Why I Am Pursuing a Career in Teaching By Alayna Eisner Teaching is more than a career to me—it’s a calling that was born through service, strengthened through adversity, and inspired by the deep desire to help children know their value. I am pursuing a degree in education because I believe every child deserves a safe, supportive, and creative space to grow, especially those who learn and express themselves differently. For the past several years, I’ve volunteered more than 1,270 hours at Glad Tidings Church, serving in children’s ministry, leading worship, and helping organize Vacation Bible School. These experiences gave me firsthand insight into the beauty of working with young minds—their excitement, vulnerability, and incredible potential. I realized early on that I wanted to be a guiding voice in their lives. As I watched them light up when they learned something new or simply felt understood, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. My desire to teach deepened in ways I never expected after experiencing an unimaginable loss. In April 2024, I was on the phone with my boyfriend when he died by suicide. The trauma of that moment led to a mental health crisis of my own, and two months later, I was hospitalized after attempting to take my life. It was a dark and painful time, but it also gave me a new understanding of what it means to feel unseen and unsupported—and how important it is to be the person who does see, who does show up, especially for young people. I want to become a teacher who not only teaches academics but helps students believe in themselves. I want to be the kind of educator who recognizes when a child is struggling emotionally, who adapts to their needs, and who creates a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves. While I’m pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Louisiana Tech University, I plan to focus on inclusive teaching practices with the hope of eventually working in special education. I believe students with disabilities deserve teachers who will advocate for them, love them for who they are, and never underestimate their potential. That’s the kind of teacher Jeanne Kramme Fouke was, and I hope to honor her legacy by following in her footsteps. My experiences have made me more empathetic, resilient, and determined. I’ve learned that teaching is not about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about seeing each student as a whole person and helping them discover their strengths, even when the world tells them otherwise. That is why I am pursuing a career in education: to serve, to uplift, and to make sure every student knows they matter.

Why I’m Passionate About Special Education and How I Will Guide Students to Discover Their Presence By Alayna Eisner I believe that some of the most powerful teachers are not born from perfect stories, but from pain, healing, and purpose. I have walked through darkness, grief, and struggle—and I’ve come out the other side determined to use my experiences to help others, especially those who often feel invisible, misunderstood, or unseen. That is why I want to become a special education teacher. In April 2024, I was on the phone with my boyfriend when he ended his life. I heard the gunshot. In the aftermath, grief consumed me. Two months later, I attempted to take my own life and was hospitalized. That was the lowest point of my life, but it was also the beginning of a transformation. Through therapy, faith, and the unwavering support of a few mentors, I began to understand the depth of emotional suffering—and the unmatched power of compassion, patience, and belief in another person. I realized that sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply to see them and remind them that they matter. This is why I feel called to teach students with special needs. These students are brilliant in ways the world often overlooks. They require love that is intentional, education that is adaptive, and teachers who are both fierce advocates and gentle guides. I want to be one of those teachers—not because I think it will be easy, but because I believe every child deserves a space where they are celebrated, not just accommodated. Interpreting Professor Bloom’s Words Professor Harold Bloom wrote, "I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence." To me, this quote means that the true role of a teacher is not simply to pour information into a student, but to awaken them to who they are—who they can be. It’s about helping each student find confidence in their uniqueness, clarity in their abilities, and courage to take up space in a world that may not always understand them. In special education, this idea becomes even more profound. Many students with autism, Down syndrome, or learning disabilities are rarely given the chance to fully experience or express their "presence." They are often taught to conform rather than to shine. My mission is to reverse that. I want my students to know that their voice matters. Their pace is perfect. Their brain is beautifully wired, even when it’s different. My job will not be to “fix” them—it will be to love them, adapt to their needs, and help them discover their own light. My Mission as a Future Special Education Teacher My future classroom will be a place of understanding, not judgment. I will lead with patience, just as Mother Teresa would have. I will stay flexible like a jellyfish, knowing that no two days—or students—are the same. I’ll rely on creativity to teach concepts in a way that honors all learning styles, and I’ll model emotional regulation and kindness in everything I do. I plan to study Elementary and Special Education at Louisiana Tech University. I want to specialize in inclusive education strategies that help both neurodiverse and neurotypical students thrive together. I will seek out internships, hands-on learning opportunities, and community programs that allow me to work closely with children who need adaptive approaches to learning. More than anything, I want to lead by example. My life has not been perfect. I’ve battled depression, trauma, and hopelessness. But I have also learned how to keep going—to show up even when it’s hard, and to rebuild when everything feels broken. I want my students to see that they are never defined by a diagnosis, a label, or a moment of struggle. They are defined by their strength, their potential, and the love they give and receive. A Brief Fairy Tale: Alayna and the Garden of Many Minds Once upon a time, in a faraway land called Louisiana, there lived a young girl named Alayna. She had walked through many storms—some so fierce that they left cracks in her heart. But she discovered that through those cracks, light could still shine. Alayna dreamed of growing a magical garden where every flower bloomed in its own way. Some swayed to music no one else could hear. Some opened only under moonlight. Some looked wild and untamed, but were stronger than any rose. The villagers didn’t understand these flowers, so they called them “wrong,” “different,” or “too much.” Alayna didn’t listen. She knew these flowers were beautiful. So she became the Keeper of the Garden of Many Minds. She learned their rhythms, created songs to help them grow, and whispered to each one: You are enough just as you are. She built paths for those who struggled to walk, painted skies for those who didn’t see color, and danced for those who found joy in movement, not words. Little by little, the garden bloomed in ways no one expected. It wasn’t tidy or perfect—but it was alive with joy, learning, and love. And one day, the villagers started to see what Alayna had always known: that every mind is a world worth exploring. And so, the girl who had once been broken by her own pain became a heroine—not by fixing others, but by believing in them. Conclusion My dream is not just to become a teacher. It is to be a light for students who may be walking through darkness. It is to help each child feel the power of their own presence—to help them bloom in their own way, at their own pace, with pride. I know it will be hard. But I also know it will be worth it. Because if I can help just one student feel seen, valued, and loved—then everything I’ve been through will have meaning. And that, I believe, is the heart of special education.

Why I Want to Pursue a Career in Education By Alayna Eisner My desire to become a teacher comes from a place of deep love—for children, for learning, and for the difference a caring adult can make in someone’s life. I believe teaching is not just a job, but a calling, and one that I feel honored to pursue. It’s about showing up, seeing the potential in every student, and helping them believe in it too. My journey toward becoming an educator has been shaped by many meaningful experiences, but also by incredible challenges that have tested my strength and solidified my purpose. In April of 2024, I experienced the unimaginable—I lost my boyfriend to suicide while on the phone with him. I heard the gunshot. I sat in the front row of his funeral, grieving in silence while trying to hold myself together. Two months later, I attempted to end my own life and was hospitalized. That experience changed me forever. What I went through taught me how important it is to have safe spaces and supportive adults in the lives of young people. I was lucky to have teachers, mentors, and counselors who cared enough to walk with me through the hardest season of my life. They reminded me I wasn’t alone. They saw me even when I couldn’t see myself. That’s when I realized—this is the kind of impact I want to have. I want to be the kind of teacher who shows up for students, not just academically, but emotionally. At St. Louis Catholic High School, I’ve had the opportunity to grow through leadership roles, community service, athletics, and faith. I’ve volunteered over 1,270 hours at Glad Tidings Church, leading worship for the children’s ministry and organizing Vacation Bible School. Watching children’s eyes light up when they learn something new or feel included inspires me every time. I’ve seen firsthand how even a moment of encouragement can change the direction of a child’s life. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. I plan to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in Elementary Education. My dream is to create a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and supported—just like I needed when I was struggling. I want to be the kind of teacher who doesn’t just prepare students for tests, but helps them build confidence, kindness, and a sense of purpose. Teaching is about planting seeds, even when you might not see them grow. It’s about loving kids on their good days and their hard days. It’s about showing them that they matter—because they do. I believe the most powerful tool in a child’s life is a teacher who believes in them. And that’s the teacher I will become.

Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship Essay By Alayna Eisner Life brings challenges, and some arrive so suddenly and painfully that they break you before you even understand what happened. In April of 2024, I lost my boyfriend to suicide. I was on the phone with him when it happened. I heard the gunshot. I sat in the front row at his funeral—still in shock, still unsure how to breathe in a world that no longer had him in it. That moment shattered me. The weeks that followed were filled with numbness, guilt, confusion, and grief so deep it felt like it would swallow me. Two months later, I attempted to take my own life. I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, a place I never imagined I’d be, yet it became the turning point that saved me. Mental health is something people talk about more these days, but the depth of pain and isolation that can come with it is still hard to describe. What I’ve learned through all of this is that pain doesn’t make you weak. Struggling doesn’t make you broken. And asking for help is not a sign of failure—it’s the bravest thing you can do. At my lowest, I couldn’t see a future. But slowly, with the help of therapy, supportive family, and faith, I began to find light again. I learned to be gentler with myself. I started opening up about what I went through—not to be pitied, but to remind others that they aren’t alone. We carry so much in silence, especially young people. I don’t want to be silent anymore. This journey has changed how I see the world, and it has shaped my purpose. I plan to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in Elementary Education. I want to become the kind of teacher who sees students fully—not just their grades or behavior, but their hearts. I want my classroom to be a safe place, not just to learn math or reading, but to learn compassion, resilience, and how to ask for help. I want kids who are hurting to know that someone sees them and believes in them. There are still hard days. I still grieve. But I’m here. I’ve survived something unimaginable, and now I want to use my survival to help others heal. I don’t want my pain to be the end of my story—I want it to be the beginning of my purpose. Mental health matters. Stories like Elijah’s matter. And I’m honored to share mine with the hope that it might remind someone else: you are not alone. You are needed. And you are stronger than you think.

What Empowerment Means to Me By Alayna Eisner To me, empowerment means recognizing your worth, owning your voice, and using your gifts to uplift others. It’s about standing confidently in who you are while encouraging others to do the same. Empowerment isn’t just a feeling—it’s a mindset, a responsibility, and a force that can change lives. As a young woman pursuing a future in education, I’ve experienced empowerment in action through my leadership roles, my faith, and my community. These experiences have shaped how I see myself and how I want to lead in the future. At St. Louis Catholic High School, I’ve served as Publicity Chair for the Ambassador Program and as an officer on the Student Leadership Committee. In both roles, I’ve had the opportunity to speak on behalf of my peers, organize events, and represent my school with pride. I learned that leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest—it means being thoughtful, listening well, and helping others shine. Being trusted in these roles helped me realize that my voice matters, and that I can make a real impact just by showing up, staying kind, and being prepared. My work at Glad Tidings Church has also played a big part in my personal empowerment. Over the past few years, I’ve volunteered more than 1,270 hours, helping lead worship for children and organizing Vacation Bible School. Standing in front of a room full of energetic kids, I learned how to speak with confidence, teach with patience, and inspire through joy. Watching young children light up as they sing, ask questions, and explore their faith reminded me of the power one person can have in creating a safe, uplifting space. Empowerment has also come through my identity as a female student-athlete. As JV Captain of my high school soccer team and a state championship club player, I’ve experienced both triumph and challenge. Sports have taught me how to push through setbacks, encourage my teammates, and lead by example. Whether we’re on a winning streak or facing a tough loss, I’ve learned that empowered leaders stay steady, humble, and hopeful. But empowerment isn't just about personal success—it's about lifting others up. That’s what drives me to become a teacher. I want to help my future students feel confident in who they are, especially the ones who might not believe in themselves yet. I know what it feels like to have someone believe in me, and I want to be that person for someone else. I plan to attend Louisiana Tech University to major in Elementary Education, with the goal of becoming the kind of teacher who empowers every child who walks through my classroom door. Empowerment has shaped who I am—and through teaching, I hope to pass that same gift on to the next generation.

Where My Drive to Become a Teacher Comes From By Alayna Eisner My passion for becoming a teacher comes from the deep joy I feel when I help children grow, learn, and feel seen. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the idea of teaching—not just as a job, but as a way to make a real, lasting difference in someone’s life. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only teaches lessons, but also sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and creates a safe space where students feel loved and capable. Much of my inspiration comes from my experiences serving at Glad Tidings Church, where I’ve volunteered more than 1,270 hours since 2020. There, I lead praise and worship for the children’s church, and I’ve helped organize Vacation Bible School programs for over 100 kids each summer. These experiences have taught me that children don’t just need knowledge—they need patience, creativity, and someone who believes in them. Being that person for them has made me realize: this is what I want to do with my life. I’ve also learned the importance of leadership and communication through my school activities. At St. Louis Catholic High School, I serve as the Publicity Chair for the Ambassador Program and as an officer on the Student Leadership Committee. I’ve developed the ability to lead with kindness, stay organized, and be a dependable teammate—skills I know will serve me well in the classroom as a future educator. Beyond my church and school, I’ve grown through my role as an aunt and godmother. Those roles have helped me see the world through a child's eyes and taught me the responsibility and privilege it is to guide and support a child through their early years. These personal relationships have made my passion for teaching even more personal—I don’t just want to be a teacher, I want to be the kind of teacher every child deserves. I plan to attend University of Louisiana Lafayette and major in Education. I’m excited to one day lead my own classroom, especially in a way that reflects the values of someone like Teri Schulze. From what I’ve read, Teri loved learning, nature, and people. I connect deeply with her story, especially her passion for inspiring others. Like Teri, I hope to spark lifelong curiosity and kindness in my students. I want to carry forward that same legacy of love and learning. My drive to become a teacher doesn’t come from a single moment—it comes from a lifetime of moments where I’ve seen the power of encouragement, the value of patience, and the joy of helping others grow. I believe teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world, and I am ready and excited to dedicate my life to it.

I’ve been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for years, not just because of her music, but because of how she’s grown into herself and taught her fans to do the same. From her early Disney Channel days to her chart-topping success today, Sabrina has shown that it’s okay to evolve, be bold, and speak your truth — even when people try to define you a certain way. What I admire most about Sabrina is her honesty and confidence. When people doubted her or tried to box her into a certain image, she pushed back with her art. Songs like *Because I Liked a Boy* or *Feather* show how she turns tough experiences into empowering messages. As a young person figuring out who I am, I’ve learned from her that it’s okay to take control of your own story. Sabrina’s music has helped me through some really hard times. Her lyrics feel personal, like she’s saying what I’m feeling but don’t always know how to express. Whether I’m going through heartbreak, self-doubt, or just trying to figure life out, her songs remind me that I’m not alone and that there’s strength in being vulnerable. Beyond the music, Sabrina's career has taught me about hard work and staying true to yourself. She didn’t become an overnight success — she worked for years, dealt with criticism, and kept showing up. That inspires me in my own goals, especially when things feel slow or discouraging. Watching her makes me believe that if I stay passionate and persistent, I can create something meaningful too. In a world where it’s easy to compare yourself to others, Sabrina Carpenter reminds me to embrace who I am — flaws, feelings, and all. That’s why I’m such a big fan, and why her journey has made a real impact on mine.