Fred Rabasca Memorial Scholarship

Teachers were my beacon of light during all of my dark times. I didn't have the best childhood, and when that started to wear on me in the classroom, my teachers took notice and did everything in their power to support me. I lived in an abusive household from ages 3 to 13. This wormed its way into my behavior in the classroom. Some days I'd just cower or burst into tears, other days I'd wear a mask and pretend like everything was fine. It takes a good teacher to identify and help a student in pain, but it takes a great teacher to see beyond the mask and get to the root of a problem. Almost all of my teachers had this ability and helped me through my tough times. Even after I left that toxic environment, my teachers were there for me when I needed them. My late aunt was also a teacher, which I believe also had an impact on me. It also helped that I learned to read before many of my peers, so I took joy in helping them sound out words to make sentences. High school was also an important time for me. My teachers were very important to me. On top of learning the basic subjects, like English and Mathematics, I also learned how to be a successful human being, and how to stand up for others. I was taught to think outside of the box, and be critical of the things I encounter. Knowing how powerful a teacher can be on the life of a student, I want to pay it forward to the future generations by being this beacon of light to those who really need me. In a world that is full of uncertainty, I strive to be a role model and somebody my students can rely on. My classroom will stay the same in the sense that I will always be there for my students, and there will always be something to learn, even if it isn't relevant to the subject I teach. I plan to earn my Bachelor's in English Education and teach at the high school I attended. After I settle in, I wish to earn my Master's, and then a doctorate if that is in the cards. The students are the future. With nobody to help them in their time of need, it is expected that they will close themselves off to social development and never live up to their fullest potential. Teachers have the power to shape young minds and lead them to fulfill their potential, allowing them to come leaders and role models in the same way their teachers were for them. With my one life, I want to be that role model, that beacon of light, if only for one student.