If I could create a class that all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade were required to take, it would be called “Life Skills and Emotional Intelligence.” The goal would be to prepare students not only for academic success, but also for the real-world challenges they will face as adults. This class would focus on areas often overlooked in traditional education practical skills, emotional awareness, and interpersonal communication. The curriculum would be tailored to each grade level. In the early years, students would learn basic skills such as how to express their feelings, resolve conflicts peacefully, and practice empathy toward others. As they grow older, lessons would expand to include financial literacy, time management, problem-solving, goal-setting, and even basic cooking, budgeting, and job interview skills. The class would also emphasize self-care, resilience, and mental health awareness, ensuring students know how to take care of themselves emotionally as well as physically. One important aspect of this class would be fostering emotional intelligence. Students would learn how to identify and regulate their emotions, understand the feelings of others, and build healthy relationships. These skills would help reduce bullying, improve communication, and create more supportive school environments. Students who understand themselves and others are better equipped to work in teams, lead with compassion, and handle conflict without aggression. The impact of this class could be transformative. Many graduates leave school academically prepared but unsure how to navigate real-life situations. By teaching life skills and emotional intelligence from a young age, students would be better equipped to manage stress, make responsible decisions, and adapt to change. It could also help close the gap between home and school, giving all students regardless of their background access to essential knowledge and habits for success. I believe that this class would not just prepare students for adulthood—it would also improve their current quality of life. Students who feel capable of managing their responsibilities and emotions are more confident, engaged, and motivated to learn. Over time, this could lead to stronger communities, healthier relationships, and a generation of young adults who are ready to thrive both personally and professionally. In short, “Life Skills and Emotional Intelligence” would give every student the tools they need not only to succeed in the classroom, but to live fulfilling, balanced, and meaningful lives long after graduation and to pass those skills on to others. Ensuring the successfulness of each student at every age range or grade level is the end goal.

From an early age, I have been drawn to the idea of helping others reach their potential. Teaching, to me, is one of the most impactful ways to do that. It is more than delivering lessons it is about shaping lives, inspiring confidence, and planting seeds of curiosity that can grow for a lifetime. My work as a teacher assistant has allowed me to see firsthand the joy that comes when a student finally understands a concept they have been struggling with. I have also seen the difference a caring and patient educator can make in a child’s life. These experiences have deepened my passion for education and strengthened my commitment to becoming a teacher. In addition to my personal experiences as a student, having close friends who are teachers has also inspired me as well. I have seen their dedication to their students, the creativity they put into their lessons, and the way they balance challenges with a genuine love for their work. Their stories of making a difference even in small ways have shown me that teaching is not only rewarding but also deeply meaningful. Watching their passion in action has encouraged me to follow in their footsteps and bring my own energy and care into the classroom. This wouldn't just be a career that I am pursuing; it is a calling. It requires patience, dedication, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. I understand the challenges long hours, diverse learning needs, and limited resources but I also understand the rewards: seeing a student’s face light up with understanding, watching them gain confidence, and knowing I played a role in their growth. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to inspire, encourage, and equip my students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed not just in school, but in life. Teaching will not only allow me to impact the lives of my students, but it will also transform my own life. Being in the classroom will challenge me to keep learning, adapting, and growing every day. It will push me to think creatively, practice patience, and approach problems with empathy. Seeing the world through my students’ eyes will give me fresh perspectives and remind me of the value of curiosity and perseverance. The relationships I build with my students will teach me as much as I teach them, showing me the power of resilience, determination, and hope. Most of all, teaching will give my life a deeper sense of purpose knowing that the lessons I share and the encouragement I offer will continue to shape futures long after the school year ends.

I want to support early childhood development because I believe the first few years of a child’s life are so important. This is when kids start learning about the world, how to trust others, and build confidence. I want to be the kind of teacher who creates a safe and loving space where children feel seen and heard. I want to help them feel curious about learning and kind to themselves and others. Those early lessons stick with you forever. I want to be my students safe place, the same sense of comfort that I was given as a child. The reason I chose this field comes from my own life. Growing up, my family had a lot of challenges. My dad struggled with addiction, and that brought a lot of uncertainty and stress into my home. I wasn’t always sure what tomorrow would look like, and sometimes it was hard to focus on school or just be a kid. But there were strong people in my life especially my brother who did his best to protect me and help me feel safe. His love made all the difference. Because of those experiences, I want to be that stable, caring person for children who might be going through tough times. I know how much it helps to have an adult who believes in you and supports you no matter what. I want to help break the cycle of pain and give kids a better chance to grow up feeling confident and loved. This is more than just a career for me it’s my passion. I want to make sure every child, no matter where they come from, gets a fair shot at success. Helping kids in those early years means I’m giving them the tools to build a better future. Placing children in a learning environment in their early years will leave a remarkable impression on them. Those years are very crucial for learning and each aspect of every subject can broaden their imagination and allow them to learn so much. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. That means I can learn everything I need to become the best teacher I can be and make a real difference in my community. With the support I will continue to learn and become very knowledgeable so that I can pass on so much to the future generation.

My name is Ashley Fountain, and I’m a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in education. I come from a background where life wasn’t always easy my father struggled with addiction, and that shaped a lot of my early experiences. But even through the instability and hardship, I found purpose. I realized I wanted to become the kind of person I often needed growing up: someone consistent, kind, and committed to helping others find hope through education. My passion for teaching comes from both personal experience and a deep desire to make a difference. I’ve seen how powerful a caring adult can be in a child’s life, and I want to be that person in the classroom. I want to teach not just academics, but also resilience, empathy, and self-worth. My long-term goal is to become an elementary school teacher, with hopes of one day advocating for educational equity and trauma-informed practices across underserved communities especially for African American youth. As a mother of five, I often find myself turning everyday moments into life lessons. I want to guide my children away from the struggles I faced growing up, so they can reach for something greater. Having lived through difficult times, I know how easy it is to get stuck in cycles that hold you back. But I’m determined to break that cycle not just for me, but for my kids. One of my proudest accomplishments so far is staying committed to my education in the face of adversity. There were times I didn’t know how I would pay for books or keep up with the demands of school while working part-time. But I stayed focused. I’ve maintained strong academic performance and continue to grow not just in knowledge, but in self-confidence and leadership. If I’m awarded this scholarship, I’ll use the money saved by paying down my student loan debt to invest in tools that support my journey as an educator such as professional development, classroom resources, and continuing education opportunities. I also hope to give back to my community in meaningful ways by leading youth programs and mentoring students from similar backgrounds. Reducing the financial burden of student loans will give me the freedom to focus on what matters most: serving, educating, and uplifting others. At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: that every child deserves someone in their corner. Thanks to the support of scholarships like this, I’m on my way to becoming that person not just in title, but in impact.

What makes me different is that I carry a story shaped by pain but powered by purpose. Growing up with a father who battled addiction, I experienced firsthand the instability and emotional weight that many children silently endure. While others were focused on typical childhood milestones, I was learning how to hold my emotions together, how to stay strong for others, and how to keep moving forward even when home didn’t feel safe. That experience could have made me bitter, but instead, it made me deeply compassionate. I learned to see people through a different lens not just for who they appear to be on the outside, but for what they may be carrying inside. I learned the value of kindness, stability, and being present. These lessons have shaped not only who I am, but who I want to become: an educator who leads with empathy and sees the whole child, not just the student. What sets me apart is how I’ve turned hardship into motivation. I’ve taken my personal struggles and used them to build strength, awareness, and a deep desire to give others what I didn’t always have support, belief, and a sense of belonging. I understand what it’s like to feel invisible or misunderstood, and that’s exactly why I try to be the kind of person who listens without judgment and shows up with heart. And even when no one says it out loud, I know someone is always watching. It might be a younger sibling, a classmate, or a child in the community. I take that seriously. I live intentionally because I know how powerful it can be to witness someone overcome adversity and still choose to be kind. You don’t always know whose life you’re influencing just by how you carry yourself. That’s why I walk in truth, compassion, and determination because somewhere, someone might be looking to me as proof that they can do it too. As I pursue my degree in education, I plan to continue using my story to connect with and inspire young people especially those who come from environments filled with trauma, addiction, or instability. My goal is to create classrooms where students feel seen, safe, and valued. I want to be more than just a teacher I want to be a consistent, supportive presence that empowers students to rise above their circumstances. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue that journey. It would give me the opportunity to build a future not just for myself, but for every student I’ll serve students who need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves. I know from personal experience that one person can make a difference. I’m committed to being that person.

Who Had the Most Profound Impact in My Life to Encourage Me to Work in Education? The person who had the most profound impact on my decision to pursue a career in education was my brother. He was not a teacher by profession, but by heart, he was one of the best educators I’ve ever known. Growing up in a household affected by our father’s struggle with addiction, I often found myself feeling unsafe, unheard, and unsure of my place in the world. My brother became the safe space I needed steady, nurturing, and full of wisdom. His love, consistency, and unwavering belief in me helped shape the path I’m now walking. My brother was a quiet warrior. He helped raised me to value education even when we had little. He never let our circumstances become an excuse for giving up. When my home life was chaotic, she was the one who made sure I had clean clothes, a warm meal, and a quiet place to study. When I felt invisible in school, he reminded me that my voice mattered and that I was capable of greatness, no matter what others saw or didn’t see. He taught me lessons that went far beyond academics. From him, I learned patience, empathy, and the power of showing up. He didn’t have a formal education past high school, but he had a deep respect for learning and passed that on to me in small, meaningful ways. Whether it was encouraging me to read books, helping me with homework, or simply listening when I needed to talk, she gave me the tools to dream beyond my circumstances. He planted the seed that would grow into my desire to become a teacher. As I grew older and began to understand more about the world around me, I realized just how important teachers are—especially for children who live with trauma, uncertainty, or instability. In many ways, my grandmother was my first teacher, and her example helped me recognize that education is more than what happens in a classroom. It’s about building trust, offering consistency, and giving young people the belief that their lives matter. Because of his influence, I’ve committed myself to becoming an educator who sees the whole child not just their grades or behavior. I want to be the type of teacher who recognizes when a student is struggling silently and steps in with kindness, not judgment. I want to advocate for children who come from homes like mine, where addiction, violence, or financial hardship often overshadow their potential. I want to create a space in my classroom that feels safe, inclusive, and empowering just like my grandmother created for me. What drives me most is the understanding that many students are dealing with far more than what meets the eye. Teachers are often the first line of defense in a child’s life outside of the home. I want to be the teacher who doesn’t look away when a child is acting out or falling behind I want to be the one who leans in, asks the right questions, and offers the support they need to believe in themselves again. My brother passed away before I had the chance to fully tell him what he meant to me. But his spirit lives in everything I do. Every time I study for an exam, work with children, or talk about my future as an educator, I feel his presence and his pride. He taught me that education is not just about success; it’s about transformation. And I know that by becoming a teacher, I can help bring that same transformation into the lives of others. In his memory, I strive to be a light for the next generation. I want my students especially those who feel invisible, unheard, or misunderstood to know that they are capable of greatness. I want them to see that their past does not define their future. Just like my brother did for me, I want to help them find their voice and the courage to use it. That’s why I’m becoming a teacher. Not just to educate but to empower, uplift, and believe in children the way someone once believed in me.

Hi, name is Ashley Fountain and I am a mother of four children. I aspire to become a teacher but there have been many obstacles in my way. I started my educational journey around 2007 where was excited to began the road to success. Being that it was my first time away from home I didn't make my education a priority and that is something that I regret daily. Once I got to a point where I was ready to complete courses needed to graduate I was juggling parenthood, work and school. It was too a point that I didn't have adequate child care so I was missing so many days. I am to the point now where my federal aid is gone and and I am searching for resources to complete my education. My dream future is one where I am able to teach in a classroom daily. I want to have the ability to use my knowledge to teach children with learning disabilities. I want to implement learning strategies that will better the future of not only my students but their parents as well. Creating effective strategies that will allow me to teach numerous of students and allow me to ensure that they will be on their proper grade level. Other than financial means the only other obstacle would be the proper transportation that would allow me to get back and forth to school. I can also enroll in online classes which will not require me to leave home. I am in the process of looking into getting a new vehicle that will allow me to gain access to the campus. In order to remove these roadblocks I plan to work harder at all the goals that I have set. I plan to continue to look for resources that will allow me to get ahead in life.

Hi, my name is Ashley Fountain and aspire to be a teacher. My dream has always been to teach. In the midst of me getting my education I became a parent. Juggling parenthood, a job, and school brought on so much depression for me. I couldn’t afford adequate child care so I was missing a lot of school. It was too the point I was having to withdraw from classes to attempt to have a stable GPA. Through all of the obstacles I later found that I no longer had any federal funding to complete my education. The panic begin to set in because as a mom I am supposed to be working towards a better life for me and the kids. I was the one that they depended on for everything and I felt as If I was letting him down. With constant effort I continued to apply for scholarships or reach out to the schools administration seeking assistance or resources that would be of assistance to me. The last semester that I attempted to enroll I was bombarded by this large balance that I could not afford to pay. As a mom I did all I could which was working jobs just to say I was bringing home income. An income that wasn’t steady enough to pay off any college debt. I keep thriving and keeping hope alive that I would one day become a teacher. My kids inspire me to be a better person and to want so much better out of life. I am always reminded why I continue to try to pay for school even if the end result isn’t a good one. I couldn’t imagine allowing them to struggle to get an education. Each day I am able to teach them let’s me know that I can do so much more in the community. I am now a mother of four that wakes up daily with the thoughts of being successful. My oldest always says she wants to follow my dreams for me so that she can teach other kids the things her mom shows her. It breaks my heart because I want all of my children to follow their own path and not to let any financial means stop them from being great. I am proud to be a mom even with all the obstacles I face. My children will continue to be my strength on this educational journey.

My brother was the first man to ever love me. My dad was never around so I could always count on my brother. When it came to me needing things big or small he was always there. I will always and forever be grateful for him. He was and still is my protector. When I first enrolled in school he would always make sure I had rides to school and would pick me up on weekends so that I could be home. After I had my daughter he always pushed me to return to school and I always fought my emotions to return as a commuter student. I would go back and forth to school to make everyone happy and to see the smile on his face. One day he got sick and his heart began to bother him. I was always confident that he would get better. Doctors visit after doctors visits plus hospital stays and no results or resolution. Watching him lose weight of barely eat. Him sleeping constantly until he was sitting outside on the porch where he passed out. Arriving at the hospital having to pace the floors or to watch my mom break down from hearing the different codes being called out over the intercom system. To nurses saying they lost him or they got him back. Constantly praying to God for the best person in my life to stay with me. To the air lift team arriving and it’s too late to take him, doctors announce he’s gone. To the room, no the world seeming as if it’s empty now. I couldn’t move I was stuck to the wall but now I have to see you. I tried returning to school after that but with the constant burden of being alone in a world full of people was so much. I now had children to provide for and bills to pay for but I was in a constant funk. I later returned to school and found out that I have a huge balance that I can’t afford. So now I feel brother-less and degree-less. I have been living trying to complete my education for a while now and I now feel as if I have let my brother down so much.

My passion is to teach I wouldn’t consider it a career. I choose to teach because I want to touch the lives of others. I want to be one call away for parents that are seeking assistance for students with learning disabilities. Furthering my education so that I can gather all needed information to become a prosperous teacher. I plan to implement lessons that will allow myself or the parent to effectively reach their child/children. I want to research the different learning styles and techniques that will expand my abilities when it comes to educating. Education is the first key aspect in children life because from birth they are taught the things they need to grow. Taught the smallest things whether it was the teaching of right from wrong. It is all a teaching mechanism. Growing up there were many teacher that touched my life and that made me want to teach. Ones that were patient enough to show me math equations numerous times without an ounce of frustration. The teachers that took it upon themselves to ensure I was on the appropriate grade level each year. The teachers that went beyond teaching to ensure my emotions were in tack. Those were the true meaning of teachers and I will forever be grateful for the ones that left an impression on my life. All teaching is world changing and all education begins with a teacher. Teaching is so under valued in todays world. I want to show the true value and meaning to teaching. Show the world that teachers are not just someone to sit in a classroom but someone that can change lives. Teachers are introduced to children at a young age will forever have a lasting impression on them. They are the first to hold the child's heart after the parents. Teachers give children a home away from home and a place to feel comfortable. I want to teach so that I can hold purpose in the life of others. I want to always hold onto my purpose for the world and to stand strong on the value of teaching. To teach, live, and love. To teach my children and other children the way of life and to love one another. To teach them to love learning and that nothing is to hard for them. By finding ways to teach each student on their on individual level. To give them the learning experience they deserve.

Hi, my name is Ashley Fountain and I am currently struggling to complete my education financially. My education has always been placed on the back burner in my life due to me not making a sufficient amount of money. While enrolled in college I incurred a large balance that’s holding me back from my education. My education hasn’t always been my top priority and that’s something that I regret daily. As a mother I always tell my children not to give up on anything they aspire to be, so I can’t give up on my dreams. I always sit back and wonder what type of teacher will I be but it’s time to stop wondering and put my dreams in place. The joy of knowing one day I can have my own classroom or that I will one day teach students is amazing to me. Becoming a teacher is more than just a career to me it’s a passion. A passion that will one day allow me to provide my family with the life they deserve. One that will remove the struggles that I am currently facing. A good teacher is hard to come by and I want to be one that moves mountains for the students and their families. I want to be the teacher that has an impression on all of the community. The teacher that reaches all of her students in a special way. Once I am able to obtain a Bachelors Degree in education I can use my knowledge to reach so many children that may have difficulty learning. Finding new ways or new methods of teaching. Teaching is a science to me and I am ready to learn and explore all the information that can make me fluent at everything education related. This scholarship would provide me with a second chance at having a better life. Having the ability to return to school would be more than a privilege and one that I would take me to another level in my life. With having to experience the hardship of not being able to afford a decent education makes me want to give back some day. No one should have to fight for education or go broke to get one. There should be ways to assist the less fortunate when it comes to education. Being able to apply for such scholarships and to be considered is a blessing within itself.