I am passionate about education because I am someone who struggled very heavily through school. "I was a bright kid" all the teachers would say, but I never managed to connect with my peers. This unfortunate reality led me to become acquainted with my educators. For lack of a better term, I became a "Teacher's Pet" and I've never looked back. I've loved every moment of it. Engaging in deep conversations and making lifelong friendships. I am a product of great teachers doing great things. The advocacy and overall care I've received are what led me to my decision to pursue a degree in education. I was a very shy person who spent many years in my head and in my own way. Sometimes it takes a person outside of you to see your greatness and encourage you to move in that direction. I have found educators, mentors and advisors who have done just that. I went into all levels of education not believing in myself with no direction and came out knowing I can be successful and how to get there. The most profound members of my community are teachers and teachers' aides. I am a strong believer in volunteering and giving back to the community. The unfortunate reality of teaching as a profession is that it is not so glamorous or lofty. Many teachers make modest wages. The incentive as a teacher in America is really on the person and their intentions. If a person chooses to become an educator knowing this, it says a lot about their character and their desire to help those around them. This is just one way in which I can make a tangible difference in the world. Every aptitude test I've taken since High School scored high in teaching. I resented this for years. Teaching is not a lofty inspiring career in the same way that becoming a doctor or surgeon is. I've heard horror stories from the other side. I've watched as the amount of school shootings has only increased over the years. Being a teacher is truly a career for the most selfless of those in our society. Knowing that at any moment the future of your career path can be taken away in a single day on the job makes this profession all the more appreciated. I have nothing but love and adoration for the educators of the world, both paid and volunteer. I can only hope that when I become one I pay it forward. I hope to impact all my students into a more positive, hopeful and successful future. I want to leave my mark on the future of America through compassion, hard work and giving to those in need.

An essential characteristic of humanity is compassion. Life without compassion is lonely and often leads to a selfish existence. Selfishness is often seen as a necessary evil but I argue that it is not. I urge every person I meet to become a more caring, compassionate and genuine person. The world needs more compassion, the world needs more love and grace. You never really know what's going on in the lives of people you meet. Pardon my myopic understanding of the world. My viewpoints and percent of the world are quite utopian, idealistic if you will. I can describe them much like a child. A heart full of love and understanding untouched by the things of life that leave us all jaded. Imagine living in a world like that. Imagine a society where everyone looks out for each other. Imagine it, because I often do. Volunteer work is just the beginning. Dedicating time and effort to help those around you without recognition or expectations. I imagine a world where volunteering becomes a mute term. A world in which these things are done without incentive. Love covers a multitude of things. Love protects, encourages and allows us to help those around us. At the end of the day, all we need is love. Unfortunately, the world isn't so kind. The reality of humanity and society as a whole today is quite bleak. You can't go more than a day without a tragedy occurring. Without volunteers and compassionate people, many of these victims go without help. Many of these victims whose lives were ruined by such tragedies never see restitution. We need to help each other. We need volunteers. We need people who don't mind standing in the gap and helping those in need. The idea that you will never need help in an entire lifetime is folly. I will need help, you will need help, we all need help. This is an undeniable fact of life. It is selfish to take and never give back. It is selfish to only receive the joys and pleasures of this life and never pay it forward. Selfish is one thing I absolutely refuse to be. So I became this, a volunteer, a caregiver, a person with compassion and consideration. I will stand in the gap and help those in need no matter what it takes from me. I can only hope that on this journey others will join me.