Charity is deeply important to me because it’s about giving back to those who need it most, especially children who may not have access to the same resources as others. Currently, I work with students at Lakewood and Club Boulevard Elementary through the Y-Learning program, where I help them with schoolwork so they can successfully advance to the next grade. While I am paid for my role, the program is completely free for the students and their families. This ensures that financial struggles do not prevent children from getting the academic support they need. In the future, I want to continue serving underprivileged students by becoming a teacher in a low-income community. Education is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty, and I want to be a guiding force for children who might otherwise be left behind. My long-term goal is to become a superintendent in my hometown, overseeing the entire school system to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education. By working at the district level, I hope to advocate for increased funding, better resources, and more support for teachers and students. My vision is to create a school system where financial hardship does not limit a child’s potential. Through both direct teaching and future leadership, I want to make a lasting impact on my community, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

As college students, we face many challenges that make us rethink whether we are on the right path. Doubt creeps in, stress builds up, and sometimes, we wonder if we’ve made the right choice. A few weeks ago, I started working as a substitute teacher with kindergarteners, and that experience reassured me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. It wasn’t just the warm hugs I received from children who had never met me before yet still embraced me as if I belonged. It was what they said at the end of the day that truly solidified my decision: “Are you coming back tomorrow?” and “I love you!” Those simple words warmed my heart and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place—I want to make a difference in young children's lives. I have always loved kids, but my passion for teaching was first sparked by an incredible educator, Ms. McLaurin. She was my fourth and fifth-grade teacher, and she went above and beyond for her students, especially those who looked like me. She made learning exciting—throwing candy across the room when we got a multiplication question right, coming to school early on Saturdays to tutor us, and making every child in her classroom feel seen and valued. As a child, I may not have fully appreciated the sacrifices she made, but now, as I prepare to become a teacher myself, I see how much she poured into us. She showed me that teaching is not just about academics—it’s about shaping lives. Because of her, and because of my recent experience in the classroom, I know that teaching is my calling. My goal is to earn my degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University and use my knowledge to create a positive, nurturing environment for young children. This scholarship would help me continue my education, gain valuable hands-on experience, and develop the skills necessary to be the kind of teacher who changes lives—just like Ms. McLaurin did for me. In the long run, I aspire to do more than teach. I want to grow into a leadership role where I can impact education at a higher level. My ultimate goal is to become a superintendent, ensuring that all children—no matter their background—have access to quality education. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also serve as an investment in the future of education. Teaching is more than just a career for me; it is my passion and my purpose. Every child deserves an educator who believes in them, and I want to be that person. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue my journey to becoming the teacher and leader that my students need.

My mother’s journey is the definition of resilience, and her perseverance has shaped me into the determined person I am today. As a Black woman from a poor, rural town in North Carolina, she faced immense challenges on her path to success. Her father was not present, and her mother worked tirelessly to put a roof over her head. Despite these hardships, my mother refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. She committed herself to academic excellence, earning straight A’s throughout her life. Her hard work paid off when she received a full-ride scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). But she didn’t stop there—she continued to excel and was accepted into law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to pass the bar exam, becoming not only the first person in her family to earn a degree but also the first lawyer in our family. Even after reaching this incredible milestone, my mother still had bigger dreams. She aspired to become a judge, a goal that would take years of perseverance to achieve. She ran for office five separate times before she finally won. This past January, she was sworn in as a judge, proving once again that persistence leads to success. Watching my mother’s journey has instilled in me the belief that obstacles are merely stepping stones to something greater. She has shown me that no matter where you come from—no matter how difficult the journey—success is possible through dedication and resilience. Her unwavering determination inspires me to work hard and give back to my community, just as she has. I am currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at NCCU, with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. My mother’s story reminds me that no matter how difficult the journey may seem, success is possible through persistence. Her example motivates me to push forward, even when I face challenges in my own academic journey. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to continue my education and follow in my mother’s footsteps by making a difference in my community. With this assistance, I will be able to focus on my studies, gain valuable classroom experience, and develop the skills necessary to become an effective educator. My long-term goal is to eventually pursue a master’s and Ph.D., ultimately working toward a leadership role in education as a superintendent. Just as my mother worked tirelessly to improve her life and give back, I am committed to doing the same. Through teaching, I hope to inspire young students, providing them with the knowledge and encouragement they need to reach their own goals. This scholarship will not only help me achieve my dreams but will also allow me to continue my mother’s legacy of resilience, perseverance, and community impact.

My name is Alexandria Gause, and I am a dedicated and passionate future educator striving to make a lasting impact on my community. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at North Carolina Central University, with plans to graduate in 2027. My educational journey does not stop there—I aspire to earn my master’s and eventually a Ph.D., with the ultimate goal of becoming a superintendent in my hometown. Through this role, I aim to advocate for quality education, equitable school funding, and supportive learning environments for all students. My commitment to education is reflected in my professional experiences. I have worked as a substitute teacher for Guilford County Schools, where I managed classrooms, followed lesson plans, and ensured students remained engaged in their learning. Additionally, as a counselor for the YMCA Y-Learning program, I provided academic support to K-5 students, fostering both their academic growth and personal development. My time as a camp counselor at Growing the Distance Inc. allowed me to create interactive learning experiences that helped students develop critical cognitive and motor skills. These roles have strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are essential in my pursuit of educational leadership. One of the most significant challenges I have faced was the sudden passing of my aunt due to stomach cancer. Her death was a heartbreaking and transformative moment in my life. Grieving while balancing my responsibilities as a student was incredibly difficult, yet it taught me the power of perseverance. Instead of allowing my grief to overwhelm me, I channeled my emotions into my education. For the first time in my academic career, I earned straight A’s during my first semester of college. This experience reinforced my resilience and my ability to push forward in the face of adversity. I learned that hardship does not define me; rather, my response to challenges shapes who I am and who I will become. Ultimately, my journey has been shaped by my unwavering dedication to education, my commitment to making a difference, and my ability to overcome obstacles. Through my future role as a superintendent, I hope to inspire students to embrace education as a tool for empowerment, just as I have. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this scholarship. Any help you can provide in supporting me through my academic journey will be deeply appreciated. ~ Alexandria Gause

“Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King Jr. From my earliest memories, I have been surrounded by the world of education. With my father serving as a principal, I had a front-row seat to the daily struggles and triumphs within the school system. I watched as he navigated the complex web of curricula, budgets, and the endless stream of challenges that come with the territory. These experiences served as my first window into the world of education, and they instilled in me a profound respect for the dedication and resilience required of those who shape the minds of our future generations. In the summer that followed my junior year, I embarked on a new educational journey as a volunteer working with children. My days started at 6:30 in the morning and often extended well into the evening, as I spent my weekdays with a group of eager, inquisitive children. This experience became a defining chapter in my life. I quickly learned that the lives of children are brimming with potential and curiosity, and it's the role of an educator to kindle the flames of their inquisitiveness. The kids I worked with came from diverse backgrounds and had unique challenges, but they all shared a common desire to learn and grow. This shared aspiration is what connected us, bridging gaps in experiences and backgrounds, and forging deep connections that transcended typical teacher-student relationships. I discovered the transformative power of education during those summer months. It wasn't just about teaching; it was about inspiring and guiding these young minds. I had to develop lesson plans that were not only informative but engaging, fostering a love for learning. The structure was essential, providing a secure framework within which the children could explore, question, and discover. The lesson plans I created required my utmost attention to detail, and I had to adapt quickly when the unexpected arose. As a result of my dedication to their growth, I witnessed the remarkable progress these children made. It was both gratifying and humbling to see their confidence grow, their questions become more insightful, and their understanding deepened. I realized that as an educator, I held the key to unlocking their potential, and this was a responsibility I embraced with passion and commitment. My journey didn't stop there; I continued to be involved in education through after-school programs and my ongoing relationships with former and current teachers. These experiences further enriched my understanding of the complexities of the education system, the importance of mentorship, and the lasting impact that caring and dedicated educators can have on the lives of their students. In my own life, I've come to understand the significance of time management. It's a delicate balance, much like managing a classroom. Some days, I excel at keeping up with my scheduled study time and assignments, much like executing a well-thought-out lesson plan. Other times, the challenges can seem overwhelming, and I struggle to maintain that structure. But the experience of working with children has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. In closing, my journey with children has shown me that education is more than just knowledge; it's the spark that ignites a lifelong love for learning. The impact of working with kids is profound, and it has shaped me into a dedicated, compassionate, and resilient individual, ready to embark on my own educational journey, equipped with the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of future generations.