The definition of a teacher reads as a person who teaches, especially in a school. That shouldn't be the only definition. Growing up, I've always felt out of place. I've always felt like I was never enough for anyone or anything. I've always felt like I was never like everyone else because I was put up for adoption and adopted before I turned two along with my two twin brothers. I am the youngest of eight kids with a big age gap between my parents' biological kids and me. Despite the age gap I still get along with my siblings very well. I've always had a story that makes me the way I am. I've always known it wasn't going to be easy and that I would have to learn and grow from my story. Six years ago, I was sexually assaulted by my two brothers. It took about two years before anything was said. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell any adult let alone my parents. If a teacher would've noticed it when it was happening it would’ve changed my life forever. I want to ensure no kid goes through that or anything like that alone. I want to make a bigger difference in a kid's life than just an A+. A lot of the time, kids have no one or nowhere to go to feel safe. A teacher should be much more than a class they attend every day. I wasn’t noticed till I was in the 8th grade. By 8th grade I had a lot of trauma and what felt like baggage built up which led to losing myself and the purpose of life. One teacher made an effort to help me through it all. This one teacher's name is Genna Adams. She made it a lot easier for me to go to school and do everyday tasks without breaking down and stressing. She was the one person who helped me, who helped me get back on track and start to love the things I used to love again. She gave me hope every time I walked through her classroom door and it was the only thing I was looking forward to when I arrived at school. She helped me grow and understand more and more about myself and my life story. She made learning a lot more interactive and interesting. She knew every kid's needs and what they needed to grow and learn. She knew the things that were needed for my success not only in school but in social and emotional skills. Going into my teaching degree with the same teacher who helped me when I was younger gives me hope for what kind of teacher I will become. Knowing how she has helped me in my life and the things she has done for me makes me want to be that teacher to help other students and kids. Having one year left of high school I can tell what teachers are there for the lesson and those that are there for the kids. I only wish that before 8th grade there was a teacher that noticed me and helped me to not get to the point where I was. My story has always been different and always will be, but that's what makes me unique. I want to make sure every student feels unique and special in their way. Being a teacher is so much more than the title you are given. My name is Alyssa Rice and this is my story about why I want to become a teacher.