I am interested in becoming an educator because I believe that it is the most impactful way that I will be able to make a difference in the world. I have always found joy in helping others learn but over the years I have discovered that teaching isn't just about helping kids learn, it's being a person they can lean on in times of hardship and challenge. As I reflect on my own education journey I realized the years I have thrived overall have correlated with the years that I have had the most loving, caring, involved, and kind hearted teachers. The reason I am going into teaching is in hopes of being as amazing as those who came before me. those who pushed me, comforted me, and guided me through those tough moments when I needed not only a mentor but also a friend. I owe my career and my academic success to the following; Mrs. Kate Wilson, Mrs. Molly Freese, Mr. Micheal Pederson, Mrs. Ashley Hadley, Mrs. Kaylee Knust, Mrs. Maddison Amsler, Mrs. Caitlan Heuscher, and Mrs. Ellie Connell. I knew in my heart that I was meant to teach young children. A quote from Dr. McHazlett, La Grange ISD Superintendent, resonated deeply with me: "Kids who are loved at home come to school to learn, kids who aren't come to school to be loved." At that moment, I knew teaching was my purpose. As i peruse a career in education I have been able to intern at Woodland Montessori school in Kalispell MT to experience the day to day procedure of an alternative school while also working closely with teachers who have worked in both public and private schools. I have also received the opportunity to observe my nanny kids transition into a homeschool co-op program locally run in our community and have been able to sit with them, tutor them and cater too their different learning styles to help them flourish. I have done this all within the past year and have loved every second of it. I am more certain now than ever before that teaching young children is my life's purpose. Shortly after settling on teaching elementary age children I discovered Montana Western. A number of my teachers, friends, and peers have attended UMW and have had nothing but positive and unforgettable experiences. Western really stood out to me due to the affordability along with the more than ideal scheduling since I will be working through college. I felt immediately drawn to UMW. I will be paying for my education out of pocket from the money I have saved up over the past two years and I knew with the amazing opportunities Western offers, I could pursue my passion without being in debt. Having the opportunity to gain scholarships would allow me to focus more heavily on my education. I have developed a strong passion for teaching and am confident that I can and will make a difference in numerous children's lives by demonstrating the care, love, compassion, and patience that has been given to me by the teachers who have come before me. Now that I have completed my high school career, I see the desperate need for kind, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, and dedicated teachers. I am far from perfect but I know this is my calling, this is my purpose, and some child is going to need the love, care, and kindness I can provide and I will be there ready to help them learn and grow in every way I can.

From a young age, I’ve always found myself drawn to the joy of helping others learn. What began as a simple love for caring for children grew into a deeper calling, a desire to become a teacher who not only educates but uplifts, supports, and inspires the next generation. For me, teaching is more than a career; it’s a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children every day. The decision to pursue teaching solidified during my seventh-grade year, one of the most challenging times in my life. I was navigating personal struggles, social change, and the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the chaos, one of my teachers consistently showed up for me offering encouragement, and compassion. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself, and I realized I wanted to be that person for someone else. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to gaining hands-on experience with children. I’ve worked as a nanny for five years, interned at Woodland Montessori School, and supported students in a local homeschool co-op. These roles have shaped me into a patient, empathetic, and resourceful ‘educator-in-training’. I’ve seen first-hand how small gestures, like a smile, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement, can impact a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. In the fall of 2025, I will attend the University of Montana Western in Dillon to pursue a degree in Elementary Education for grades K-8. I chose UMW for its strong education program, affordability, and flexible scheduling that supports working students. While attending, I plan to participate in their unique Rule-School program, where upperclassmen gain experience leading local classrooms on Fridays. This opportunity will help me grow into a confident, capable teacher before I even graduate. My ultimate goal is to teach in a small-town or rural public school, much like the ones I attended. I want to create a classroom that feels safe, welcoming, and full of possibility. I believe all children deserve a teacher who sees them for who they are, who values their voice, and who challenges them to grow, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. Teaching is my purpose. I want to be the person a child remembers not just for the lessons I taught, but for the way I made them feel. With every student I meet, I hope to be a source of stability, encouragement, and belief, and in doing so, make a lifelong impact.