J.E. Anderson Family College Scholarship

My dream of becoming a special education teacher all started when I was in the sixth grade. When growing up, I always struggled academically with a learning disability. I struggled with reading comprehension and fluency. When I was in sixth grade, I started noticing I was different compared to my peers. I went to a different classroom for reading and I was pulled out for speech support. The academics in sixth grade were difficult for me. To be able to complete my homework, I would have to teach with a chalkboard and whiteboard to my mom. This allowed me to fully understand the steps and concepts I was learning in school. My teachers were very supportive, having secret signals to know I needed help, and supporting my strengths in dance and performance. By the end of sixth grade, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. In eighth grade, my embarrassment grew even more going to different art cycles for intervention and pull-out reading class. I remember I had a new teacher for eighth grade and he allowed me to attend my own IEP meeting at the beginning of the year. At the end, he asked if I wanted to add anything to the meeting. I stated, " I do not want to go to high school with any extra support and to be full-time in general education". He mentioned how it will be a long hard road ahead if that is my goal. I worked extremely hard that year in all of my classes. I got re-evaluated during the springtime and I knew that was my time to shine. At our end-of-the-year IEP meeting, I was informed that I no longer qualified for services and I would transition to full-time general education at the beginning of high school. I was so proud of myself that I reached my goal and knew I could reach anything I put my mind to. At the end of high school, I went to college with a semester already completed and the goal to become a special education teacher. My eighth-grade teacher will always be my mentor and inspiration to become the best teacher possible. Since no one in my family attended college, I felt very isolated during my first semester in college. I had no help to assist with the transition and had to learn a new routine for life and learning. I did not allow any of the challenges to break me down. I kept my goal in my head to ensure I made everyone proud and became the special education teacher I wanted. I have finally graduated college with honors. I went back to my community as a first-year Autistic Support teacher in the schools that raised me. Being able to come back is a dream come true. I can be the role model for my community that I had to look up to when I was younger. I just completed my first year of teaching and being provided this scholarship will allow me to continue my education and better myself for my students and my community. I want to continue to break the standards and show my students they can reach all of their goals. Going back for my Master's will allow me to show that to my community.

My decision to pursue a career in special education was deeply influenced by my experiences working as a teacher assistant for over six years in a Pre-K classroom. During that time, I had the privilege of working with diverse groups of children, including those with special needs. I quickly realized that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves personalized support and guidance to help them reach their full potential. Working closely with children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges showed me how important it is to have educators who are dedicated to understanding their unique needs. This experience fueled my passion for becoming a special education teacher, where I can make an even greater impact by advocating for and supporting children who need it most. As a first-generation student, the path to pursuing higher education has been filled with challenges. Growing up in a low-income household with limited access to educational resources, I often felt the weight of being the first in my family to navigate the complexities of college and higher education. Financial constraints and the lack of familial guidance have been major obstacles, but I have persevered, driven by the desire to break the cycle and set an example for others in my community. Being a first-generation student has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, not just to myself, but to my family and others who may face similar challenges. I am determined to show that it is possible to overcome these barriers and achieve success, even when the odds seem stacked against you. In the field of special education, I plan to break barriers by advocating for inclusive education practices that ensure all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to a high-quality education. I understand that many children with disabilities face stigma, discrimination, and a lack of resources, which can hinder their academic and personal growth. As a special education teacher, I want to challenge these inequities by fostering a classroom environment that promotes acceptance, understanding, and support for all students. I also hope to work closely with families to empower them as advocates for their children’s education, bridging the gap between home and school to create a more inclusive community. This scholarship would be an essential stepping stone in helping me achieve my goals in special education. Financial support is crucial for me, as I continue my education and work towards earning my degree. As a first-generation student, the financial burden of college is significant, and this scholarship would alleviate some of that pressure, allowing me to focus more on my studies and the skills I need to become an effective special education teacher. Additionally, receiving this scholarship would be a reminder of the belief others have in my potential and my ability to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. In conclusion, my experiences as a teacher assistant have inspired me to pursue a career in special education, where I can advocate for and support children with diverse learning needs. Overcoming the obstacles of being a first-generation student has only strengthened my determination to break barriers in education, and with the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals and make a lasting impact in the field of special education.