Becoming a teacher has always been a goal of mine, and my journey toward this profession has been shaped by years of experience working with children and being deeply involved in my community. I have spent my entire life working with kids in one capacity or another, and these experiences have ignited a passion for education that I am eager to pursue. My story as an educator began in my childhood when I would babysit for family and friends. Even then, I found myself drawn to the responsibility of caring for and guiding young children. Whether it was helping them with their homework, teaching them new skills, or simply providing them with a safe and nurturing environment, I was fascinated by the impact I could have on their development. Babysitting gave me a sense of fulfillment that made me realize how much I enjoyed helping children learn and grow. As I got older, my interest in working with children continued to flourish. I became a 6th-grade camp counselor, where I had the opportunity to engage with kids in a more structured setting. This role required me to not only supervise but also to plan and facilitate activities, build relationships with the campers, and encourage teamwork. It was a pivotal experience that further solidified my desire to pursue a career in education, as I saw firsthand how powerful the impact of a supportive and encouraging adult figure could be in shaping a child's confidence and willingness to learn. My next step was working as a physical education (PE) aide for two years. In this role, I assisted the teacher with various tasks, ranging from organizing activities and managing classroom behavior to working one-on-one with students who needed extra help. This experience gave me valuable insights on how a classroom is run and helped me develop the patience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed as a teacher. I enjoyed helping students improve their physical abilities, but what I found most rewarding was watching them develop self-discipline, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment; traits that are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom. Recently, I began substituting in local schools, and this experience has been the most transformative. Being a substitute teacher has allowed me to work with a wide range of students across various grade levels and subject areas. I have learned to quickly assess different classroom dynamics, adapt to different teaching styles, and find ways to engage students in meaningful ways. I have seen firsthand how important it is to create a positive and supportive learning environment, one where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and explore new concepts. As a substitute, I have had the privilege of stepping into many different classrooms, but what has remained consistent is my growing passion for the work. I find it incredibly rewarding to help students not just with their academics, but also with their personal development. In addition to my professional experiences, I am also highly involved in my community, which further fuels my desire to become a teacher. I coach the local high school wrestling team and the middle school softball team, where I work with students both on and off the field. Coaching has taught me the value of mentorship, discipline, and teamwork. I love seeing the kids I coach develop not just as athletes, but as individuals. I believe that being a coach has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic, qualities that are essential to success in both sports and academics.