I come from Detroit Michigan as a foster youth, so having a support system that can help me and give me advice means so much to me. It was really hard to see others bring their parents in or talk about their family, while I didn’t have my biological one. It made me feel outcasted and alone, and the only thing that really helped me feel involved was the classroom and especially the educators I had. Growing up a big part of that was my teachers, and from a young age being a teacher was my dream. Since I was young I was helping kids with their work, learning something new, or even just hanging around the teachers. Being a teacher and seeing how they affect so many kids interested me. I wanted to be able to do the same for another kid who feels as though they’re alone. And now that I'm in college, being able to work towards that dream means so much to me. Being a teacher that can make a student's day, or being someone a student can trust and come to means everything to me. It just shows that I’m able to give back such a valuable thing that was given to me, that still is being handed to me as I go through college. To have at least one person who believes, supports, understands, and hears you despite your background not being “normal” or “perfect”. To see you the same way as someone who does have a steady childhood and background, and help you have the same chance they do. A teacher that has had a positive impact on my life was my high school social studies and law teacher. He was someone who was not only a teacher but a friend, mentor, leader, supporter, and so much more. He helped me apply to Michigan State University, helped me join programs that would support me, helped me through tough times with my family and health. Mr. Charles made it to where coming to his class never felt like a chore but a vacation from what was going on in my life to have fun and be myself. When I was in a hard time with my guardian being sick and in the hospital and worrying about my family. I had to stay home for a while and he was there to make sure that I stayed up to date with all the work, and even when I was doomed to fail the class he allowed me to do some work to raise my grade up to a B. He strongly believed in helping those who are willing to help themselves, that someone who shows promise and needs a little help should get that help. He also helped me understand that the worst thing you can do is give up without trying when things get hard. From having Mr. Charles as my teacher really gave me a new look on life, that while some students may have it hard the ones who keep pushing through have something to prove. And as a teacher or a person, to not try to help them, or get to understand them is giving up on them as well. I learned to give everyone a chance, to not assume anything, but to be there and lend a helping hand. That helping that one student just for five minutes is better than ignoring them.

I have decided to become a teacher because education was always something I was passionate about. I wanted to not only help others learn, but also be someone who gave back in more ways than just teaching. I wanted to give the kids of the future someone to lean on and look up to, I wanted to be a figure of love and support just as i had when I needed it the most. I also want to help inspire a kid to achieve their dream or even just unlock their passion and love for learning as a whole. I had two teachers that truly impacted my desire to be an educator, my Kindergarten and High School social studies teachers. And my father, he had a huge impact on my future and passion for going into the field of education. I'm a foster care child, so I have always had a disconnect when it comes to personal relationships. I couldn't really find anything that was my own, that was until I started school in Kindergarten. I was never in preschool, so I didn't know that being in school meant my legal guardian (father) dropped me off and left. So I was devastated and thought that he didn't want me anymore. My teacher at the time, Mrs. Shapiro, was the only one who could calm me down, and by doing that I was able to see that I adored being in the school and learning new things. She was the one that I credit to helping open my heart up and starting off my passion of teaching. My high school teacher, Mr. Charles, was one of my favorite teachers because he helped show me the true struggles that comes with being a teacher. He told me what it really takes, and that it's far from perfect. However, seeing the children come smiling to you, or they're excited to be with you, even after having a rough day at home or outside of class, is rewarding to teachers. That gave me the feeling that not only was teaching a passion for me, but it was something that I needed to do. Mr. Charles helped me push forward and see the next steps, which was college, he helped give me the support needed to help apply. Once I got accepted he helped me join other programs that would be so beneficial to me. My dad was someone who didn't graduate from high school or college so seeing me graduate high school was huge to him. Then seeing me get accepted into college and not have to pay anything was amazing to him. At first he wasn't sure about the teaching thing, just because of the financial challenges, and other issues that he had heard of. But once he realized how passionate I was about it, he jumped right on board and became on of my biggest supporters.He wold alway brag about how proud he was of me. That felt so nice knowing that I had someone if not my real parents there to support me. However he died a year ago and it felt like I lost everything, it was a winding road of numbness, pain, heartache, and devastation. He was the only family I really had and once he passed I was left alone to navigate t=hee newt heights by myself.

My name is Aja McAllum, and I am pursuing a major in K–12 Special Education with an endorsement in 3–6 General Education. I have always believed in the power of education to create change, not just in individual lives but in entire communities. As someone who has been in foster care and have seen the effect that education can have on someone, I am deeply passionate about equity, inclusion, and the celebration of diverse abilities. My career goal is to be a transformative force in the lives of students with special needs through not only my teaching but my advocacy and my relationship with all of my students. My drive to work in special education is rooted in personal experiences and my growing awareness of the gaps that exist in our education system. I have seen firsthand how the educational system has been used to belittle and oppress many different identities. I wanted to fight against that by providing those who have these impairments/disabilities the rightful love and support they deserve. These observations have solidified my commitment to creating a classroom that is not only welcoming but where every learner is valued, challenged, and empowered. One of the ways I plan to make a positive social impact is by implementing individualized, strengths-based instruction. Too often, special education focuses heavily on deficits, which leads to the students developing a victim mentality, or a can't do mindset. They feel as though that they can't do something purely because of their disability, or they don't try because they see no point in it. I want to change the narrative by identifying what students are capable of doing and using those strengths as a foundation for their education. I also plan to incorporate trauma-informed practices to ensure that my teaching is accessible, affirming, and responsive to the whole child. Additionally, I believe representation in and outside of the classroom matters in education. As a future Black educator, I understand the importance of students seeing teachers who look like them and who understand the cultural nuances that shape their lives. I plan to use my voice and position to challenge biases, foster cross-cultural understanding, and inspire others to see the brilliance in every student, regardless of ability. I also understand that being willing and accepting that you will have students who are not like you personally is crucial as well. In everything I do, my purpose will always be clear: to create classrooms where all students—especially those with special needs—feel safe, respected, and capable of achieving their full potential. Through compassionate and whole child teaching and advocacy for my students where they aren't able to be at, I aim to help build a world that truly sees and supports every learner no matter who they are.

My name is Aja McAllum, and I am pursuing a major in K–12 Special Education with an endorsement in 3–6 General Education. I have always believed in the power of education to create change, not just in individual lives but in entire communities. As someone who has been in foster care and have seen the effect that education can have on someone, I am deeply passionate about equity, inclusion, and the celebration of diverse abilities. My career goal is to be a transformative force in the lives of students with special needs through not only my teaching but my advocacy and my relationship with all of my students. My drive to work in special education is rooted in personal experiences and my growing awareness of the gaps that exist in our education system. I have seen firsthand how the educational system has been used to belittle and oppress many different identities. I wanted to fight against that by providing those who have these impairments/disabilities the rightful love and support they deserve. These observations have solidified my commitment to creating a classroom that is not only welcoming but where every learner is valued, challenged, and empowered. One of the ways I plan to make a positive social impact is by implementing individualized, strengths-based instruction. Too often, special education focuses heavily on deficits, which leads to the students developing a victim mentality, or a can't do mindset. They feel as though that they can't do something purely because of their disability, or they don't try because they see no point in it. I want to change the narrative by identifying what students are capable of doing and using those strengths as a foundation for their education. I also plan to incorporate trauma-informed practices to ensure that my teaching is accessible, affirming, and responsive to the whole child. Additionally, I believe representation in and outside of the classroom matters in education. As a future Black educator, I understand the importance of students seeing teachers who look like them and who understand the cultural nuances that shape their lives. I plan to use my voice and position to challenge biases, foster cross-cultural understanding, and inspire others to see the brilliance in every student, regardless of ability. I also understand that being willing and accepting that you will have students who are not like you personally is crucial as well. In everything I do, my purpose will always be clear: to create classrooms where all students—especially those with special needs—feel safe, respected, and capable of achieving their full potential. Through compassionate and whole child teaching and advocacy for my students where they aren't able to be at, I aim to help build a world that truly sees and supports every learner no matter who they are.

Cancer has affected my life and educational goals due to the loss of my own father to cancer. Because of the fact that recently my father has passed from cancer, it seems as if I lost a huge part and version of myself. He passed in the summer of my incoming sophomore year, and truthfully it has been very hard dealing with his loss and how much my life has changed without him here. It seems as if one day I do not think about it, or I feel as though he is still there, and the next it feels like a train has come and uprooted my whole life. Knowing that I can't see him or have him here anymore truly is heartbreaking, and no matter how much time has passed it still feels as though it happened yesterday. My dad would always talk about how much time he didn't have, and how important we were to him, but as his child I didn't want to think about the fact that he was going to go. As it got close to his time or passing, I could notice the fear and pain he was going through everyday, and that tore me down even more. Despite that he would still try to be there for us, laugh, smile, and be the happiest he could be, even though we all saw him slowly slipping away from life. I am passionate about pursuing a career in education because my father was always so happy about me going to college and becoming a teacher. I have always wanted to be in education and he was a big support in helping me choose education, and even looking into special education. Before he passed we were talking about my passion for teaching and if I was sure this was the right path for me. I told him that if I can be the family for my students, or just someone who has hope and wants to see them succeed when no one else has any then I want to do that. I want to show my students that they shouldn't let anything stop them from moving forward. Afterwards my father told me the same thing, so when I think about special education I think about my dad and how much he actually supported me and how I can support others who need that uplifting hand as well.

I come from Detroit Michigan as a foster youth, so having a support system that can help me and give me advice means so much to me. It was really hard to see others bring their parents in or talk about their family, while I didn’t have my biological one. It made me feel outcasted and alone, and the only thing that really helped me feel involved was the classroom and especially the educators I had. Growing up a big part of that was my teachers, and from a young age being a teacher was my dream. Since I was young I was helping kids with their work, learning something new, or even just hanging around the teachers. Being a teacher and seeing how they affect so many kids interested me. I wanted to be able to do the same for another kid who feels as though they’re alone. And now that I'm in college, being able to work towards that dream means so much to me. Being a teacher that can make a student's day, or being someone a student can trust and come to means everything to me. It just shows that I’m able to give back such a valuable thing that was given to me, that still is being handed to me as I go through college. To have at least one person who believes, supports, understands, and hears you despite your background not being “normal” or “perfect”. To see you the same way as someone who does have a steady childhood and background, and help you have the same chance they do. A teacher that has had a positive impact on my life was my high school social studies and law teacher. He was someone who was not only a teacher but a friend, mentor, leader, supporter, and so much more. He helped me apply to Michigan State University, helped me join programs that would support me, helped me through tough times with my family and health. Mr. Charles made it to where coming to his class never felt like a chore but a vacation from what was going on in my life to have fun and be myself. When I was in a hard time with my guardian being sick and in the hospital and worrying about my family. I had to stay home for a while and he was there to make sure that I stayed up to date with all the work, and even when I was doomed to fail the class he allowed me to do some work to raise my grade up to a B. He strongly believed in helping those who are willing to help themselves, that someone who shows promise and needs a little help should get that help. He also helped me understand that the worst thing you can do is give up without trying when things get hard. From having Mr. Charles as my teacher really gave me a new look on life, that while some students may have it hard the ones who keep pushing through have something to prove. And as a teacher or a person, to not try to help them, or get to understand them is giving up on them as well. I learned to give everyone a chance, to not assume anything, but to be there and lend a helping hand. That helping that one student just for five minutes is better than ignoring them.

I embody the B.A.B.Y.L.O.V.E. spirit because I've always held education, helping others, giving back, and equity at such a high standard. I've always gone out of my way to help others, and a big reason why I've majored in Special Education with a General Education 3rd-6th grade endorsement is because I want to give back more. To show that every student no matter what is deserving of not only love, but a chance. A chance to shine the way that they are meant to without the burdens of anything holding them down. I've always been put down for the color of my skin, my family status, socioeconomic status, and many other things. Coming to college was always a dream for me, something that I always wanted but was told was near impossible for me to get. So to be accepted into Michigan State University, it's truly a passion and dream that I want to make sure that I complete. Not only for my love of learning, but also for the many children that would be affected by me getting my degree and certificate of teaching. I've also given back by joining the Future Teachers of Color program here at MSU. It's an affinity group dedicated to the support, advancement, and advocacy of students of color here at our College of Education. I've done many things by planning out a foster care informational panel, and also running our mentorship program. I've also been involved with our dorm hall's government as not only a treasurer, but also the president. My main goals when it comes to joining these programs is to support whoever I can and make an impact that will not only last my duration there but also many years even decades later. I'm very passionate about being able to stand up and speak for those who share the same identity as me in some aspect. I have spoken at panels and events, participated in events for minoritized students, initiated and helped in research for underrepresented communities, and many more. Just having a chance to make that difference in any way that I can is amazing to me. I'm also apart of Michigan State University's Gospel Choir (MSUGC), I am not only a general member but I am also the fundraising chair for the choir. We are currently starting a fundraiser for our concert, but I have more ideas to help not only support our choir but give back to different charities through different crafts and drives. I have so many different ideas to bring the gospel and minister to different groups to show them that they aren't alone and always have someone supporting them.

My name is Aja McAllum, currently, I am 18 years old. I am a ward of the state living with my guardian and two half-sisters. I graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit Michigan in June of 2023. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA, and 3 A.P. classes, and I was a company commander in my school's JROTC program. I am a current freshman at Michigan State University majoring in Education. I want to attend college because I would become a first gen college student. I want to give my family something to be proud of. And in addition to that, I want to give my sisters something to look up to and aim for when it's their time to apply to college. I also wanted to go to college so that I can make myself proud and prove that no matter what I can be successful despite whatever is put against me. Going to college will help show me and those around me that I am heading toward a brighter future and that they can do the same as well. Attending college is also going to give me the access to higher education that I want to gain. I come from Detroit Michigan as a foster youth, so having a support system that can help me and give me advice means so much to me. It was really hard to see others bring their parents in or talk about their family, while I didn’t have my biological one. It made me feel outcasted and alone, and the only thing that really helped me feel involved was the classroom and especially the educators I had. Growing up a big part of that was my teachers, and from a young age being a teacher was my dream. Since I was young I was helping kids with their work, learning something new, or even just hanging around the teachers. Being a teacher and seeing how they affect so many kids interested me. I wanted to be able to do the same for another kid who feels as though they’re alone. And now that I'm in college, being able to work towards that dream means so much to me. Being a teacher that can make a student's day, or being someone a student can trust and come to means everything to me. It just shows that I’m able to give back such a valuable thing that was given to me, that still is being handed to me as I go through college. To have at least one person who believes, supports, understands, and hears you despite your background not being “normal” or “perfect”. To see you the same way as someone who does have a steady childhood and background, and help you have the same chance they do.

I come from Detroit Michigan as a foster youth, so having a support system that can help me and give me advice means so much to me. It was really hard to see others bring their parents in or talk about their family, while I didn’t have my biological one. It made me feel outcasted and alone, and the only thing that really helped me feel involved was the classroom and especially the educators I had. Growing up a big part of that was my teachers, and from a young age being a teacher was my dream. Since I was young I was helping kids with their work, learning something new, or even just hanging around the teachers. Being a teacher and seeing how they affect so many kids interested me. I wanted to be able to do the same for another kid who feels as though they’re alone. And now that I'm in college, being able to work towards that dream means so much to me. Being a teacher that can make a student's day, or being someone a student can trust and come to means everything to me. It just shows that I’m able to give back such a valuable thing that was given to me, that still is being handed to me as I go through college. To have at least one person who believes, supports, understands, and hears you despite your background not being “normal” or “perfect”. To see you the same way as someone who does have a steady childhood and background, and help you have the same chance they do.A teacher that has had a positive impact on my life was my high school social studies and law teacher. He was someone who was not only a teacher but a friend, mentor, leader, supporter, and so much more. He helped me apply to Michigan State University, helped me join programs that would support me, helped me through tough times with my family and health. Mr. Charles made it to where coming to his class never felt like a chore but a vacation from what was going on in my life to have fun and be myself. When I was in a hard time with my guardian being sick and in the hospital and worrying about my family. I had to stay home for a while and he was there to make sure that I stayed up to date with all the work, and even when I was doomed to fail the class he allowed me to do some work to raise my grade up to a B. He strongly believed in helping those who are willing to help themselves, that someone who shows promise and needs a little help should get that help. He also helped me understand that the worst thing you can do is give up without trying when things get hard. From having Mr. Charles as my teacher really gave me a new look on life, that while some students may have it hard the ones who keep pushing through have something to prove. And as a teacher or a person, to not try to help them, or get to understand them is giving up on them as well. I learned to give everyone a chance, to not assume anything, but to be there and lend a helping hand. That helping that one student just for five minutes is better than ignoring them.

My name is Aja McAllum, currently, I am 18 years old. I am a ward of the state living with my guardian and two half-sisters. I graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit Michigan in June of 2023. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA, and 3 A.P. classes, and I was a company commander in my school's JROTC program. I am a current freshman at Michigan State University majoring in Education. I want to attend college because I would become a first gen college student. I want to give my family something to be proud of. And in addition to that, I want to give my sisters something to look up to and aim for when it's their time to apply to college. I also wanted to go to college so that I can make myself proud and prove that no matter what I can be successful despite whatever is put against me. Going to college will help show me and those around me that I am heading toward a brighter future and that they can do the same as well. Attending college is also going to give me the access to higher education that I want to gain. I love to learn new things in different ways and going to college will give me that opportunity. Going to college will give me chances to experience new environments and people that share the same or different characteristics as me. Being able to interact with those situations seem exciting and I would love to be able to get the chance to see and communicate with different sites and other people attending college. Some of my college goals are to graduate college with no debt to my name. I also want to be able to achieve my bachelor's degree in elementary education. A few smaller goals are to be more active than I was able to be in high school. I want to make friends and relationships that will last a lifetime. One life goals that I have are to become an elementary teacher. I want to help the next generation grow and succeed with the resources necessary to tackle whatever they may encounter in their life. I also want to be able to help give my family a secure and better life to live financially. Being there for my family, and the community are life goals that I aspire to achieve.

I have overcome adversity in many different ways currently and throughout my life. Different tribulations have occurred and I have tried so many different methods to battle it. Sometimes I remind myself of who I am exactly, I know that whatever stereotypes are put against me that the only true thing is what I let myself believe. Another difficulty that I have encountered has been my financial situation. I come from a financially unstable home. My father has dealt with many health problems leaving him unable to work and having to take care of three kids. It leaves us having to split very little money even more and we all have to sacrifice things for necessities at times. For another example, I am an african american woman who is a first gen foster child. That means not only is my skin color a factor against me but so is my gender and my familial situation. However, when it comes to these challenges I don't let what is already assumed of me become what I live by. I understand that every day I already have so many factors against me, yet I know that I can overcome each one. I take time out to get myself together mentally before dealing with issues because if I am swayed or knocked down easily I will never be able to become successful. Another way I overcome adversity is to think and plan for future goals that I have. I allow myself to realize that my future is in my hands and no one else, that whatever I do I need to make sure that I am successful or that at the very least, I tried my hardest to achieve it. No matter what adversity is something that I will deal with for the rest of my life but how I let it affect me and deal with it is in my control. I wish to help my community by becoming a teacher and helping my students and future generations overcome adversity as well. As an elementary teacher, I will be able to help future generations by giving them resources and the support system needed to succeed in whatever path they choose. I want to give back to the community that has given me so much as a child and give future children the same memories and lessons that I was so lucky to receive. I will also try my hardest to help others who are scared to take that step past adversity the strength to achieve their goals and follow their dreams wherever that may lead them.

What inspired me to go into Elementary Education was the teachers that I have had since I started school back in Kindergarten. From the teachers that have helped me along the way and supported me and my goals to even the teachers that I didn't get along with that showed me what I didn't want others to go through. Each teacher has given me something that I have cherished and want to give back, hope for the future, encouragement to achieve my dreams, the strength to get through tough times, and the kindness to want to help others. Two examples would be my Kindergarten teacher and my social studies teacher in high school. My Kindergarten teacher was named Ms. Shapiro, she was a teacher I would never forget, especially due to how she impacted how I learned and saw the world. My teacher would take her time to make sure all her students understood what was being learned and to help each other if we were struggling. Ms. Shapiro gave us the tools necessary to grow and succeed in whatever we wanted, and that is something I will never give up or forget. She was the first person to introduce the idea of becoming a teacher to me and was completely supportive of me during her time at my school. Ms. Shapiro would help me during school with my work in other grades, and even outside of school, her compassion and dedication to bettering the lives of her students is something I strive for. My other teacher Mr. Charles showed me the reality of life, and how to move forward into college. He was a Michigan State Alumni which helped me through my journey of applying to MSU and getting accepted. Mr. Charles also took time out to make sure that not only were we getting an educational lesson but also a life lesson. He made sure that when we graduated high school we were prepared to live on our own. He also made sure that we could contact him and receive help if needed to be. His dedication to advancing his student's knowledge and resources wherever in life they decide to go is something that I respect and appreciate as well. I plan to make a difference in my community by giving what all my teachers gave me and giving it back to future generations. I want to work in an urban school and help show students who may be underrepresented that they have a voice that can be heard. I know that if I can help them achieve or even start the process of accomplishing a goal no matter how small I can give them the tools to be successful in life. To be able to work in my community would be something that I look forward to, especially to see my teachers and show them that their work didn't go to waste. That everything that they have taught me and showed me will always be put to use to help others just as much as I was helped.

My name is Aja McAllum, currently, I am 18 years old. I am a ward of the state living with my guardian and two half-sisters. I graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit Michigan in June of 2023. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA, and 3 A.P. classes, and I was a company commander in my school's JROTC program. I am a current freshman at Michigan State University majoring in Education. Our family struggles financially, so when it comes to college it is a new adventure for me and my family. While we all are excited for me to begin my journey to a bachelor's degree, I am a first gen student coming from an african american family, as well as someone who has been through foster care as well. So the idea of going to college is a very scary and new idea/experience for my whole family. My goal is to go through college to achieve my bachelor's in elementary education with an endorsement of birth through Pre-Kindergarten. Another goal of mine is to become an elementary education teacher at an urban school, especially for underrepresented students. Since I was in elementary school myself, I knew I wanted to become an educator and give back the memories, connections, and hope that was given to me at a very young age. I know that becoming a teacher will help me do that, and not only help the kids I teach but give hope to those who are like me to achieve whatever dream they set out to do. I also have a goal to graduate debt free and without any loans, I want to show my family and others that you don't need loans or to put yourself through piles of debt to get an education to succeed in life. Winning this scholarship will help ease my guardian, and my nerves when it comes to paying for college. This will also give my sisters the hope and encouragement needed to apply for college when they graduate high school. Another thing that winning this scholarship will do for me is allow me to become an elementary teacher and help other students. Having this scholarship will show that you don't need to be rich, or be from a secluded part of the world to attend college, and that is something that should be shown to everyone. I know that if I win this scholarship I will give my all to getting my education, and my future secured so that I can pay it forward to the future generations that will come.