As I look toward my future, two things really stand out to me: working in special education and continuing my volleyball career in college. Both have made major impacts on who I am, and I could never take them out of my life. Volleyball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience-all qualities that will aid me on my journey of becoming a special education teacher. In the same way that I have worked hard to grow as an athlete, I am committed to making a difference in students' lives, especially those who have special needs. It was then that I had my introduction into special education through a job in daycare, which eventually came to involve some volunteering with the Special Olympics of my school. Watching the pure delight and resolute nature of these athletes makes the passion burn deep inside: supporting and believing in people is my calling. With every interaction, small as it was, I had the increasing urge to support them throughout their career processes. Teaching in special education is not only about academics; it instills confidence, opens up opportunities, and allows students to see the great things they can do. I want to be that teacher who would believe in the potential of every child to grow both academically and personally. I know sometimes it will not be easy, but just like volleyball, the greatest rewards come when you push through the challenges and never give up. As I major in special education, I also plan to continue with my volleyball career in college. Volleyball has been the biggest part of my life: it shaped my working habits, leadership, and determination. The sport has taught me how to overcome obstacles, work with others as a team, and set goals for myself-all of which I will have use for on and off the court. I am allowed to continue to grow as an athlete in college volleyball while preparing for my future career. I know that balancing academics and athletics will be demanding; I welcome the challenge. As I have worked diligently to improve my skills and break records, I will apply that same dedication to my studies and my dream of becoming a special education teacher. My future will be riddled with two of my favorite things: impacting students' lives in special needs and competing in the sport that built me. To many, special education and volleyball seem to go in completely opposite directions; for me, however, they tie in both with patience, hard work, and an ultimate love to see people thrive. As I proceed to the next step in my journey, I am excited by the prospects of the future, and ready to work hard towards achieving my dreams.

II am a dedicated high school Senior student-athlete who splits my time between my love of volleyball and my passion for learning and giving back. I have been awarded a scholarship to club volleyball and continued to push myself on and off the volleyball court, having recently achieved my goal of breaking the most kills by a player in a game. Volleyball has taught me discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—all qualities that I hope to apply to my career. Apart from sports, I am also very passionate about working with children, especially those with disabilities. Through my experience volunteering at a daycare, I have been able to develop patience, understanding, and effective communication skills that are essential for a teacher. Also, my exposure to the Special Olympics at my school has given me firsthand experience working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Seeing their excitement and determination has also solidified my desire to be a special education teacher. In college, I will major in special education while continuing to pursue my volleyball career. I believe that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and grow, no matter what their capability is. My goal is to create an open and inclusive classroom environment where students are treated with dignity, listened to, and challenged to reach their utmost potential. By using individualized teaching strategies and fostering a positive learning atmosphere, I hope to help students overcome challenges and develop the confidence they need to succeed. My own vision extends past the classroom. I see myself as a spokesperson for better resources and support networks for students with special needs, so that they have the equipment necessary to achieve academic and social success. I also see myself leveraging my own athletic experience to encourage students to take part in sports, since I feel physical activity is paramount in building confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. Through education and a career in the profession, I am committed to positively impacting the lives of children and their families. I want to be a teacher who does more than teach but also inspires, motivates, and fights for those who are vulnerable. My goal is to combine my love for teaching and sports to inspire and support students of all abilities, helping them reach their full potential both in the classroom and in life. I want to be the best teacher they have ever had and see them succeed too.

I want to be an education professional, specifically a special education teacher, because I enjoy helping students grow, learn, and be everything they can be. I have been involved with children from a young age, and my experiences in diverse settings—e.g., working at a daycare center and helping with the Special Olympics—have solidified my desire to contribute to the education field in a positive manner. One of the largest draws for me to special education is the ability to give support and encouragement to students who need it most. All students are deserving of the ability to be successful, no matter what obstacles they might be facing. I truly want to make an inclusive, kind classroom where students feel valued, heard, and empowered. Special education is not just about academics; it's about making the children confident, teaching them social and life skills and to have faith in themselves. I want to be that teacher who can see the best in every child and allow them to discover their strengths. My experience volunteering with the Special Olympics taught me firsthand the sense of joy and accomplishment that can be received from working with people with disabilities. Witnessing their perseverance, enthusiasm, and pride for what they could accomplish motivated me to be a part of their lives on a daily basis. Working at a daycare has also provided me with experience in patience, communication, and flexibility—abilities required for working with students who might have varying learning capabilities or difficulties. Another important factor in my decision is the lasting impact that teachers have on students. I have had teachers who truly believed in me, encouraged me to reach my full potential, and helped me achieve my objectives. I want to be that individual to my own students, especially the ones who may get lost in the shuffle or feel overlooked. Learning is not just about learning subjects—it's about building relationships, fostering growth, and having a positive climate where students are safe and encouraged. In addition to teaching, I also anticipate continuing my volleyball career at college. Through sports, I have picked up discipline, teamwork, and determination—attributes which will also benefit me as a teacher. I look forward to bringing the same passion and dedication I have towards volleyball to the classroom, inspiring students to try and believe in themselves. Finally, I want to be a special education teacher because I know that I can make a difference. I want to be an advocate, a mentor, and a support system for my students and assist them in being successful in their own way.

My passion for special education started with my job at a daycare, where I was introduced to working with children with diverse needs. This experience deepened when I began volunteering with the Special Olympics at my school. Watching these athletes demonstrate resilience, determination, and joy ignited a calling in me—to be a source of encouragement and support for students with special needs. I realized that every child deserves someone who believes in them and helps them embrace their abilities. To bring students to a sense of their own presence, I will create a classroom environment where individuality is celebrated, and every achievement, no matter how small, is recognized. Teaching in special education goes beyond academics; it builds confidence, fosters independence, and provides opportunities for personal growth. My goal is to tailor my teaching to each student’s strengths, providing them with tools to overcome challenges and develop skills that will serve them beyond the classroom. I know that this journey will not always be easy, but I am prepared to meet the challenges with patience, determination, and an unwavering belief in my students’ potential. Every breakthrough, whether academic or personal, will serve as a reminder of why I chose this path. Just as I have witnessed the pure joy of Special Olympics athletes reaching their goals, I want to help my students experience that same sense of accomplishment in their learning and personal growth. To illustrate my mission, I envision a fairy tale in which I, as the heroine, embark on a journey to a kingdom where children have forgotten their own strengths. In this kingdom, a dark mist of doubt and limitation clouds their potential. With a lantern of encouragement and a map of personalized learning, I guide each child toward discovering their unique talents. One by one, they find their voices, their confidence, and their abilities, pushing through challenges and breaking barriers. By the end of the journey, the mist is lifted, and the kingdom is filled with the light of self-awareness and success. This tale mirrors my real-life goal—to be the guiding light that helps students recognize their worth and ability to succeed. As I pursue my degree in special education, I remain committed to this mission. I look forward to a future where I can make a lasting impact on my students, helping them find their presence in the world and embrace their limitless potential. Through patience, dedication, and a belief in every child’s ability to grow, I will fulfill my dream of becoming a special education teacher who changes lives. Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Ever bright, there lived a young heroine named Jordis. She had a heart full of kindness and a gift for seeing the hidden magic within people. In the kingdom, there was an ancient castle where children lived, but a shadowy fog called Doubt clouded their minds, making them believe they were not strong or capable. Jordis, determined to help, set out on a journey to find the Mirror of True Sight, a magical mirror that would allow the children to see their own brilliance. Along the way, she met the Wise Owl, who gave her the Map of Understanding, the River Spirit, who taught her Patience, and the Firebird, who shared the Flame of Encouragement. When Jordis finally reached the castle, she used these gifts to guide the children through the fog of Doubt. She gave them words of encouragement, tools to learn in their own way, and showed them the Mirror of True Sight. As each child looked into it, the fog lifted, revealing their strengths, talents, and dreams. From that day forward, the children no longer felt lost—they had found their own presence in the world. And Jordis? She stayed in the kingdom, continuing to help others discover their magic. The End. This fairy tale reflects my goal as a special education teacher—to be the guide who helps students overcome challenges and see their own potential, so they can shine in their own unique way.

As I look toward my future, two things really stand out to me: working in special education and continuing my volleyball career in college. Both have made major impacts on who I am, and I could never take them out of my life. Volleyball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience-all qualities that will aid me on my journey of becoming a special education teacher. In the same way that I have worked hard to grow as an athlete, I am committed to making a difference in students' lives, especially those who have special needs. It was then that I had my introduction into special education through a job in daycare, which eventually came to involve some volunteering with the Special Olympics of my school. Watching the pure delight and resolute nature of these athletes makes the passion burn deep inside: supporting and believing in people is my calling. With every interaction, small as it was, I had the increasing urge to support them throughout their career processes. Teaching in special education is not only about academics; it instills confidence, opens up opportunities, and allows students to see the great things they can do. I want to be that teacher who would believe in the potential of every child to grow both academically and personally. I know sometimes it will not be easy, but just like volleyball, the greatest rewards come when you push through the challenges and never give up. As I major in special education, I also plan to continue with my volleyball career in college. Volleyball has been the biggest part of my life: it shaped my working habits, leadership, and determination. The sport has taught me how to overcome obstacles, work with others as a team, and set goals for myself-all of which I will have use for on and off the court. I am allowed to continue to grow as an athlete in college volleyball while preparing for my future career. I know that balancing academics and athletics will be demanding; I welcome the challenge. As I have worked diligently to improve my skills and break records, I will apply that same dedication to my studies and my dream of becoming a special education teacher. My future will be riddled with two of my favorite things: impacting students' lives in special needs and competing in the sport that built me. To many, special education and volleyball seem to go in completely opposite directions; for me, however, they tie in both with patience, hard work, and an ultimate love to see people thrive. As I proceed to the next step in my journey, I am excited by the prospects of the future, and ready to work hard towards achieving my dreams.

As I look toward my future, two things really stand out to me: working in special education and continuing my volleyball career in college. Both have made major impacts on who I am, and I could never take them out of my life. Volleyball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience-all qualities that will aid me on my journey of becoming a special education teacher. In the same way that I have worked hard to grow as an athlete, I am committed to making a difference in students' lives, especially those who have special needs. It was then that I had my introduction into special education through a job in daycare, which eventually came to involve some volunteering with the Special Olympics of my school. Watching the pure delight and resolute nature of these athletes makes the passion burn deep inside: supporting and believing in people is my calling. With every interaction, small as it was, I had the increasing urge to support them throughout their career processes. Teaching in special education is not only about academics; it instills confidence, opens up opportunities, and allows students to see the great things they can do. I want to be that teacher who would believe in the potential of every child to grow both academically and personally. I know sometimes it will not be easy, but just like volleyball, the greatest rewards come when you push through the challenges and never give up. As I major in special education, I also plan to continue with my volleyball career in college. Volleyball has been the biggest part of my life: it shaped my working habits, leadership, and determination. The sport has taught me how to overcome obstacles, work with others as a team, and set goals for myself-all of which I will have use for on and off the court. I am allowed to continue to grow as an athlete in college volleyball while preparing for my future career. I know that balancing academics and athletics will be demanding; I welcome the challenge. As I have worked diligently to improve my skills and break records, I will apply that same dedication to my studies and my dream of becoming a special education teacher. My future will be riddled with two of my favorite things: impacting students' lives in special needs and competing in the sport that built me.

As I look toward my future, two things really stand out to me: working in special education and continuing my volleyball career in college. Both have made major impacts on who I am, and I could never take them out of my life. Volleyball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience-all qualities that will aid me on my journey of becoming a special education teacher. In the same way that I have worked hard to grow as an athlete, I am committed to making a difference in students' lives, especially those who have special needs. It was then that I had my introduction into special education through a job in daycare, which eventually came to involve some volunteering with the Special Olympics of my school. Watching the pure delight and resolute nature of these athletes makes the passion burn deep inside: supporting and believing in people is my calling. With every interaction, small as it was, I had the increasing urge to support them throughout their career processes. Teaching in special education is not only about academics; it instills confidence, opens up opportunities, and allows students to see the great things they can do. I want to be that teacher who would believe in the potential of every child to grow both academically and personally. I know sometimes it will not be easy, but just like volleyball, the greatest rewards come when you push through the challenges and never give up. As I major in special education, I also plan to continue with my volleyball career in college. Volleyball has been the biggest part of my life: it shaped my working habits, leadership, and determination. The sport has taught me how to overcome obstacles, work with others as a team, and set goals for myself-all of which I will have use for on and off the court. I am allowed to continue to grow as an athlete in college volleyball while preparing for my future career. I know that balancing academics and athletics will be demanding; I welcome the challenge. As I have worked diligently to improve my skills and break records, I will apply that same dedication to my studies and my dream of becoming a special education teacher. My future will be riddled with two of my favorite things: impacting students' lives in special needs and competing in the sport that built me. To many, special education and volleyball seem to go in completely opposite directions; for me, however, they tie in both with patience, hard work, and an ultimate love to see people thrive. As I proceed to the next step in my journey, I am excited by the prospects of the future, and ready to work hard towards achieving my dreams.

As I look toward my future, two things really stand out to me: working in special education and continuing my volleyball career in college. Both have made major impacts on who I am, and I could never take them out of my life. Volleyball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience-all qualities that will aid me on my journey of becoming a special education teacher. In the same way that I have worked hard to grow as an athlete, I am committed to making a difference in students' lives, especially those who have special needs. It was then that I had my introduction into special education through a job in daycare, which eventually came to involve some volunteering with the Special Olympics of my school. Watching the pure delight and resolute nature of these athletes makes the passion burn deep inside: supporting and believing in people is my calling. With every interaction, small as it was, I had the increasing urge to support them throughout their career processes. Teaching in special education is not only about academics; it instills confidence, opens up opportunities, and allows students to see the great things they can do. I want to be that teacher who would believe in the potential of every child to grow both academically and personally. I know sometimes it will not be easy, but just like volleyball, the greatest rewards come when you push through the challenges and never give up. As I major in special education, I also plan to continue with my volleyball career in college. Volleyball has been the biggest part of my life: it shaped my working habits, leadership, and determination. The sport has taught me how to overcome obstacles, work with others as a team, and set goals for myself-all of which I will have use for on and off the court. I am allowed to continue to grow as an athlete in college volleyball while preparing for my future career. I know that balancing academics and athletics will be demanding; I welcome the challenge. As I have worked diligently to improve my skills and break records, I will apply that same dedication to my studies and my dream of becoming a special education teacher. My future will be riddled with two of my favorite things: impacting students' lives in special needs and competing in the sport that built me. To many, special education and volleyball seem to go in completely opposite directions; for me, however, they tie in both with patience, hard work, and an ultimate love to see people thrive. As I proceed to the next step in my journey, I am excited by the prospects of the future, and ready to work hard towards achieving my dreams.

Something my parents did for me that made me surprisingly happy and thankful was supporting my volleyball journey, even when it came with sacrifices on their part. Volleyball has become such a big part of my life, but it wasn’t always like that. Before, I had a love-hate relationship with basketball. I’d lose interest and quit after a year, never fully committing to see how far I could go. When COVID hit, things got even worse. I completely lost interest in staying active, and my mental health took a serious hit. I was struggling with depression and an eating disorder, and it felt like I wasn’t myself anymore. My parents always emphasized the importance of staying healthy and active, but I was so disconnected. I was also dealing with the isolation of not being able to see my friends or interact with anyone outside my family. It was tough, and I felt stuck. When high school started again after COVID, I decided to try volleyball. I didn’t think much of it at first. I just wanted something fun to do and to feel like I was part of something again. Making the team freshman year turned out to be life-changing. I felt like I belonged, and my coach believed in me even more than I believed in myself. When they gave me a scholarship to play club volleyball, I was over the moon. By junior year, I switched to a more competitive club, Athena Volleyball Academy, to get more exposure for college. This was an amazing opportunity, but it came with a much higher cost. My brother was also playing competitive baseball at the time, so my parents were under a lot of financial stress. I felt bad asking them for such a big sacrifice, but they never let me feel like I was a burden. My mom, especially, showed me what it means to be truly selfless. She would work long hours and still make it to my games and tournaments, no matter how tired she was. Even if it meant being up all night and then heading straight to an early morning match, she always showed up. My dad adjusted his work schedule to be there for us too. They’ve always done whatever they could to give my brother and me the best opportunities. Looking back, I realize how much their support helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Volleyball wasn’t just a sport for me—it became my way of staying focused and motivated. Without it, I don’t know if I would’ve made it through freshman year or even stayed on track in school. My family has had a lot of dropouts, and sometimes I wonder what might’ve happened if my parents hadn’t pushed me to find my passion.

Special education has always been close to my heart, I remember when I was little Ive always wanted to help those with special needs and once Ive gotten older I came to my senses and decided that is what I'm doing to do in life, and that is to make a difference. Growing up, I saw how much of a difference caring and supportive teacher could make for students who needed extra help. Watching them go to the extra mile to make sure every student had a chance to succeed inspired me. I want to be that kind of teacher, the one who sees potential in every child and helps them realize it, no matter their struggles. I believe every student deserves to feel valued and understood, and I want to create a classroom where everyone feels safe and has a chance to thrive. My goal is to not only teach academic skills but to also build confidence and show students that they're capable of achieving their goals. I've always been drawn to the idea of making a difference, and I think helping kids overcome their challenges is the best thing I want for them. Sport has always taught me a lot about teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, and I know these lessons will help me in the classroom. As a volleyball player, I've learned how to support others, work through tough situations, and stay focused on achieving a common goal. I want to bring that same energy to teaching, creating a supportive environment where students feel like they're part of a team. I want to help them feel encouraged and capable every step of the way. On a personal level, I've seen how important it is to have someone who believes in you when things get hard. That's why I'm so passionate