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Isabella hernandez

745

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Bella Hernandez! I am planning on furthering my relationship with christ and also pursuing my passion for education! I am an only child with ADD who openly struggles with mental health issues!

Education

Buchanan High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    High School

  • Majors of interest:

    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Education, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      special education

    • Dream career goals:

    • gymnastics coach

      americas kids in motion
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2008 – Present16 years

    Awards

    • national champions
    Dounya Discala Scholarship
    Overcoming Challenges with Tenacity: My Journey to Special Education Throughout my life, I've encountered various challenges, but none have tested my tenacity as much as my struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and my determination to excel in math. In this essay, I will share a personal experience that reflects my perseverance, my passion for helping others, and how I've grown from these challenges. My journey begins with my belief that individuals, particularly children with learning disabilities like ADD, are capable of achieving more than society often gives them credit for. I have ADD, which has posed significant academic challenges for me, particularly in subjects like math. Math has consistently been a hurdle that I've had to work tirelessly to overcome. My determination to excel in this subject taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The challenge I faced was my struggle with math, a subject that never came easily to me. While my peers seemed to grasp mathematical concepts effortlessly, I had to put in extra hours of study and seek additional help to keep up with the class. There were countless moments when frustration and self-doubt threatened to overwhelm me, but I refused to let them define my academic journey. My determination to persevere in the classroom stemmed from my innate desire to prove to myself and others that I could conquer this obstacle. I refused to let setbacks and struggles hold me back. Instead, I used them as fuel to ignite my passion for success. I wanted to show people that, despite my challenges, I could excel in areas where I was told I might struggle. This mindset extended beyond the classroom. I found inspiration in pushing my boundaries and taking on challenges that others may have deemed insurmountable. I firmly believe that anyone can achieve greatness with the right support system and determination. This conviction has been a driving force in my life and has led me to aspire to become a special education teacher. My interest in Collaborative Mentoring is rooted in my passion for helping others and my aptitude for problem-solving. During my time at Dry Creek Elementary School, I actively participated in the Pantherz Club, where I served as a mainstream buddy for a Special Education student. Assisting them with their homework and engaging in recreational activities became a source of joy for me. It was through this experience that I discovered my calling to support and empower children with disabilities. Additionally, I frequently volunteered in Mrs. Graves' Special Day Class (SDC) classroom. These experiences were transformative, and they solidified my desire to pursue a career in Special Education. The bonds I formed with these students, along with the progress I witnessed, fueled my belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their challenges. In conclusion, my journey of overcoming personal academic challenges, coupled with my dedication to helping others, has shaped my belief in the limitless potential of all individuals. My determination to succeed in math, despite my struggles with ADD, has instilled in me a passion for proving naysayers wrong and inspiring others to do the same. This passion has driven me to aspire to become a special education teacher, where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with disabilities. Through Collaborative Mentoring, I hope to continue my journey of supporting and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, just as I have learned to do in my own life.
    Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship
    I have always believed that individuals with special needs are capable of achieving far more than society often gives them credit for. This belief stems from my personal journey with attention deficit disorder (ADD), which has posed its own set of challenges throughout my academic life. Despite my struggles, I have a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education and the impact it can have on individuals, especially those with unique learning needs. It is this passion that fuels my pursuit of a degree in the mental health field and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. One academic subject that has continually inspired me, even though it has been a source of difficulty, is mathematics. Throughout my schooling, I have had to put in extra effort and perseverance to excel in this subject. This experience has taught me the value of resilience and determination. Rather than allowing setbacks to deter me, I have used them as motivation to succeed and prove skeptics wrong. I thrive on demonstrating that despite challenges, anything is possible. This belief has become a driving force in my decision to become a special education teacher. My motivation to enter the mental health field goes beyond personal challenges. It extends to my genuine desire to help others overcome their obstacles and reach their full potential. One of the ways I plan to make a difference in the lives of others is by participating in Collaborative Mentoring programs. My problem-solving skills, trustworthiness, and commitment to helping others make me well-suited for such a role. My previous experience as a mainstream buddy for a special education student in Pantherz Club at Dry Creek Elementary School ignited my passion for assisting individuals with special needs. I enjoyed providing homework assistance and engaging in recreational activities with them, fostering an environment where they could thrive. Additionally, I frequently volunteered in Mrs. Graves' special day class (SDC) while attending Dry Creek Elementary School. My time in her classroom was profoundly influential in shaping my career aspirations. It was during these experiences that I witnessed the transformative potential of dedicated support and tailored education. I saw firsthand how a supportive environment could empower students with disabilities to reach their goals and succeed academically and socially. These moments solidified my determination to become a special education teacher and provide the necessary support systems for children with disabilities to thrive. In conclusion, my personal struggles with ADD, coupled with my passion for mathematics and my experiences in volunteering, have ignited my desire to pursue a degree in the mental health field and become a special education teacher. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can succeed when provided with the right support and encouragement. My goal is to be a part of that support system, helping children with special needs overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
    Trever David Clark Memorial Scholarship
    My personal journey with mental health, both in my own life and through my interactions with loved ones, has significantly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. These experiences have had a profound impact on how I view the capabilities of individuals with special needs, my dedication to academic pursuits, and my passion for becoming a special education teacher. Firstly, my own struggle with attention deficit disorder (ADD) has given me firsthand insight into the challenges that individuals with neurodiverse conditions face. This experience has shaped my belief that individuals with special needs, often underestimated by society, are capable of achieving more than people may think. It has also fueled my determination to be a positive example and advocate for those who face similar challenges. Through my perseverance in the classroom despite my learning difficulties, I have learned that setbacks and struggles should not deter anyone from pursuing their goals. Math, in particular, has been a subject that has required extra effort from me. This academic challenge has inspired me to push harder, develop resilience, and not allow failures to hold me back. Instead, I use my failures as motivation to succeed and prove doubters wrong. I firmly believe that anyone, regardless of their challenges, can achieve success with the right support system and determination. My experiences with special education students have further solidified my belief in the potential of individuals with disabilities. I have volunteered in classrooms, served as a mainstream buddy, and collaborated with special education teachers. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career as a special education teacher. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of these students, providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed academically and in life. As I reflect on my journey, I see a natural alignment between my personal experiences, my passion for helping others, and my career aspirations. I am eager to participate in Collaborative Mentoring, as it aligns perfectly with my desire to assist others in problem-solving and providing support. My previous involvement in Pantherz Club and my volunteer work in a Special Day Class (SDC) classroom have already given me a taste of the fulfillment I derive from helping individuals with special needs. In conclusion, my journey with mental health, my academic challenges, and my experiences with special education have shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. I am dedicated to proving that individuals with special needs are capable of remarkable achievements, and I am determined to become a special education teacher to make a positive impact on their lives. My personal struggles and experiences have prepared me to excel in this role, and I am eager to continue my journey of helping and advocating for those in need.
    Joieful Connections Scholarship
    As I contemplate my future beyond high school, I am resolute in my belief that every individual, including those with special needs, possesses the capacity to achieve greatness if given the right support and opportunities. My own experiences in overcoming academic challenges, particularly in the field of mathematics, have shaped my educational aspirations and career goals. In this essay, I will discuss how I plan to further my education, the fields of study I intend to explore, and my overarching objective of making a difference in the lives of special education students. One academic subject that has always inspired me is mathematics. Throughout my academic journey, I've encountered numerous struggles in this field, which required me to persevere and work diligently to improve my grades. These challenges taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience, emphasizing the importance of not letting setbacks deter me from pursuing my dreams. Instead, I have channeled my setbacks into a powerful motivator to prove doubters wrong. I find immense satisfaction in showcasing that, despite facing challenges, anything is attainable with determination and the right support. My passion for mathematics and my personal journey have led me to set my sights on becoming a special education teacher. I firmly believe that children with disabilities are capable of achieving remarkable success when provided with the appropriate support system. My goal is to be a part of that support system, inspiring and empowering special education students to reach their full potential. I want to instill in them the same sense of determination and belief in themselves that I have cultivated throughout my own educational journey. To prepare for this career path, I plan to pursue higher education in the field of special education. I am interested in participating in Collaborative Mentoring programs, as I have a natural inclination for problem-solving and a genuine desire to assist others. My experiences as a mainstream buddy for a special education student during my time at Dry Creek Elementary School and my frequent volunteering in Mrs. Graves' special day class have solidified my passion for this field. It was within Mrs. Graves' classroom that I had my epiphany about wanting to be a special education teacher, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact teachers can have on the lives of their students. In conclusion, my journey through the challenges of mathematics and my commitment to the potential of special education students have inspired my pursuit of higher education and a career as a special education teacher. My goal is to provide unwavering support and encouragement to students with disabilities, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Through collaborative mentoring and academic dedication, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who, like me, believe that all children are capable of achieving greatness when given the chance and support they deserve.
    Windward Spirit Scholarship
    The "Ode To Millennials-Gen Z" text appears to be a piece of writing that likely celebrates and acknowledges the unique characteristics, experiences, and contributions of these two generations. An ode is a lyrical poem or composition that typically expresses deep admiration or respect for its subject. In this case, it seems that the subject is the Millennials and Gen Z cohorts, which encompass people born roughly between the early 1980s and the mid-2010s. The text may explore various aspects of these generations, such as their cultural impact, technological prowess, social consciousness, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Millennials and Gen Z have been raised in the digital age, witnessing the rapid advancement of technology and the evolution of social media. They have also shown a strong commitment to social justice issues, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity, making them stand out in their dedication to creating a better world. Moreover, the text could delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by these generations. From economic crises to the effects of social media on mental health, Millennials and Gen Z have navigated a complex landscape, but they have also harnessed technology and connectivity to drive change and innovation. Overall, an "Ode To Millennials-Gen Z" text would likely offer a reflection on the impact and significance of these generations in shaping the contemporary world, celebrating their resilience, adaptability, and their potential to shape a brighter future.
    Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship
    My journey towards a career in teaching has been shaped by my personal experiences and a deep passion for making a positive impact in the lives of students, particularly those who face challenges in their academic journey. One of the academic subjects that has inspired me the most is math. Ironically, math has always been a formidable obstacle for me. Throughout my education, I've had to put in extra effort and dedication to improve my math grades. This struggle taught me an invaluable lesson - the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. I refused to let setbacks and difficulties deter me from pursuing my goals. I used them as motivation to push forward and prove that I could succeed despite the odds. I've always been driven to prove doubters wrong and demonstrate that with determination, anything is possible. This determination and resilience have been at the core of my decision to pursue a career in teaching, specifically in the field of special education. My passion for helping others, especially those who may have unique challenges, led me to believe that every child can succeed with the right support system in place. It was during my time as a student at Dry Creek Elementary School that I had the opportunity to engage with special education students and gain firsthand experience in providing assistance and support. I was an active member of the Panther Club and had the privilege of serving as a mainstream buddy for a special education student. I enjoyed helping them with their homework, playing games, and being a source of encouragement and friendship. Additionally, I frequently volunteered in Mrs. Graves' classroom, where she was an SDC (Special Day Class) teacher. These experiences were truly transformative for me. It was in Mrs. Graves' classroom that I realized my calling as a special education teacher. Witnessing the progress and growth of students with diverse needs, and being part of their journey towards success, ignited a profound passion within me. I am enthusiastic about participating in Collaborative Mentoring because I genuinely enjoy helping others solve problems and providing guidance when needed. I consider myself a skilled problem solver, and my commitment to integrity and trustworthiness is unwavering. My previous experiences, such as being a mainstream buddy and volunteering in a special education classroom, have reinforced my desire to work closely with students who require additional support. In conclusion, my journey through challenges in math, my determination to overcome obstacles, and my experiences working with special education students have all converged to drive my aspiration to become a special education teacher. I firmly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, and I am dedicated to being a part of their success stories.