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Ashleigh Jackson

1,205

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My life goals are to be successful in my chosen career and to give back to my community. My career goal is to become a software educator, and I plan to achieve this goal by working hard and taking advantage of the educational resources available to me. I am currently enrolled in a Education Preparation Program at my local university Texas Southern and I am determined to complete my degree with a concentration in Early childhood education EC-6. To this end, I have dedicated myself to a rigorous academic program and have taken the initiative to seek out internships and research opportunities that will further expand my knowledge and understanding of the field. I have a passion to educate children is a wonderful thing. It is a passion that can bring joy to both the educator (myself) and the child. It is a passion that can provide knowledge and understanding, while helping to shape the minds of tomorrow. I am an excellent candidate for a scholarship because of my strong academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to service. Throughout my academic career, I have consistently maintained a high grade point average and taken on challenging courses. I have been a leader in many extracurricular activities, including my Greek sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. I am also highly committed to giving back to my community through volunteer activities. I have participated in numerous service projects, such as tutoring at a local elementary school and helping to organize a community food drive.

Education

Texas Southern University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Education, General
  • Minors:
    • Music
    • Special Education and Teaching

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Afterschool Tutor

      PSBE
      2021 – 2021
    • Infant Teacher

      Pilgrims Daycare
      2021 – Present3 years
    • Tutor

      Lockhart Elementary
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Afterschool Teacher

      Highland Heights
      2022 – 2022

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2017 – 20214 years

    Awards

    • 0

    Research

    • Behavioral Sciences

      KINS — Student
      2023 – 2023

    Arts

    • Fashion Society

      Photography
      2022 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Sigma Gamma Rho — speaking to young mothers as they collect supplies
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Sigma Gamma Rho — Supplier
      2023 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Sigma Gamma Rho — recruiter
      2023 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Sigma Gamma Rho — Packing boxes
      2022 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Opportunity for Our People Scholarship
    An unpopular opinion that I have is that social media does more harm than good. In today’s world, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become a huge part of our daily lives. While they can keep us connected with friends and family, educate us with news and information, and provide us with entertainment, I strongly believe that the downsides outweigh the benefits. Firstly, social media can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. With the constant need to showcase the perfect picture, the ideal life, or the fun experiences, people are often caught in a rat race that induces pressure and FOMO. The pressure to stay up-to-date with everyone’s lives, perfectly pose for pictures, and feel the need to keep up with the ‘trends’ can be overwhelming. This need for validation results in an unhealthy obsession with likes, comments, and followers. Second, social media platforms have been misused to spread fake news, propaganda, and hate speech. They have become breeding grounds for misinformation and disinformation, which can influence people’s opinions and behaviors, causing damage to the social fabric of society. While social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, it has also created considerable differences in our interpersonal communication. People tend to become more distant from each other while being online. Instead of having real conversations, we resort to commenting or sending emojis, which lacking the depth and real emotion of face-to-face talks. Despite being an introvert, I have always valued the importance of physical interactions. I believe that social media is a tool, and like any tool, it has to be utilized wisely. I don't deny the usefulness and convenience of social media, but I am aware of its potential drawbacks. My opinion reflects my values of authenticity, genuine human interaction, and responsibility towards ourselves and our community. I don't think my opinion is unique, but it is surely not the majority's standpoint. From what I see on my feeds, people are still addicted to scrolling, posting, and sharing every detail of their lives. But for me, my opinion gives me a sense of clarity and balance when it comes to my online activities. In conclusion, my opinion about social media consumes my efforts to be in control of my online behavior. It allows me to be more present, mindful, and responsible for my actions. It also helps me prioritize my time and relationships, and not give in to the digital noise and clutter. While it might not be the most trending topic, I believe that people should start to be more aware of the effects of social media on their lives and use it mindfully. Social media can be a great source of entertainment, but it can never replace genuine human connection and face-to-face interactions.
    Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship
    As someone who is currently involved in community service, I am well aware of the social inequalities that plague our society. Although the challenge of addressing them may be daunting, I remain optimistic and tenacious in my pursuit of solutions to these critical issues. One social issue that I have been working to address is the issue of poverty, especially among underprivileged communities. In my community, many people live in poverty, with little to no access to resources or opportunities to improve their condition. I saw this situation firsthand when volunteering with local non-profit organizations that provide assistance to underprivileged families and individuals. Initially, I worked to help organize and support fundraising events that provided food, shelter, and basic necessities for those in need. However, I have since realized that long-term solutions require more than just offering temporary assistance. To address poverty, I started working with community leaders to create sustainable programs that can provide vulnerable individuals with education and training opportunities, develop their skill sets, increase their chances of gaining employment, and ultimately help them maintain a steady income. Additionally, I started an awareness campaign to educate people about poverty and its negative impacts on individuals, families, and the greater community. I believe that raising awareness is essential, so people can see the harsh realities of poverty in their communities and take appropriate action. Through this campaign, I engage people in conversations about the issue and its root causes, encouraging them to get involved. My efforts in addressing poverty have been both individual and collective. I have worked alongside like-minded individuals and organizations to find solutions, and collectively we have been able to make a difference in our community. I am also currently pursuing a college degree in social work, which I believe will help me develop my skills and knowledge further and enable me to have an even greater impact on social issues like poverty. In conclusion, addressing social issues requires a collective effort, and I am committed to contributing my part in making a positive impact on my community. I have so far worked to address poverty by fundraising, creating sustainable programs, and educating people through awareness campaigns. As I move forward, I will continue to build on these efforts and inspire others to do the same. I believe that everyone has a role to play in building a better society, and I am eager to continue doing my part to make a difference.
    Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
    Winner
    If given the opportunity, I would start a community project focused on providing education and resources for mental health. This is important to me because mental health is a topic that is often stigmatized and ignored, which can lead to serious consequences. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, but it is often overlooked in our society. In my community, there is a lack of resources and education about mental health, which contributes to a larger issue of people not seeking help or feeling ashamed to do so. I believe that by creating a support system, people will be more likely to seek help when they need it and will feel more empowered to take control of their mental health. My community project would involve organizing workshops and events focused on mental health education. These events would provide information on what mental health is, the common disorders, and treatment options. Additionally, I would look to collaborate with local mental health professionals to provide access to free resources, such as counseling and therapy. Another critical aspect of the project would be to focus on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It would be essential to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking help. Through various events, I want to promote that it is okay not to be okay. My vision is to create a sustainable network and community that prioritizes mental health and well-being. One way to do this is by creating peer support groups where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences and feels supported. This can start the healing process and prevent people from feeling isolated or alone. These support groups can also encourage individuals to seek medical attention and consistent mental health check-ups. Overall, this project's impact would extend beyond my immediate community; it would also contribute to a larger societal shift in prioritizing mental health. Providing education and resources for mental health will decrease the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and encourage individuals to get help. In turn, this can lead to improved well-being and productive communities. In conclusion, I believe that investing in mental health is essential to building healthier and more productive communities. Providing education, resources, and peer support will not only help individuals but will also create better, more compassionate societies. If given the opportunity, I will be grateful to be able to implement this project and create a positive change in my community.
    Alma J. Grubbs Education Scholarship
    I am passionate about education because I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools available to anyone in our society. Education gives us the knowledge and skills to succeed in our chosen fields and to contribute meaningfully to our communities. It is the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. Education helps us develop our capabilities and empowers us to make informed decisions that can improve our lives and the lives of those around us. Education also provides us with a better understanding of the world and how we can work together to create a better future. Education is the key to unlocking our potential and helping us reach our goals. It is the tool we use to create a better future for ourselves and our children. My teachers have had a major influence on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. From as early as elementary school, I was taught to think critically, ask questions, and be open to new ideas. They taught me that we are not all the same. As some students needed more attention and help from others but that was okay. These lessons instilled in me a respect for knowledge, learning and myself. It inspired me to pursue further education, early childhood education to be exact. The relationships I had with my teachers were also incredibly important to my development. My teachers provided me with guidance and support, and their enthusiasm for learning was contagious. Through their encouragement, I was able to build relationships with peers and become more confident in my abilities. I plan to leave a lasting impact on the students I teach by setting high expectations, having high standards for student achievement, demonstrating a commitment to their success, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment. I will also strive to create meaningful and engaging lessons that challenge my students and help them to develop a love of learning. I will take the time to get to know my students, their interests, and their needs, and strive to create an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity. I will also strive to incorporate technology into my teaching to make learning more interactive and engaging. Finally, I will strive to create an environment where students are encouraged to work collaboratively and express their ideas. By doing these things, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the students I teach that will inspire them to continue their learning and reach their highest potential.
    GTF Book Scholarship
    The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., is an insightful book for parents who want to understand how their child’s brain works and how to best nurture their development. The authors explain that the brain is made up of three parts – the left brain, the right brain, and the middle brain. Each part of the brain has its own strengths and abilities, and the goal of this book is to help parents understand how to use these different parts of the brain to nurture their child’s development. The authors provide practical strategies for helping children make sense of their emotions, manage stress, and develop healthy relationships. They also discuss how to help children cope with difficult situations, such as divorce, illness, and death. The authors also provide ideas for how to foster creativity and independence while also creating a secure, supportive environment. The book changed my perspective on parenting by providing insight into the science behind my child's development and how my parenting choices can influence their development. Before reading this book, I had little understanding of the science behind child development and thought that my parenting decisions were based solely on my own personal experiences. The Whole-Brain Child provided me with a deeper understanding of the science behind child development and how my decisions can influence my child's growth. The book also provided me with a wider range of strategies to use when parenting my child. Rather than relying solely on traditional methods of discipline, the book provided me with more holistic strategies to help my child learn, grow, and develop. I now have a better understanding of how to nurture my child's development by integrating physical, emotional, and cognitive strategies into my parenting approach. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurtale Smart, Resilient, and Emotionally Intelligent Children, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, has been an incredible asset in helping me progress mentally. This book has provided me with the tools to better understand not only my own behavior but also the behavior of those around me. It provides practical advice on how to foster a healthy, balanced brain, and how to integrate the left and right hemispheres of the brain to create a healthy and safe environment for children. The Whole-Brain Child has helped me to understand the importance of nurturing both the left and right sides of the brain. It has encouraged me to be mindful of the emotions of others and to recognize my own emotions. This book has also given me insight into the neuroscience behind parenting, allowing me to better understand how to foster a healthy environment for my children.
    Denise K. Emberton Memorial Scholarship
    My work educating low-incidence children will benefit them now and in the future in a variety of ways. By providing them with the necessary educational support and resources, we can ensure that they receive the best possible education while providing the proper resources to the child/family in need. This will help them to develop the skills they need to be successful in the future. This will also motivate the student and/or family to continue to work with the students to not become a product of their enivmorent but to be one greater than that. Students can benefit from individualized instruction and support. This individualized instruction and support can help them reach their highest potential academically, even if their peers may be working at a faster pace. Students will be able to move as fast or slow as needed to achieve the common goal of being successful in my classroom. Those students having access to the right resources can help them to develop the necessary skills for success in their future lives. For example, they can learn how to use technology to their advantage, which can help them be successful both in and outside the classroom. In the future, these students will be better prepared for any education journey ahead of them. They will have the necessary skills to be successful in college, including the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. That they will be able to learn not only with me but through the resources that I have provided for them. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to develop self-advocacy skills that will be necessary for them to succeed in the workforce. They will also be better equipped to make informed decisions about their future career paths. Finally, these students will be more likely to be successful in the world outside of the classroom. They will have the tools and resources necessary to make sound decisions about their life and career paths. They will also have the ability to advocate for themselves and be more successful in pursuing their goals. In conclusion, my work educating low-incidence children will benefit them now and in the future by providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in school and life. By having the right resources, they can develop the skills necessary to be successful both in the classroom and in their future lives. As I purse my current job as an educator in a low-income school I can say that the families that I have been able t help has been more than thankful and successful in their journey.
    Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship
    I am motivated to confront gender disparity in Texas because I believe in equality for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or any other factor that may lead to a decision of equality. Everyone should have the same opportunities to access resources and achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I also believe that gender-based disparities harm everyone, not just women. Although women are still faced with numerous inequities in terms of access to economic opportunities, health care, education, and more. When women are not given the same opportunities as men, it limits progress in our society as a whole. We are pushed back centuries. I am committed to doing my part to help create a more equitable environment in the state of Texas. One way I started my to combat gender-based disparities in Texas is by speaking up and educating others. If you witness an instance of gender-based discrimination or hear one happening, politely call it out and explain why it is wrong. This can help to create an environment that is more supportive of all genders. I do this often with my students and/or staff around me. With my education degree, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and their families by helping them to develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in their learning and life. In an inclusive enivmorent for my young learners. By providing them with quality education, I believe I can help to break the cycle of poverty and create more equitable opportunities for everyone students and parents too. I also hope to use my education degree and my future career to empower teachers to be creative and innovative in their classrooms and to create meaningful learning experiences for their students. With an education degree, you can make a huge impact on the lives of students and the community. I can use your degree to help shape the educational system and develop strategies for improving student learning outcomes. With your education degree, I can also provide guidance and support to students and help them to reach their full potential. Providing guidance and support to students is an important role for us teachers or parents It is essential that students receive guidance and support so they can reach their full potential of success. Guidance and support should be tailored to the individual needs of each student. This includes providing students with an individual education plan that outlines their goals and how they can best achieve them. It also involves creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can express their opinions, ask questions, and receive constructive feedback. With the right guidance and support, students can achieve success in their academic and personal endeavors.