Throughout my life, I've encountered many teachers, but when I look back, one teacher truly stands apart from the rest. For me, that teacher is Mrs. McCurry, my high school health science teacher. Her passion for healthcare, her dedication to her students, and her unwavering belief in my potential transformed not only the way I viewed school but also the way I viewed myself and the possibilities for my future. Before entering Mrs. McCurry's class, I had no clue what I wanted to do after high school. I often found myself second-guessing myself about my abilities, always thinking everything I did in school wasn't enough. That's why I'll never forget the day Mrs. McCurry approached me my freshman year of high school about joining the three-year Panola College Medical Assistant program. I was very hesitant. Like I stated before, I doubted my abilities to be able to complete such a hard program, and I didn't even know if I'd like or be able to figure out and learn complex medical concepts. Mrs. McCurry saw something in me, though, that I didn't. I don't know what she saw, but she gave me the encouragement as well as support to join the medical assistant program, and through the three years of me working in the program, she has been there helping me every step of the way. Through Mrs. McCurry's classes, I found a true love and passion in the medical field. I went from not knowing what I wanted to do with my life to finding a whole world of possibilities through the healthcare field, and this is all because of Mrs. McCurry. I'm proud to say because of her unwavering support, I will be gaining my Texas Medical Assistant license at the end of this month. Due to Mrs. McCurry's teaching, I've gained a new level of confidence in myself that I previously did not and never thought I would have. Something Mrs. McCurry always tells me is, "You need to bet on yourself." This is why attending college is important to me. By attending college, I'm betting on myself. This is something that before taking Mrs. McCurry's class I would have never had the confidence to do, but now I'm so excited and optimistic about furthering my education in college. I'm planning on attending Stephen F. Austin University this fall with the goal of getting my bachelor's degree in nursing. If financially able, my long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Attending college is important in expanding on my education in a career field that I have a true passion for. Now that I'm betting on myself, I intend to do everything in my power to complete my goals and accomplish everything I set my mind to.

Throughout my life, I've encountered many teachers, but when I look back, one teacher truly stands apart from the rest. For me, that teacher is Mrs. McCurry, my high school health science teacher. Her passion for healthcare, her dedication to her students, and her unwavering belief in my potential transformed not only the way I viewed school but also the way I viewed myself and the possibilities for my future. Before entering Mrs. McCurry's class, I had no clue what I wanted to do after high school. I often found myself second-guessing myself about my abilities, always thinking everything I did in school wasn't enough. That's why I'll never forget the day Mrs. McCurry approached me my freshman year of high school about joining the three-year Panola College Medical Assistant program. I was very hesitant. Like I stated before, I doubted my abilities to be able to complete such a hard program, and I didn't even know if I'd like or be able to figure out and learn complex medical concepts. Mrs. McCurry saw something in me, though, that I didn't. I don't know what she saw, but she gave me the encouragement as well as support to join the medical assistant program, and through the three years of me working in the program, she has been there helping me every step of the way. Through Mrs. McCurry's classes, I found a true love and passion in the medical field. I went from not knowing what I wanted to do with my life to finding a whole world of possibilities through the healthcare field, and this is all because of Mrs. McCurry. I'm proud to say because of her unwavering support, I will be gaining my Texas Medical Assistant license at the end of this month. Due to Mrs. McCurry's teaching, I've gained a new level of confidence in myself that I previously did not and never thought I would have. Something Mrs. McCurry always tells me is, "You need to bet on yourself." This is why attending college is important to me. By attending college, I'm betting on myself. This is something that before taking Mrs. McCurry's class I would have never had the confidence to do, but now I'm so excited and optimistic about furthering my education in college. I'm planning on attending Stephen F. Austin University this fall with the goal of getting my bachelor's degree in nursing. If financially able, my long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Attending college is important in expanding on my education in a career field that I have a true passion for. Now that I'm betting on myself, I intend to do everything in my power to complete my goals and accomplish everything I set my mind to.