From a young age, I have faced challenges that shaped who I am today. Being deaf and a first-generation college student has not been easy, but it has given me a unique perspective and strong determination to succeed. My journey to higher education is deeply personally and driven by my desire to break barriers and set an example for others like me. Growing up, I often felt isolated due to my hearing impairment. Communication was a constant struggle, and I had to find ways to adapt and overcome these obstacles. My parents, who did not have the opportunity to attend college, always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They believed in the power of education to transform lives, and their unwavering support has been my greatest motivation. To prepare myself for college, I pushed myself to study more, often spending lot extra hours on assignments and seeking out resources that would help me succeed. I took advantage of tutoring programs and after-school study to improve my academic skills. Additionally, I participated in summer camps and volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience and build my confidence. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of hard work. As a first-generation student, I have to faced unique challenges, but I have also learned valuable lessons. I have become more resilient and resourceful, always finding way to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. My experiences have taught me the importance of education and the impact it can have on one's life. I am committed to continuing my education and using my knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. My goal is to become an elementary school teacher, I was inspired by a deaf teacher from my own elementary school who believed in me and encouraged me to reach my full potential. I witnessed her for what she does everything she could and provide a better life for us. And I want to be like her when I grow up become a teacher who can make impact on students live. I value working with children during their years to foster a love for learning. I am currently pursuing to get my AA degree in education field. My journey to higher education has been shaped by my personal experiences and the support of my family. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am determined to succeed and set an example for others. I believe that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

My career of choice is to become an elementary school teacher, and my passion for this field began with a personal experience that left a lasting impact on me. When I was in elementary school, I had a deaf teacher, Mrs. Wendy, who truly believed in me and encouraged me to reach my full potential. She had a unique way of making each student feel valued and capable, and it was in her classroom that I first felt the spark of wanting to become a teacher myself. Her kindness and dedication inspired me to want to make a similar difference in the lives of young students. To accomplish my personal and educational goals, I have made several sacrifices. Been full time with coursework it been tough, but I am committed to succeeding. I have also given up many social activates to focus on my studies and volunteer in local's schools. where I gain valuable experience and insights into my future professes. As I want to become an elementary school teacher in future, I will remain strong. The chance to make a big impact on students' lives with their young minds, foster a love for learning, and I will make sure provide a supportive environment for children is a powerful motivator. I am determined to overcome any challenges to achieve this dream. My passion for teaching is rooted in the belief that early education is crucial in shaping a child's suture. I am driven by the desire to create a positive and nurturing environment where every child feel encourage to explore their potential. Witnessing the moment a student grasps a new concept or gains confidence in their abilities is incredibly rewarding. It is these moments that remind me why I chose this career and why I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve my goals. My journey has been challenging, but the impact I hope to make as an elementary school teacher makes very sacrifice worthwhile. One of the most significant sacrifices has been the time away from my family and friends. Pursuing my educational goals has meant missing out on family gathering and events. However, the support and understanding of my loved ones have been invaluable, and their encouragement has kept me motivated during the toughest times. Knowing that they believe in my dreams as much as I do have been a source of strength and inspiration. Ultimately, the sacrifices I have made are a testament to my dedication to this career. Teaching is not just a job for me; it is calling. I am passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child feels seen and heard. I believe that by investing in their education, I am contributing to brighter future for our community. The journey has been challenging, but every step has been worth it, and I am excited to contiune on this path, making a difference one student at a time.

As a first-generation college student attending Yakima Valley College, I am currently majoring in elementary education. My journey in education has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, shaping me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. As a child, I always wondered what it would be like growing up to become a teacher while being hard of hearing. Would it be easy? But then I looked up to my teacher Wendy, she is hard of hearing, and she is a teacher. Seeing her confidently manage the classroom and effectively communicate with students gave me hope and inspiration. Wendy showed me that with determination and the right strategies, it was possible to overcome the challenges and success in the teaching profession. Her example reassured me that I could also achieve my dream of becoming a teacher, despite the obstacles. Growing up as hard of hearing as facing a variety of challenges in my academic journey that others might not even consider. I had to learn to navigate a world that often didn't accommodate my needs. Simple tasks like following conversations or along with lectures or participating in discussion posts required a lot of effort and concentration. However, I developed resilience and self-advocacy skills that have been invaluable in my journey. Technology, like using both hearing aids to help with my hearing, allows me to engage more fully in classroom activities. Speech-to-text apps, access video captioning, an interpreter on screen, and access to an interpreter during orientation and meetings. These experiences have one only shaped my perspective but also support my passion for teaching elementary education, where I hope to inspire and support students facing their challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I've overcome is the social isolation that sometimes accompanies being hard of hearing. Especially when there are group projects, social interactions can be difficult when you constantly need to ask people to repeat themselves or speak more clearly and slowly. However, I’ve learned to speak up for myself and my needs to communicate with my peers and professors. This self-advocacy has not only helped me academically but also built my confidence in social settings. Over time, I've found that most people are understanding and willing to help fit in my needs, which has made a whole difference in both my personal and academic life and makes things easier for me. Once I complete my degree at Yakima Valley College, I plan to transfer to WSU or UW to continue my education. My goal is to become an elementary school teacher and create an inclusive classroom environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. I also hope to advocate for better resources and support for students with hearing impairments, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. By pursuing my degree in elementary education, I want to inspire my future students to overcome their own challenges, just like I have overcome mine.