KinderKids Early Childhood Excellence Scholarship

I didn't decide I wanted to be a teacher because I loved school. I decided because I loved helping children feel seen, encouraged, and capable. Ever since I was young, I have loved being around kids. Whether it was helping in children's church, babysitting, or volunteering at Vacation Bible School, I have always enjoyed encouraging and helping younger children. As I got older, I realized that I wanted to turn that passion into a career. That is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Auburn University. I want to become a teacher because I know how much of an impact a caring teacher can have on a child's life. One of the biggest reasons I want to be a teacher is because I want to make a difference in the lives of children. Every child deserves someone who believes in them, encourages them, and helps them reach their full potential. I want to be the teacher who creates a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I know that elementary school is such an important time in a child's life because it is when they begin building confidence, developing friendships, and discovering their strengths. My experiences serving at church have played a huge role in my decision to become a teacher. Every other Sunday, I serve in the preschool department, where I get to work with young children and help teach them about God's love. I also serve on the youth worship team at Summit and have volunteered at Vacation Bible School for the past four summers. Through these experiences, I have learned patience, responsibility, and leadership. Most importantly, I have learned how much I enjoy investing in the lives of children and helping them grow. While teachers impact students every day in the classroom, their influence goes far beyond school. Strong educators help build stronger families and communities. Teachers help students develop skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, and they help prepare the next generation to become leaders, workers, parents, and community members. When students succeed, families benefit, local businesses benefit, and communities grow stronger. Education affects everyone, which is why teachers play such an important role in society. As a future teacher, I hope to lead by example through kindness, encouragement, and hard work. I want my students to know that they are valued and capable of achieving great things. I also want to be someone parents can trust and someone who makes a positive impact on the community around me. My goal is not just to teach lessons from a textbook but to help students grow into confident and successful individuals. I believe teaching is one of the most meaningful careers a person can choose. Through my education at Auburn University and my passion for working with children, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of my future students. By helping children learn, grow, and believe in themselves, I know I can help build a stronger community for years to come.

The young mind is molded when it can retain its first memory. There are small memories that last a week to two months and those that last a lifetime. Children can be influenced by these memories and driven toward a successful future. Early education to elementary education forms the basic building blocks of character. Not only are children taught basic skills, but they are taught how to learn. However, as an educator, it is important to choose what they are learning. Whether that be life skills, character building, or intellectual education. Education is a lingering thing. The journey for a student does not end when the bell rings and they leave the classroom. Education is finished when the student decides there is nothing left to learn. As educators, it is our job to light a fire in students and allow that journey of learning never to cease. For myself, education has always been at my core. As a child, I would always play teacher; in school, I would ask to assist, and now as a young adult, I strive to make it my career. The reason I knew this is where my heart lay is due to my time working at a Boys and Girls Club. I began working there my senior year part-time as a program specialist. I then instantly fell in love with the position. Working with kids from a range of ages, starting at five all the way to eighteen. Typically, I was assigned to the youth within the five-to-nine range. That is when I discovered education was my calling. I adored working with kids. During my time there, I was able to witness their frustration when they failed a task, but also their pride when it was overcome. I knew then that I needed to be a part of that. To not only inspire a commitment in every student but a drive as well. Also, while working there, I saw the home lives of the children through passing glimpses. Some of them were abused, others neglected, and some were reckless. Teachers assist in many of those matters, making sure every child is safe and well-cared for. To continue, children tend to bring what they learn home to their families. This is why it is a necessity that educators build character through example. Children learn through viewing the behavior of their teacher and will copy what they see. When positively expressed, this helps home life by encouraging good behavior. This can also positively impact home life by uplifting the child. In homes where children are neglected, they can find peace in small things and joy in their day at school. Furthermore, I recognize that I wish to encourage students to do more than their current capabilities. To show students how they can utilize their current skills for success. But most importantly, I want to make the future a little bit better, one child at a time. Learning does not stop when the bell rings, and time does not stop when the child leaves the classroom. Time continues forward, growing these children into our next generation.