadership is a power role, it does not mean that the leader should abuse that power. By abusing this leadership power, they lose the respect of their team and can experience back lash. Being a great leader also means getting to know the people you are working with. A leader needs to take the time to get to know each person’s personality, strengths, and find different ways to communicate well with one another. Being a leader is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to motivate other people. When I am in a leadership position, I do not think about the power that I have and what I can do with it, I think about the well being of the people I am working with and strive to find connections between each one of us. When I am a leader, not only do I motivate people, but I also find ways to inspire confidence in my team, encourage communication, and most importantly, I make sure that each team member knows that they are an important part of the team. No one should be left out and no one should feel as if they do not belong. Being a great leader means involving everyone and every idea to achieve greatness and success.

She watched as her baby girl grew out of her cocoon and turned into the butterfly that she knew she would become someday. She looked through the eyes of her daughter as she took in the world for the first time. She paved the way for her child so that she could grow beautifully and become the successful woman she is meant to be. My mom built a life for me when no one else could. On her own she worried day and night, afraid that she might fail. She did not fail because I am right where I want to be. I am the butterfly that came out of my cocoon, and I have grown to be successful. I am proud to be the daughter of an amazing woman. At the young age of five, I was burdened with anger and guilt. Why did my dad leave? Was I not good enough for him? Did he want something better than what he already had? I waited every day after he left, holding on to that one sliver of hope that one day he would come back. That one day he would realize he made a mistake and would drive back home and envelop me in his arms. But that day never came. My mom, left on her own, raised my two little sisters and me. The weight of responsibility pressed hard on her shoulders as if she were Atlas holding the world. Life is going to always find a way to make you fall, but it is up to you to get back up, and that is what my mom did. She may have been a single mom raising three daughters, but she kept moving forward and left the past behind her. She taught me that in order to succeed in life you need to keep moving forward and leave the past where it already is, in the past. So, that is what I did. I became a dual-enrollment student in the eleventh grade. I am a straight A student and I volunteer in my community to help others in need. Growing up in a single parent household has inspired me to aim for high grades and to keep moving forward on my educational journey. My mom gave my sisters and I everything, and in return, I thank her every day and I give to my community. I have donated food to the local food pantry in my community for the families in need during COVID-19. I volunteered five hours to assist in sorting, packing, and delivering donated items for Girls Inc. that will positively impact the growth and development of girls. I have given my community a breath of fresh air. I get closer to my future with each new day and each new step that I take. I plan to volunteer again at Girls Inc. in the future because I want to play an important part of the development of young girls. I want to help them embrace their inner butterfly and help them come out of their cocoons because I believe that everyone is meant to fly.

Have you ever lost someone and wished you could have done more for them? Was there ever a time that made you feel lost and alone? I lost my grandmother two weeks ago and she meant everything to me. We were really close and could always be found laughing at a joke only the two of us knew. When I received the news that my grandmother was gone and I would never see her again, I broke. I have never felt what I was feeling at that time, but it was like all the light in the world was snuffed out by darkness. I would not be the successful student I am today without my grandma’s guidance. And I know that she is still standing next to me in spirit guiding me along. I went through ups and downs in my life. My mom got a promotion at work that led to my family and I moving to Germany when I was a child. I lost contact with my friends and had to start a new life. My mom was on her own raising me and my two younger sisters and sometimes it was me helping her. Moving back from Germany after five years was a major adjustment, but my grandma stayed a constant through all of this. Not hearing her call me “sweetheart” anymore broke me even more. Growing up, I was afraid to be in the spotlight, never wanting to draw attention to myself. Stage fright became my biggest enemy. At my grandma’s funeral last week, I made the biggest decision I have ever made. I wrote a poem to read in front of everyone. I stood at the podium, took a deep breath, and believed that my grandma was standing right next me with an encouraging smile. I got over a small portion of my stage fright just for her and it made me into someone remarkable. Writing poetry has always been a hobby for me. It became an outlet for my anger and sadness. Sharing this hobby of mine with other people showed me that no one is really judging you. At the funeral, everyone was grieving, and my poem brought back a spark of light into the eyes and souls of the mourners. I thought to myself, “I did that. I made the darkness shift even if it was just for a moment.” Today, I am who I am because of my grandma. Even if she isn’t here physically, she is still with me, guiding me. I have included part of my poem that I wrote for the funeral below: Grandma, Mom, Sister, Aunt, and Friend By: Hannah Best There is no measurement for the love she gave Always laughing, singing, and dancing away You could never hide anything from her She always knew what was going on, that’s for sure Always up at three a.m. walking about Getting her sherbet and popsicles, which always ran out Don’t forget her favorite thing to do Was cleaning her house and sewing special quilts just for you She liked to tease everyone she saw Her phone was always ringing with a constant call Can’t find something, just ask away She would always find it and save the day Her heart was bigger than the moon And she could carry quite a good tune She was loved by family, friends, and others She doesn’t compare to other mothers We love you grandma, mom, sister, aunt, and friend May you rest in peace and may your memory never end.

As a woman, I am left to question myself: Who am I? Throughout history, women have been seen as a product of beauty. We are meant to be seen, not heard. Our voices have been silenced and opinions lost with the oppression of women’s freedom. In a world grown from this history, men are still seen as superior. Women are seen as less. When will I be good enough for this society? Today, tomorrow, a few years down the road? There really is no answer. If our society would just take a moment to pause and think about a woman’s impact, then the world may grow into something extraordinary. When I first started high school, a few boys used to joke about what they learned from the past; that women were considered property, sometimes fought over, sometimes sold, always owned by someone else. Those boys would walk around laughing about this concept and make rude remarks. Every time I heard them joke about this matter, I became embarrassed, not for me but for them. I also became angry. Women were not seen as people, but as something that could be owned, obtained. We could have spoken up, but did we ever really have the chance? And if so, would anyone listen? These boys would come to find that women can grow into something much more powerful than their historical counterparts. Society could make that first step for women a lot easier, if they would accept that women have the right to be here just as much as men. A transformative way for women to find their place is equity in leadership. Many women around the world do not have the same career opportunities that most men have. Another way that society can empower women is by providing increased encouragement and resources for women to tackle jobs in male dominated fields. There are not a lot of powerful job positions and when there are, they are given to a male, not a female. When men can take a step back from their society built, domineering presence and step into a woman’s shoes, they may be able to cultivate empathy. Female oppression is corset worn since the dawn of time, one seemingly impossible to unlace. It takes a lot of effort for women to even begin to climb up the ladder to the male pedestal. For men, they get the positions they sometimes want in life, they find a way to be the best by simply being them. What about women? We have to claw our way to the top, covered in our sweat and tears of a treacherous climb, only to be knocked down by the pay gap and glass ceilings and poorly worded labels. We face more obstacles on our climb up and we grab at crumbling foundation looking for a good grip. But men have a smooth, sturdy foundation that allows them to easily access their wants, and to ignore the women’s desperate needs. So, are women ever going to be enough for this society? Or is our journey always going to be a tough one? If we take those two steps, by exposing women to roles of leadership and offering them more job opportunities, the world may become more equal than ever.

Kindness is a big part of my personality. In anyway that I can, I try to be kind to everyone. I do not like to live in a world that is encompassed by hatred and evil. When I look in the mirror every morning, I see a woman who is going to add a little hope to the world around her. Even if she thinks that she cannot at times, she is going to at least try. At my church, I am a part of a girls group for my age. We talk about sermons and our opinions on what we learned. I have been a part of this group for about three years. The first year, I was shy and tended to keep to myself. The two group leaders that I had for my group were not so interactive. They never encouraged my group to participate and one time, one of my group leaders asked, “Is there a Hannah in this group, I don’t remember there being a Hannah.” After hearing that question, I became shyer and did not participate at all. The third year I had a new group leader. Her name was Mrs. Vicki. I was still shy at the time and afraid that she would not acknowledge me either. The first group meeting went well though I did not talk. At the second meeting, Mrs. Vicki asked us all to think of something we are grateful for. I was a nervous wreck because I had to talk in front of everyone. When it was my turn to talk, Mrs. Vicki said, “Hannah, anything you say is important and there is no wrong answer.” When she said this my first thought was, “Wow, it’s the second day and she knows my name.” I voiced my opinion and she smiled at me, which made me feel special and happy that I was a part of something great. Her kindness never wavered, and I became more comfortable in my group and talked when I thought it would relate to the topic. Covid-19 resulted in many changes. Many groups and services at my church shut down. I was disappointed at first, but I learned from Mrs. Vicki’s kindness. I saw her as an amazing role model because she was chose to be nice and kind to me, resulting in me coming out of my own shell. I took a page out of her book. I decided that if she was willing to make everyone feel important, then maybe I could do the same. At school, I created a goal: Compliment ten different people on different things. At first, I only complimented four or five people. But eventually I became confident that I could make another person’s day better. I complimented ten people successfully in that first week. I would mention their smiles, their personalities or what they did best. They always smiled afterwards, and that single smile made my whole day brighter. I did all of this because my group leader, Mrs. Vicki, took a chance on me and made sure I felt comfortable in a group environment. Without her, I would have never made a goal that involved just making others smile. Everyone in this world deserves a chance and if they do not have someone there to be kind to them, will they ever really stand up and believe in themselves. I certainly did because I had one moment of kindness towards me, and it changed my life completely.