My experience as the child of an immigrant shaped my decision to earn a degree in the education field. My father moved here from Costa Rica with only a 6th grade education. He taught himself the English language through working. He came to this country with only a few family members scattered around the Tri-State area. I have a unique situation because my father is a recovering alcoholic. He came to the U.S. with this problem, and it wasn’t until I was six years old that he received help for it. I believe my life experience in this area will also be beneficial to the future generations of students that I will teach because I know, “you don’t know what is going on behind closed doors”. I have empathy towards those who are struggling, either themselves or because of someone in their family. Through hard work and perseverance, my father has made a career for himself and a life for our family. I have witnessed first-hand the discriminations my father faced having English as his second language. Some people assume he doesn't speak English and will talk "around" him. Others just assume he is not smart because his language is not perfect. I want to use my education, that I was so fortunate to receive, to make sure no one is "talked around" or ever feels that they are not smart enough. We live in a country where we are lucky to be afforded the opportunity to go to high school for free (unless you pay for private school). My father wasn't going to go to high school because in Costa Rica, you pay tuition for high school and for college. My father was the eldest child and was expected to go to work at the age of twelve. I enjoyed my high school experience with my teachers. I was lucky enough to go to a public high school that is well ranked. I put in the work and maintained honor roll almost every semester. Graduating with a 3.7 (earning a 4.0 my Senior year) is an accomplishment I am proud of and plan on continuing throughout my college career. I learned from my dad, the value of hard work. I have been a camp counselor, a front desk receptionist and a waitress at a local country club. I also enjoy making a difference in my community by tutoring, babysitting, being a Girl Scout and volunteering. The path I chose for my time at The College of New Jersey is Secondary Education in Mathematics, possibly adding Special Education in my 5th year. I chose this because I realize that not everyone comes from the same place. I come from an affluent area, but I do not come from a well-off family. I will be working while in college and taking out loans for my tuition. I see assumptions made because of the area I live in. I have friends who have never held a job and others that have two at a time. I see the injustices in the community, the prejudices, the kids who fall between the cracks. I want to be a teacher who can relate to those children. I want to make a difference and possibly be the one who helps the next child (maybe of an immigrant), realize, like my father, that they too can do and be better.