Hi! I’m Alyssa, an 19-year-old freshman at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education. I’m thrilled to be the first in my family to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Raised by a hardworking single mom in healthcare, I’m driven by a desire to give back to my community. I’m passionate about teaching because I want to create a nurturing space where kids feel loved and supported. My personal experiences, including my biological father’s mental health challenges and substance abuse, and the loss of my beloved grandmother to cancer, have shaped this goal. My grandmother’s legacy of love and strength inspires me to become a teacher who makes a meaningful impact. In addition to my studies, I’m involved in carpentry and was part of an all-female shed-building team. I love spending time with friends, attending football games, babysitting, going to concerts, and visiting the beach. I balance multiple jobs to support my education and goals. I aim to be “that” teacher—a dependable, caring presence in my students’ lives, offering them a safe haven and encouragement every day.