Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship

Growing up, I had the good fortune to have outstanding instructors who motivated me to become a teacher. But one African American educator, Ms. Wilson, had a significant influence on my decision to become a teacher. She helped me set goals and increased my understanding of the difficulties I would encounter as a Black woman. Ms. Wilson served as a role model in addition to being a teacher. Upon entering her classroom, it became evident that she had a sincere love for teaching and a strong bond with her children. Her innovative approaches to teaching reflected her contagious passion for the material. Her constant commitment to creating a welcoming and encouraging learning environment had the biggest influence on me. Ms. Wilson was well aware of the obstacles and discrimination that kids of color frequently encounter because she herself an African American educator. Rather than avoiding confronting these problems, she welcomed them as chances for personal development and empowerment. She pushed us to consider the world critically and compassionately, and she promoted candid conversations about race, identity, and social justice. Ms. Wilson discussed her personal experiences and tales to illustrate the realities of being a Black woman in society. She was honest in her discussion of the enduring structural prejudices and disparities, highlighting the value of perseverance, self-advocacy, and hard work. Her speech struck a deep chord with me because I could see the truth in it. She reminded me that even though I might have to put in more effort and overcome more barriers as a Black woman to reach my goals, these difficulties shouldn't stop me from going for my aspirations. The influence of Ms. Wilson went much beyond the classroom. She deliberately tried to establish a personal connection with each of her students in order to promote a feeling of community and belonging. She urged us to value our uniqueness and honor our cultural background. Her constant encouragement and faith in our abilities inspired us to pursue greatness and go past any self-doubt or outside constraints. My desire to have a similar influence on other people's lives was sparked by Ms. Wilson's instruction, which allowed me to observe the transformational potential of education. I came to see teaching as a means of empowering and molding young minds, not just a means of dispensing knowledge. The goal is to establish a welcoming and secure environment where children feel appreciated, heard, and seen. It is about providing students with the knowledge and abilities need to successfully negotiate the world's complexities and actively participate in good change. Not only can education change people's lives, but it can also eliminate structural injustices and promote a society that is more just and equal, which is why I am so passionate about it. As a prospective educator, I'm dedicated to giving my pupils the information, abilities, and encouragement they require to succeed intellectually, socially, and emotionally. My goal is to establish a classroom atmosphere that embraces diversity, dispels myths, and fosters compassion and understanding. In conclusion, it is impossible to overestimate Ms. Wilson's impact on my path to become a teacher. My dreams and enthusiasm for teaching have been strengthened by her unwavering dedication to her students, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to inspire and encourage young minds. I'm resolved to carry on her legacy by putting in endless effort to provide the pupils I have the honor of teaching with a constructive and life-changing educational experience. I want to impart in my kids, one lesson at a time, the same resilience, self-assurance, and empowerment that Ms. Wilson gave me.

Teaching was not my original career path, but looking back, I can see that education has always been a part of who I am. I have always believed in the power of learning, in the way a good teacher can change a student’s life, and in the importance of ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. That belief led me to where I am today, teaching high school English in North Carolina while earning my teaching certification through East Carolina University. My journey into teaching was shaped by my own experiences as a student and later as a parent. After having my first child, I returned to school to finish my degree, determined to show my children that perseverance matters. During that time, I took elective courses that ignited my interest in education and made me think deeply about the role teachers play in shaping young minds. After graduation, I worked as a substitute teacher and quickly realized how much I loved the classroom. I enjoyed building relationships with students, guiding them through challenging material, and seeing the excitement when a lesson truly resonated. I knew then that teaching was where I was meant to be. Throughout my life, I have had many teachers who inspired me, but one stands out in particular. In high school, I had a 10th grade English teacher who not only made literature come alive but also believed in me at a time when I struggled to believe in myself. She challenged me to think critically, to push beyond my comfort zone, and to find my own voice as a writer. More importantly, she showed me that great teachers do more than teach, they listen, they encourage, and they help students see their own potential. Her influence stayed with me, and now, as an English teacher myself, I strive to provide that same kind of support and inspiration to my students. It almost seems like fate that I now teach 10th grade English myself. Teaching is more than a job to me, it is a calling. Every day, I step into my classroom knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference. I want my students to leave my class not just with stronger reading and writing skills, but with confidence in their abilities and an understanding of the power of education. As I continue my journey, earning my teaching certification and growing as an educator, I remain committed to being the kind of teacher who challenges, supports, and inspires.

Sitting down at the kidney bean-shaped table, I eagerly called five third graders to join me for a group read. Never before had I had the opportunity to teach a group of students; I could barely retain my excitement. Even as a toddler, I stood aside my three-foot-tall whiteboard with an Expo marker at hand, dreaming of becoming a teacher. Now, as a high school Teacher Cadet student, my dream was about to become a reality. The students surrounded the circular table and opened their thin paperback books. One by one, they successfully mastered sentences from the booklet. As I called on the last child to read he gazed down at the black and white page with confusion. The tall brunette boy attempted to sound out each letter of every word but struggled to do so. I was disheartened to discover his inability to read even the small words. After class, my instructor, Mrs. Wood, sorrowfully informed me that this boy is still on a kindergarten reading level and lacks support at home to help him improve. I was dispirited to discover the young boy’s struggle. I even began to doubt my own ability to become a teacher, thinking negative thoughts like “There is nothing I can do to help”, and “What’s the point of trying?” Returning to my high school Teacher Cadet class with a heavy heart, I explained the situation to my teacher Mrs. Miles. Despite the issue, Mrs. Miles was always there to listen to my concerns. She supported me in all of my personal and academic pursuits; her guidance even inspired me to attend my current college, Appalachian State University. After describing my internship experience, Mrs. Miles glanced at me with caring eyes and began to speak softly. She explained that teaching is a difficult job, and we as educators will often carry home the burdens of our students. However, unlike most careers, teachers have the unique ability to inspire and support hundreds of children no matter their circumstances. Mrs. Miles’ reassuring words of encouragement motivated me to continue to pursue my dream career as an elementary teacher. As an educator, I hope to provide needed support to all students, whether by passing on words of encouragement or staying late after school to tutor a child. I want to inspire future generations so that they have the opportunity to read, write, and excel in the classroom. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in education so that I can support hundreds of children in their journey to discover success and happiness, as my teachers, like Mrs. Miles, have done for me. As a freshman at Appalachian State University, I am now closer than ever to achieving my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I have even been presented with the honor to be a member of the Appalachian Community of Educators program to further focus on teacher leadership. However, my family does not have the funds to support me financially throughout college. After all, my twin sister is also pursuing a college degree, and my little sister will soon join us as first-generation college students. I would be honored to receive the Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship to help support my academic journey to become a teacher and inspire the future of tomorrow.