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Ashlyn Graham

605

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

From an early age, I have known that I want to become a teacher. I believe in giving back to my community and my world every single day, and teaching is just one of many ways I plan to do this in the future. I also aspire to do mission work in my community and internationally, during the summer breaks I will be provided with as a teacher. This is just one of many reasons that I feel a calling into this profession. I have worked extremely hard throughout high school to maintain a high GPA and I am in the top ten percent of my graduating class. This level of work ethic is not something that I will ever lower my standard for myself on. Through hard work and dedication I want to be a member of my community who advocates, inspires, and educates.

Education

Texas A&M University- College Station

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Special Education and Teaching
  • Minors:
    • Education, General

Concordia Lutheran High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Education, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      I would like to create a non-profit for mothers and their children with a special focus on assistance to pregnant, widowed, or single moms.

    • Extended Care/ After School Care Staff

      Trinity Klein Church and School
      2023 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Basketball

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 20233 years

    Awards

    • Most improved

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Salem Readers - Concordia Lutheran High School — Reader
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Nazarene Missions International — I have been elected as an NMI district assembly delegate and I am in charge of the children's church NMI curriculum.
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Southern Knights - New Life Community Church — Worship Leader
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Salem Lutheran School — Concession stand management, compiling statistics for coaches, Keeping book and clock, and Line judging for volleyball.
      2018 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Hope for the Hollow — Summer Camp Counselor
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Be A Vanessa Scholarship
    When I was in kindergarten, my parents got a divorce. At the time, it shattered my world. I was heartbroken and felt like I had done something wrong, but mostly I felt alone. That loneliness prompted me to want to help others. I never wanted other kids to have to feel helpless and alone. I know that there are kids who are going through life altering events all the time, most of which I cannot relate to at all. However, one way I know I can help is by becoming a teacher, volunteering, and through my plans of creating or supporting and organization that I know will do the most good for single mothers and young children. When I become a teacher, I will make sure that my class knows that they always have a listening ear and someone who cares about them and their wellbeing. I want to create a safe space for learning but also personal growth and healthy emotional growth. We live in a world where horrible things can happen and our youth often grow up without the adequate resources to achieve their personal best. One of the greatest benefits I see to a teacher's lifestyle is being off in the summer. I know the term "Summer vacation" is often used. However, I believe that I could use my time off in the summers ot Volunteer in numerous ways. I would love to travel in my volunteer work. I have been on mission trips before and each time I learn valuable lessons about our world and the world views of my fellow global citizens. Because we all inhabit the same world, I believe that we are all neighbors and should care deeply for each other, especially when we see an injustice. I think that working abroad in this way would open my eyes to world events but also help me instil a sense of care, mercy, justice, and volunteerism in my future students. I also have a dream of creating a nonprofit organization with the goal of helping single, pregnant, or any mothers to better their own lives and the lives of their children. I want this overlooked group to be empowered for more than just someone's political agenda. It breaks my heart to see women not know all their options when it comes to their health and their pregnancy or children's health. I want women to have power to actually chose what is best for them and their families even in the toughest of circumstances, and to have someone to walk through any circumstances with them. I have extravagant plans for my own life, some might say unrealistic, but I believe that I can achieve these goals. Although I am just one person, I can still make an impact and leave a legacy to inspire others to do the most good they can in any given circumstances. This scholarship would help me achieve these goals and I would greatly appreciate your consideration.
    Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
    Knowledge is power, a common phrase, but a meaningful one. we glean knowledge through everything we read, see, hear, and feel. Books are power vessels for this knowledge because they evoke feelings in us through the thoughts, ideas, and feelings of characters whether they are fiction or realistic. Every genera has a lesson or many lessons to teach readers. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards fiction that seems like it could one day be real. I think these "what if" scenarios give warnings and challenge my own thought processes. My favorite genre are dystopian, romance, and Christian or biographical books. I love dystopian novels, because they are what made me realize that I actually love to read when I have the right book. This genera causes me to challenge my thoughts about politics and our world today. I realize that this is a fictional genera but each book in this category teaches a valuable lesson by dramatizing events or problems that are real in our world. The first book I read in this genera was "The Hunger Games" and it made me realize the importance of hope and the reality or fact checking the information that our governments or media gives us. The dramatic warnings of this genera do give insight and have made me realize the importance of standing up for what's right. My favorite feel good genre is romance. Although it's often not realistic, romance or romcom books often make me evaluate what I would look for in a future husband and also what traits are beneficial or harmful to my future relationships. I have also learned that sometimes a good book is exactly what I need to relax and it is far more entertaining than a soapy netflix binge. Finally, I am christian and I find value in reading my Bible as well as the personal stories of others. There are many people who have learned lessons the hard way in life, so their sharing of experiences is extremely important and beneficial. Some might call these "Self Help Books", but I appreciate the rise of people reading books that talk about our psychology or healthy habits. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to make me realize that I am wrong on something and I appreciate books that challenge my world view. No matter what I read, I have learned that there is always more that I can be taught. There is always a way for me to be challenged and grow from my personal experiences, but when someone else records fictional or realistic experiences, that can be just as eye opening, I should take heed and learn from them as well. Whether I read for knowledge or pleasure I have learned to let it challenge me, push me, and help me grow.
    Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship
    A few years ago, the summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered with an organization entitled Hope For The Hollow. I worked at the organization’s summer camp, leading a group of about 20 children in activities and small group discussion of who Jesus is in relation to their lives. This camp was an impactful experience for me and confirmed that my life goals will consist of helping my community and the world at large. After this camp, I found out that the organization was looking to start a pregnancy center-like program. I was thrilled that I could be a part of something that would give a real solution to the tragedy of single, unsupported mothers. I wanted to be impactful in this way, but the organization never actually came to fruition. This event was a catalytic experience causing an idea to come to the forefront of my mind. I realized that I wanted to be a significant part of an organization that works for single or young mothers to be equipped with knowledge of their options and resources for motherhood. I believe that too many women are pressured into a certain choice when it comes to difficult pregnancies and I want those women to know that they have a place that genuinely cares for them regardless of their decisions or struggles. This year I have been able to connect with the Tomball pregnancy center, and it has given me new insight that there are organizations who have the same ideals and goals as me and just need more resources and helpful hands to expand their mission and vision. This has allowed me to realize that my goals are attainable and that I can be an advocate for these women now and in the future. Additionally, I aspire to be a teacher. I have applied and been accepted to Texas A&M and I plan to graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and take classes to be certified to assist with children that have special needs. I think that all teachers should have training in this field due to the rising number of students that struggle with disabilities or handicaps. I want to be able to serve my students to the best of my abilities and make sure that they always feel supported and loved. I want to make their lives better, equipping them with skills and knowledge that will go far beyond any classroom setting. It is beautiful to be able to see the fruits of one’s labor materialize in a local community, however I also feel a calling to help my world in a unique way. I feel that I can best do this with a teaching degree. I will have the summers off and I plan to travel and join an organization such as compassion international, samaritan’s purse, etc. With one of these organizations I know that I would be able to change lives and use my resources to bless others and learn exponentially more about my world and global community. I will continue to look into organizations such as the ones listed above to see where I can make the greatest impact and where I would be most needed, but I am unwavering on my mission of teaching locally and abroad. Throughout my life, I want to be someone that goes the extra mile for people. Our world is broken and in severe need of love. I want to be part of the change I wish to see and I want to impact the next generation of world changers as well.
    Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
    A few years ago, the summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered with an organization entitled Hope For The Hollow. I worked at the organization’s summer camp, leading a group of about 20 children in activities and small group discussion of who Jesus is in relation to their lives. This camp was an impactful experience for me and confirmed that my life goals will consist of helping my community and the world at large. After this camp, I found out that the organization was looking to start a pregnancy center-like program. I was thrilled that I could be a part of something that would give a real solution to the tragedy of single, unsupported mothers. I wanted to be impactful in this way, but the organization never actually came to fruition. This event was a catalytic experience causing an idea to come to the forefront of my mind. I realized that I wanted to be a significant part of an organization that works for single or young mothers to be equipped with knowledge of their options and resources for motherhood. I believe that too many women are pressured into a certain choice when it comes to difficult pregnancies and I want those women to know that they have a place that genuinely cares for them regardless of their decisions or struggles. This year I have been able to connect with the Tomball pregnancy center, and it has given me new insight that there are organizations who have the same ideals and goals as me and just need more resources and helpful hands to expand their mission and vision. This has allowed me to realize that my goals are attainable and that I can be an advocate for these women now and in the future. Additionally, I aspire to be a teacher. I have applied and been accepted to Texas A&M and I plan to graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and take classes to be certified to assist with children that have special needs. I think that all teachers should have training in this field due to the rising number of students that struggle with disabilities or handicaps. I want to be able to serve my students to the best of my abilities and make sure that they always feel supported and loved. I want to make their lives better, equipping them with skills and knowledge that will go far beyond any classroom setting. It is beautiful to be able to see the fruits of one’s labor materialize in a local community, however I also feel a calling to help my world in a unique way. I feel that I can best do this with a teaching degree. I will have the summers off and I plan to travel and join an organization such as compassion international, samaritan’s purse, etc. With one of these organizations I know that I would be able to change lives and use my resources to bless others and learn exponentially more about my world and global community. I will continue to look into organizations such as the ones listed above to see where I can make the greatest impact and where I would be most needed, but I am unwavering on my mission of teaching locally and abroad. Throughout my life, I want to be someone that goes the extra mile for people. Our world is broken and in severe need of love. I want to be part of the change I wish to see and I want to impact the next generation of world changers as well.
    Beatrice Diaz Memorial Scholarship
    Winner
    I walked into my eighth-grade elective, ecstatic since I was finally old enough to be a teacher's aide for my elementary school. I was placed in one of the second grade classes and from the very first day, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I also quickly felt that I wanted to work with the general age range of kindergarteners to third-graders. That year was significantly impactful for me in the sense that I had real-world experience in the career field of my choice, but I also made meaningful relationships with the students and the teacher of the class. I get the opportunity to see them sometimes, and it warms my heart to see the kids who I helped with their projects playing basketball and volleyball for the first time! I am pursuing a career in teaching because I believe every child should have the opportunity for advancement, support, and learning. Every student should be able to have a visible amount of progress from the beginning to the end of the school year. No matter the circumstances, as teachers we are called to walk alongside our students to help them receive education but also life skills and, especially at younger ages, social skills. Without this kind of advancement, science, math, or reading, are great tools in a broken toolbox. Advancement can also refer to social mobility. I want the students I teach to grow and become the best versions of themselves who can have the greatest impact. No matter their starting point, I want them to believe they can achieve their dreams. Support should be received by every student every year. There are instances where behavior has to be discouraged, however, the general student should not be diminished. I wish for every child that is in my future class to be supported. In our world today, children have to see hardships and disgusting events that I hope we can one day fix but, until that day, I want each of my prospective students to be comforted in knowing that they always have someone who will listen and care for them no matter what they are facing. Learning is a process that should never stop. As a society and individuals, we should all be learning about ourselves, each other, and our world. I believe that the vast majority of society's problems can be solved through learning and understanding each other and truth. I want to be a catalyst for the spreading of knowledge to the next generations. I believe that teaching is the best platform for me to accomplish this and the way that I can best serve my community. The more we know, the more ways we can solve problems, expand resources, and spread truth within our local and worldwide communities. Although my first exposure to teaching has been through the lens of a student, I am now an afterschool care teacher and I have been a teacher's aide, both of which have given me a purpose for the direction of my future. I will become a teacher, and I will equip all of my students with the resources they require for advancement in my class and their future, to be supported, and to learn. All of these characteristics should be customary for every class, but I will prioritize them in my future classroom.
    Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship
    I walked into my eighth-grade elective, ecstatic since I was finally old enough to be a teacher's aide for my elementary school. I was placed in one of the second grade classes and from the very first day, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I also quickly felt that I wanted to work with the general age range of kindergarteners to third-graders. That year was significantly impactful for me in the sense that I had real-world experience in the career field of my choice, but I also made meaningful relationships with the students and the teacher of the class. I get the opportunity to see them sometimes, and it warms my heart to see the kids who I helped with their projects playing basketball and volleyball for the first time! I am pursuing a career in teaching because I believe every child should have the opportunity for advancement, support, and learning. Every student should be able to have a visible amount of progress from the beginning to the end of the school year. No matter the circumstances, as teachers we are called to walk alongside our students to help them receive education but also life skills and, especially at younger ages, social skills. Without this kind of advancement, science, math, or reading, are great tools in a broken toolbox. Advancement can also refer to social mobility. I want the students I teach to grow and become the best versions of themselves who can have the greatest impact. No matter their starting point, I want them to believe they can achieve their dreams. Support should be received by every student every year. There are instances where behavior has to be discouraged, however, the general student should not be diminished. I wish for every child that is in my future class to be supported. In our world today, children have to see hardships and disgusting events that I hope we can one day fix but, until that day, I want each of my prospective students to be comforted in knowing that they always have someone who will listen and care for them no matter what they are facing. Learning is a process that should never stop. As a society and individuals, we should all be learning about ourselves, each other, and our world. I believe that the vast majority of society's problems can be solved through learning and understanding each other and truth. I want to be a catalyst for the spreading of knowledge to the next generations. I believe that teaching is the best platform for me to accomplish this and the way that I can best serve my community. The more we know, the more ways we can solve problems, expand resources, and spread truth within our local and worldwide communities. Although my first exposure to teaching has been through the lens of a student, I am now an afterschool care teacher and I have been a teacher's aide, both of which have given me a purpose for the direction of my future. I will become a teacher, and I will equip all of my students with the resources they require for advancement in my class and their future, to be supported, and to learn. All of these characteristics should be customary for every class, but I will prioritize them in my future classroom.
    Selma Luna Memorial Scholarship
    Glancing up from my paper, I saw my teacher explaining the prompt. It was our first day of writing class and I was thrilled! I remember several of the writing assignments I did that year and the ones that I have done since then. I love the imaginative nature that has been refined through each assignment. I also remember the science projects and learning about a Texas city for my fourth-grade presentation. All of these small moments amount to greatness and have influenced my character. I want to encourage this feeling of accomplishment and the building of character in future generations as well. I believe that elementary school is where socialization, emotional intelligence, and most of our crucial life skills are developed. These are good things but at such an impressionable age, it is paramount that children are influenced in ways that produce strong and kind individuals who will grow up to be world changers. The greatest impact one can have on the world is through future generations because those generations are who we will leave in charge of this world. I want to teach and inspire children to feel empowered to achieve their dreams and be world changers for the betterment of every person they meet. Dreams are of the utmost importance. As children, individuals often dream of being something or doing something that others might disregard as impossible. However, most often children are the ones with the greatest hearts for others and the most confidence. Therefore, these dreams should be encouraged and can help the adults and communities that these children touch to do more and be better. One of the beautiful things about children at younger ages is their eye for beauty in people. This is not surface-level beauty, instead, children tend to look inside. When children make a friend they do not care about worldly categorizations. Therefore, early childhood and elementary school is the perfect place to observe in efforts to allow our society to see people for more than their outward qualities. As a teacher, I would make a great effort to foster an environment where all my students know they are loved regardless of their background or worldly stereotypes. The earliest years of schooling are the best time to inspire the next generation and I feel called to be a resource to our future world changers through teaching.