Have you ever thought about the impact of spending a few hours helping someone without getting paid for your time? That is the most valuable gift you can give someone, your time. The thought of helping someone out in need when they need it is truly a humbling experience. I know I live a life of service. Through my work (Lowe's Home Improvement), schooling (college education Salem College), organizations (Student North Carolina Association of Educators), and so many other opportunities. I have assisted in assisted living homes from volunteering to donating beautiful flowers, and during COVID times I donated masks, hand sanitizers, magazines, and other cleaning products when I was able. Throughout my years, I have always given back in some way or another. I have donated to title I schools in my time of working at Lowe's Home Improvement. I have helped Habitat for Humanity build houses for 7+ families, because of our donations. I have helped Crossnore children's home with their lawn care, as well as Cash Elementary for making an accessible outdoor classroom for students that were in wheelchairs. It doesn't stop there either, we made a outdoor gardening space with picnic tables for elementary students to go for fresh air and learn by growing vegetables right at their very own elementary school. We have painted picnic tables for the school's colors too. I volunteered at a book fair for an elementary school. I also have volunteered to the Salvation Army with Gifts for Kids through Fox 8 multiple times. With the Student North Carolina Association of Educators, I have helped remodeled Rankin Elementary School. There have been numerous elementary schools in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools that I have donated items to for helping multiple gardens, spaces, outdoor classrooms, and even my time in reading to students, helping with bookfairs, and many more opportunities. My favorite would have to be the time my college class went to a children's home. We purchased Christmas gifts for the children, and we even did a play for them. It was my absolute favorite for giving my time, and we even got time to speak to the children too! Overall, ever since I can remember, I have been giving back in some way or another. Life is about helping those in need when they need it, and even when they don't ask. Time is more valuable than money, and I have volunteered numerous times throughout my lifetime. I will be a fifth-grade teacher next year, and I hope I am able to receive donations for my classroom as I once donated to many schools in my area!

The dream version of my future self is a highly educated (at least Master’s degree level) Media Specialist in an Elementary Public School.