From a young age, I’ve always been curious. Whether it was asking my mom endless questions, staying up late to read books beyond my grade level, or finding creative ways to solve problems, learning has never been just something I had to do—it’s something I’ve loved doing. My love of learning has shaped who I am today. It has helped me grow through difficult times, expanded my understanding of others, and given me a clear direction for my future. Growing up in a single-mother household, I quickly realized that education was not just a path to success—it was a way to create a better life. Watching my mom work hard every day to support me while still encouraging my curiosity taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on my dreams. She always reminded me that no matter our circumstances, knowledge was something that no one could take away from me. Inside the classroom, I found a place where I could challenge myself, explore new ideas, and grow more confident. I remember the first time I truly felt the power of learning. It was in second grade, when I finally solved a difficult math problem after days of struggling. The pride I felt wasn’t just about getting the right answer—it was about the process, the growth, and the realization that I was capable of more than I believed. That experience sparked something in me, and from then on, I was hooked. I didn’t just want to learn; I wanted to understand. Outside the classroom, my curiosity only grew stronger. Volunteering at an after-school program helped me see learning through a different lens. I worked with children who reminded me of myself—eager to learn, but sometimes held back by fear, doubt, or personal struggles. Helping them with homework, reading stories, and answering their endless questions showed me how learning could transform lives. It also deepened my desire to become a teacher. Over time, my love of learning has evolved into a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. I’ve come to understand that learning isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything—it’s about growing, adapting, and seeing the world through new perspectives. It’s about being open to change and allowing yourself to be shaped by new experiences, people, and ideas. One of the most important things learning has taught me is empathy. Through reading books, listening to others, and reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve learned how to see the world from different viewpoints. This understanding has made me more compassionate, patient, and open-minded—qualities I believe are essential for both teachers and leaders. Looking ahead, I see my passion for learning guiding my future in powerful ways. As a future educator, I want to create a classroom where students feel inspired to ask questions, make mistakes, and discover the joy of learning for themselves. I want to show them that knowledge isn’t just something you gain in school—it’s a lifelong adventure that helps you become your best self. Eventually, I hope to continue my education and take on leadership roles in the field, working to improve schools, especially for students from underserved communities. I believe every child deserves the chance to fall in love with learning, just like I did. In a world that’s always changing, the ability to learn and grow is one of the most powerful tools we have. My love of learning has shaped my personal growth, guided my dreams, and given me the strength to believe in a brighter future—not just for myself, but for every student I will one day teach.

Storytelling has always been a part of who I am. Whether I’m writing, speaking, or performing, I’ve learned that stories have the power to connect people, spark change, and give a voice to those who feel unheard. As someone who comes from a single-mother household and has faced personal loss, I understand how much strength it takes to overcome challenges—and how powerful it can be when someone shares a story that reflects your own. Through storytelling, I can make a difference by showing others they’re not alone. I believe that when we speak honestly about our experiences—both the struggles and the victories—we create space for others to feel seen and understood. My stories focus on resilience, growth, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can achieve something meaningful. As a future teacher, I plan to use storytelling in the classroom to inspire my students to embrace their own voices. I want them to know that their stories matter, no matter how small they may seem. I want to build a safe space where children feel free to express themselves and understand the power of empathy. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, storytelling reminds us of our shared humanity. One story can shift a mindset, open a heart, or start a movement. That’s the kind of change I want to be a part of—and it all starts with a story.

My name is Ariel Gonzalez, and I come from a single-mother household—an experience that has shaped not only who I am, but also who I want to become. Growing up with just my mom taught me about strength, resilience, love, and sacrifice. It also gave me a clear purpose: to use my life to help others, especially children, feel supported, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams. Being raised by a single mother wasn’t always easy. There were times when money was tight, when my mom had to work multiple jobs, and when I saw her put her own needs aside so I could have what I needed for school or just to feel normal. But what we lacked in material things, we made up for in love and determination. My mom always encouraged me to dream big and reminded me that I could do anything if I worked hard and stayed true to myself. Her example showed me what it means to never give up, even when the odds are against you. This upbringing taught me how to be independent, responsible, and caring. I learned to appreciate the little things and to value hard work. More than anything, I saw the power of one person’s love and dedication to make a difference in someone else’s life. That is what drives me today. Because of these experiences, I’ve decided to pursue a career in education. I want to become a second-grade teacher, and one day, a leader in education who brings positive change to schools and communities. I believe teaching is one of the most powerful ways to impact the world because it allows you to reach children when they are still learning who they are and what they’re capable of. Just like my mom did for me, I want to be the person who reminds kids—especially those facing difficult situations—that they are strong, smart, and worthy of love and success. I plan to create a classroom that is not only focused on academics, but also on emotional growth, kindness, and self-confidence. I want to make learning fun and accessible, and to help every student feel seen and supported. For many children, school is more than a place to learn—it’s a safe haven. I want to be a teacher who makes that safety and support real for every student who walks through my door. Beyond the classroom, I want to make a broader impact by being involved in my community. I plan to work with local organizations to support family literacy programs, provide school supplies to students in need, and offer mentorship to young people who may not have role models in their lives. I want to be a voice for children who don’t always have one and a helping hand for families who are doing the best they can with limited resources—just like my mom did for me. In the long run, I also hope to pursue a master’s degree in education so I can work on improving educational systems from the inside out. I want to advocate for policies that make schools more inclusive, better funded, and focused on the overall well-being of students, not just test scores. In everything I do, I carry the lessons my mom taught me—about strength, love, and never giving up. Being raised in a single-mother household didn’t limit me; it gave me a deeper sense of purpose. I plan to use that purpose to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others, one child at a time.

The decision to become a teacher was not something I made overnight. It was a journey shaped by experiences, love, and, most deeply, loss. Losing a parent changes you in ways you don’t fully understand until you’re living through it—and for me, that loss gave me a sense of purpose I never expected. I chose to become a teacher not just because I love helping others learn, but because I want to be a source of stability, encouragement, and hope for children who may be facing struggles of their own—especially those who are dealing with grief or challenges at home, just like I did. I lost my parent at a time when I still needed them most. Their absence left a space in my heart that couldn’t be filled, and it forced me to grow up faster than I wanted to. I remember sitting in classrooms after their passing, trying to focus on lessons while quietly carrying the weight of my grief. Some days were harder than others, and during those hard days, what got me through was the compassion of my teachers. A few of them noticed the pain I was trying to hide and gently offered me support—not always with words, but through their patience, understanding, and presence. They reminded me that I wasn’t invisible, that I still mattered, and that I was capable of achieving something meaningful despite what I was going through. That experience opened my eyes to just how powerful a teacher’s role can be. It isn’t just about teaching multiplication tables or grammar rules—it’s about seeing the whole child. It’s about showing up for them, especially when they feel like their world is falling apart. I knew then that I wanted to be that person for someone else. I wanted to give back the same support that was given to me when I needed it most. Pursuing a career in education became a way for me to honor my parent’s memory. They always believed in me, even during moments when I didn’t believe in myself. I carry that belief with me now as motivation to push forward and create a life where I can give others the encouragement I once received. I know how important it is for a child to have someone in their corner—and for many students, their teacher may be the only constant in their lives. I want to be a consistent, positive presence for children, especially those navigating hardship, trauma, or grief. My goal is to become a second-grade teacher, where I can work with young children at a critical stage of development. I want to create a classroom where students feel emotionally safe, inspired to learn, and free to be themselves. I want them to know that someone sees their potential and cares about their well-being—not just their test scores. Losing a parent taught me that life can change in an instant, but it also taught me how important it is to use our time to make a difference in the lives of others. Becoming a teacher is how I choose to do that. It’s how I turn my pain into purpose and ensure that my parent’s love and belief in me lives on through the way I treat future students. I believe that the best teachers are not just experts in a subject they are people who have lived through real experiences and use those lessons to connect with their students in meaningful ways. My loss may helped me discover a calling to teach and to be the light for someone else in their time of need.

There’s a moment I’ll never forget—one that confirmed my passion for becoming a teacher and showed me just how powerful a small act of kindness and patience can be in a child’s life. It happened during my time volunteering at an after-school program for elementary students in my community. Among the many students I worked with, there was one second-grade boy named Jordan who stood out—not because he was the loudest or most outgoing, but because he was the quietest. He rarely spoke during group activities and often sat in the back during story time, avoiding eye contact and seeming to shrink into himself when called on. While the other kids played and laughed during recess, Jordan sat alone, drawing in the corner. Some of the volunteers assumed he was just shy, but something told me there was more to the story. I made it my mission to connect with Jordan. Each day after snack time, I would sit beside him during homework help and gently ask questions, not just about schoolwork but about his day, his favorite things, or what he liked to draw. At first, I got little more than nods or one-word answers. But I didn’t give up. I kept showing up, giving him consistent attention and kindness—never forcing conversation, just offering a safe presence. After a few weeks, something changed. One day, Jordan handed me a drawing he had made of us reading together, with the words “Thank you for helping me” written in big letters at the top. That was the first time I saw him smile—and it was one of the most meaningful smiles I’ve ever received. From that day forward, Jordan slowly came out of his shell. He began participating in group discussions, raising his hand during reading time, and even playing tag with the other kids during recess. The other volunteers noticed too, and one even asked, “What did you do to get him to open up?” The truth is, I didn’t do anything extraordinary. I just listened. I was patient. And I treated him like he mattered, because he did. Later, I found out from one of the program coordinators that Jordan was struggling with issues at home and had a hard time trusting adults. Knowing that made our bond feel even more important. It wasn’t just about helping with homework or encouraging him to join a game—it was about helping him feel safe and seen. This experience changed my life and confirmed my decision to pursue a career in education. I realized that teaching isn’t just about academics—it’s about connection. It’s about being the person who believes in a child when they don’t believe in themselves. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. My goal as a future elementary school teacher is to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported, just like I tried to do for Jordan. I want to pay close attention to the quiet kids, the ones who might otherwise get overlooked, and give them the confidence to raise their voices and know they belong. What happened with Jordan taught me that even the smallest interactions—a kind word, a patient ear, a simple drawing—can have a lasting impact on a child’s self-esteem and outlook. It also reminded me that educators have the incredible power to shape not only a student’s academic journey but also their personal growth and emotional well-being. I think about Jordan often, especially when I doubt myself or feel overwhelmed with all the challenges that come with becoming a teacher. He reminds me that this work matters, and that even if I only reach one student the way I reached him, it will all be worth it.

My name is Ariel Gonzalez, and I am a passionate and determined individual with a deep-rooted dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to work with children and help shape the minds of future generations. Education has always been a central part of my life, and I have come to understand the incredible power that teachers have—not only to teach academic content but to inspire, guide, and support students during some of their most important developmental years. I am currently pursuing my associate’s degree in teaching, with plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree in education. I am considering Sam Houston State University or the University of Texas, where I hope to specialize in either mathematics or English for early elementary levels. My ultimate goal is to become a second-grade teacher, as I believe that is a critical age where students begin to develop confidence in their learning abilities and form lasting impressions of school. I want to be the kind of teacher who creates a safe, nurturing, and exciting learning environment—one where children feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. My journey toward this career has not always been easy, but it has been meaningful. As a student, I’ve faced moments of doubt and personal challenge, but I have always found strength through education and encouragement from mentors and teachers. These experiences have fueled my desire to give back and serve as that same source of strength and motivation for my future students. I want to be more than just an educator—I want to be a role model, a mentor, and an advocate for children who may not always have someone rooting for them. Making a positive impact on my community is at the heart of my goals. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for change, especially in underserved or overlooked communities. I plan to work in a public school district where I can reach students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom may face obstacles outside the classroom that affect their learning. I want to be a teacher who not only teaches math and reading but also teaches kindness, resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself. Through after-school tutoring, family engagement nights, and creating inclusive classroom spaces, I hope to build strong connections with both students and their families. Outside of the classroom, I want to become involved in local initiatives that promote youth development, literacy, and access to educational resources. I would love to partner with libraries, youth centers, and community outreach programs to create more opportunities for students to thrive academically and socially. Whether it’s organizing a book drive, mentoring students through a summer reading program, or advocating for school funding at community meetings, I’m committed to making sure education remains a top priority in my community. In the future, I also hope to pursue a master’s degree in education leadership so that I can contribute to shaping educational policies that prioritize equity, diversity, and student-centered learning. I believe lasting change starts at the local level, and by becoming a teacher, I am taking the first step toward creating that change. In summary, my passion for teaching is rooted in a desire to give back, uplift others, and help students become the best version of themselves. I see teaching not just as a career, but as a calling—one that allows me to make a lifelong difference in the lives of children and in the heart of my community.