Bob Thompson Memorial Scholarship

Once I turn my tassel and enter the next chapter in my life, I’m going right back to where I started: school. Ever since I was three years old, I’ve wanted to become a teacher. Unable to imagine myself anywhere other than my favorite place, I knew that it was my destiny when I grew up to go back to school as a teacher. My passion for becoming a teacher ran deep, embedding itself into every aspect of my life. I collected office supplies, created pretend lesson plans, played with school-themed toys, and even taught an imaginary class. As a tutor through my school’s peer tutoring program, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with peers to help them learn, which has been a really rewarding experience. Watching my tutees finally understand a concept and get their grades up because of my help has been very fulfilling to me as a future educator. Another important program that I joined in high school was Teacher Academy. Taking the place of a college-level “introduction to education” course, the two-year program consisted of in-class instruction, creating a research portfolio of basic education concepts, and an internship period. This internship means that I was able to intern with a mentor teacher at any building in the school district to get real-world classroom experience. Before Teacher Academy, I wasn’t sure what grade levels I wanted to teach. Through shadowing in various classrooms during my senior year, I was able to learn that my heart is set on teaching middle childhood, and I realized even more how much I really want to become a teacher—and how well-suited for it I am. Working with the kids was my favorite part of my time in the program. They not only helped me embrace my “inner child,” but they also helped me appreciate the joy in small things. Achieving this dream of becoming a teacher is going to require some work. Once I graduate high school, I’ll be attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. While at college, my plan is to not only earn my bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education (Math and Science concentration), but to also get a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement and begin work on my master’s in Language and Literacy as an undergrad. Yet college is only one part of how I will achieve success as a teacher. When I finally have a classroom of my own, I want to make sure that I don’t lose sight of why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place. Yes, I love school. But helping others learn lights me up. I love being around young people who make me laugh and bring joy to my day. I cherish the opportunity to be the best teacher I can be for my students. For me, this means advocating for my students, giving them the resources they need, and helping them have fun in a place that some kids dislike. I want to be the reason my students like school. I want to help them succeed and become better people. If I can be that teacher for my students, then I will be the most successful educator that I can ever hope to be.

As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my path in education. My name is Leila, and I am a full-time student pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Ohio University Chillicothe. With a passion for nurturing young minds and a commitment to making a difference, I am honored to apply for the Bob Thompson Memorial Scholarship. My journey into the field of education was not a sudden revelation but rather a gradual realization of my calling. Growing up, I attended schools in low-income districts where I witnessed firsthand the impact of dedicated educators who believed in their students' potential. Inspired by their unwavering commitment and the transformative power of education, I embarked on a journey to become a teacher myself. Enrolling at Ohio University Chillicothe has been a pivotal step in my academic and personal growth. The supportive environment and knowledgeable faculty have provided me with invaluable opportunities to expand my understanding of early childhood education. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiences in local school districts, I have been fortunate to immerse myself in diverse learning environments that have enriched my educational journey. One of the highlights of my college experience has been the opportunity to work in various educational settings, including preschools and elementary classrooms. These experiences have deepened my understanding of child development and reinforced my passion for fostering a love of learning in young children. Whether I was tutoring first graders or assisting in a STEM classroom, I found immense joy in witnessing the growth and progress of each student. My dedication to serving students in need extends beyond the classroom. Last year, I accepted the TEACH Grant, committing to teach in a low-income school district for my first four years after graduation. Having attended similar schools myself, I am acutely aware of the challenges that students in these communities face. I am committed to providing them with the support and encouragement they need to succeed academically and beyond. Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of continuing my education to pursue a master's degree. With a focus on furthering my expertise in early childhood education, I am eager to explore innovative teaching methods and strategies that will enhance my ability to meet the diverse needs of my students. My journey in early childhood education has been guided by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children. With the support of the Bob Thompson Memorial Scholarship, I am confident that I will continue to pursue my passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of learners. Thank you for considering my application. Leila A.