Doris Nicole Woodhouse Memorial Scholarship

I always had a latent thought that teachers hold a significant power in shaping a child's life, and really, when you think about it, any adult can hold that power whether the child knows them or the mere interaction they might share with them, that the child may hold with them forever. In my experience, I've had two major influences that have made me want to pursue the education career field, both cases come from my experience in high school. My first was my art teacher, Ms. Walters. She has always encouraged me to take on the interest and to pursue art as a career interest. She has been my art teacher throughout my entire high school career someone I can talk to about my problems. She has become a leader and a mentor in my life. My second is Mrs. Naif. She teaches Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow. This class pulled me further into teaching and wanting to become a teacher. I originally took the class because I needed help with my public speaking and wanted to try something different. But within those two years of taking this class ( Junior year level 1, Senior year level 2 ( current year)) it has opened my eyes in such a unique way. It gives you a little insight into what your future may look like. I've been pulling small groups aside and doing mini-lessons with them and just being able to see them catch on and ask questions about the lesson or something completely off-topic, is something I find so special because it means they are engaged and curious, that they want and are willing to expand their knowledge. It's also the aspect of them being able to open up to you. It lets you know that they're comfortable with you, that you have become someone to them, more than "just a teacher", some that they can confide in. I can confidently say that since my sophomore year I have been prepping myself for the careers to choose from, as well as slowly slipping into the education field. My junior year, I joined Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow, as I previously stated that I joined to help with my public speaking ( I wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer). As I continued with the class, I have learned from the k-12 class, unfair education systems between women and men and blacks and whites, the special education system, the history of special education, and more. This class has taught me so much and with the opportunities to intern at Old Donation school for gifted children and Newtown elementary. Just being able to shadow these teachers and experiencing the behind the scenes of a teacher's daily schedule first hand has prepped me in so many ways, as well as experiencing the contrast between the two schools, education levels, and the courses. It has definitely given me a perspective of the future and given me some leeway. Furthering my education will give me more insight as well as grow more in myself, learning not what I can gain, but how can I give? How can I give back? How can I lead the children of the future? I want to make a difference. In order for me to give back, I have to give to myself, expand my knowledge, because sometimes it's more than being a teacher; it's being a parent, nurse, detective, and therapist. We have to be these things in order to show up for them.