My Passion for Special Education Professor Harold Bloom states, "I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence." This statement, in my opinion highlights the crucial role of educators in helping students recognize their value, great potential, and purpose. As a high school senior who plans to pursue a career in special education, I believe that facilitating this awareness is vital for children, especially those with special needs. My passion for the special education field stems from my close relationship with my Aunt Michelle, who is intellectually disabled. Through her, I have learned that despite limitations, one can live life to the fullest. She has also shown me that with perseverance, joy and achievement are possible. My Aunt Michelle serves as a light of hope and kindness to those around her. Inspired by her strength, I am determined to help others with disabilities find their own beauty and belonging in life. My mission as a future special education teacher is to guide my students towards discovering their purpose and sense of self. I aim to achieve this by helping them reach essential milestones, celebrating their uniqueness, and demonstrating how they can illuminate the world around them. Fairy Tale: The Flight of Ember. In a magical land high above the clouds, where the sun kissed the sky and the stars twinkled like diamonds, lived a community of Pegasi. The Pegasi were elegant, majestic creatures who were most known for their ability to fly. However, flying was not just a skill for them; it was their way of connecting with the world. For the Pegasi, flight symbolized their strength and unity, as they soared together in formation, creating mesmerizing patterns in the sky. Among these Pegasi, there was an adult Pegasus named Iris who believed that flight wasn’t the only way to make a difference. Among the Pegasi, there was a little one named Ember, who yearned to soar like her friends. However, Ember was different; she had a disability that prevented her from flying. This limitation made her feel isolated, as she watched her fellow Pegasi glide gracefully through the air. Ember often felt left out, longing to find her place in a world that celebrated flight. One day, Iris noticed Ember sitting alone, her wings drooping in sadness. With a gentle heart, Iris approached her and said, “Dear Ember, flying is just one way to shine. Every Pegasus has their own gifts waiting to be discovered. Don't forget that you too have value and purpose.” Intrigued but uncertain, Ember listened as Iris guided her on a journey of self-discovery. Together, they explored the lush meadows and gardens of their world. Iris encouraged Ember to feel the earth beneath her hooves and to notice the beauty around her. As they wandered, Ember stumbled upon a patch of vibrant flowers. She knelt down, intrigued by their colors and fragrances. In that moment, something stirred within her. With Iris’s encouragement, Ember began to nurture the plants, discovering a natural talent for gardening. As days turned into weeks, she dedicated herself to growing a garden that blossomed with beautiful flowers. Each bloom was a testament to her hard work and creativity, bringing joy to the entire Pegasus community. Word spread of Ember’s enchanting garden, and soon Pegasi from all over came to admire her creations. They marveled at the colors and scents, and Ember felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. Through her flowers, she learned that her gifts made a significant impact, proving that one doesn’t need to fly to be extraordinary. Iris watched proudly as Ember transformed from a timid little Pegasus into a confident gardener, sharing her talents with the world. She realized that while some face adversity, every creature has unique abilities that can bring light and joy, regardless of their limitations. Through this fairy tale, I illustrate my commitment to guiding special needs students like Ember. I aim to help them recognize their own unique talents and find their place in the world, just as Iris did for Ember. By fostering self-awareness, encouraging individuality, and supporting personal growth, I hope to empower my future students to shine brightly in their unique ways. Receiving the RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship would enable me to achieve these goals as I begin my post-secondary education. Thank you for your consideration.

From a young age, I have dreamed of becoming a teacher, with a particular focus on special education. I am passionate about helping and advocating for children with special needs, and I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives. I believe that every child has unique potential, and I aspire to guide them in discovering their purpose and achieving their fullest capabilities. Teaching has always been a profession that I admire for its profound ability to inspire and nurture young minds. Throughout my upbringing, I was struck by the transformative power teachers possess—the ability to cultivate love, curiosity, and inspiration in their students. This realization crystallized during my high school years, particularly in my human studies class, where I encountered a teacher who left an indelible mark on my life. My human studies teacher was a remarkable individual who demonstrated boundless kindness to every student, regardless of their differences. She created an environment where all students felt valued and understood, fostering a sense of belonging. Her unwavering support and compassion were evident in the way she engaged with each of us, making learning an inclusive and enriching experience. When I was struggling with the insecurities and uncertainties of teenage life, she helped me feel comfortable and valued. This experience opened my eyes to the profound impact that love and kindness can have in education. I learned that these qualities are not merely supplementary; they are essential in shaping a positive educational journey. Her ability to connect with students on a personal level inspired me to reflect on the qualities I hope to embody as a future educator. I aspire to be a teacher who imparts knowledge while offering compassion and understanding. I want to create a classroom environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. I believe that when students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to engage, learn, and grow. The world of special education is particularly close to my heart. I am passionate about advocating for children who face unique challenges, and I aim to empower them to overcome obstacles in their learning journeys. I envision a classroom where students with disabilities are encouraged to explore their talents and interests, guided by a teacher who believes in their potential. I want to be the kind of educator who celebrates individuality and promotes self-advocacy, helping each student recognize their strengths and capabilities. As I look to the future, I am eager to take on the responsibility of nurturing young minds, especially those who may feel marginalized. I look forward to becoming a teacher because of the opportunity to inspire and care for future generations. I want to be a beacon of hope and support for children with disabilities, helping them to not only learn academic skills but also to discover their purpose in life. By fostering an atmosphere of kindness and care, I aim to inspire my students to embrace their uniqueness and strive for their goals. In conclusion, my journey toward becoming a special education teacher is fueled by my passion for helping children with special needs realize their potential. My experience with a truly inspiring teacher has reinforced my belief that love and kindness are essential in the educational process. I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my future students, guiding them on their paths to self-discovery and success. I am committed to being a compassionate educator who empowers students to reach for their dreams and achieve their fullest potential.

Pages of Purpose By Audrey Satterfield As the screen fades in, the opening scene captures a little girl nestled in a cozy corner of a library, the smell of old books filling the air. Her wide eyes scan the pages of a biography, fully captivated by the life stories of some of humanity's greatest heroes. She turns page after page with a sense of wonder, absorbing the remarkable achievements of icons like Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Each story fuels her imagination and ignites a fire within her. Their remarkable journeys teach her invaluable lessons about determination and diligence, shaping her understanding of what it means to be a difference maker. With a heart full of aspiration, she dreams of leaving her mark on the world, just like the heroes she admires. The scene transitions to a church, where the girl sits among a congregation, listening attentively to the pastor's voice echoing through the sanctuary. The room is bright and filled with an air of wonder. He speaks of the life and miracles of Jesus Christ, sharing stories of love and compassion that resonate deeply with her. As the congregation sings hymns in unison, she feels a stirring in her soul, ignited by the call to embrace a life filled with love, kindness, and purpose—values embodied by Jesus. Her heart swells with hope as she realizes the profound impact of living a life dedicated to serving others, just as He did. Next, the scene shifts to a warm kitchen where the girl shares sweet treats with her grandparents. With every bite, she listens intently to their stories, each tale a treasure trove of wisdom. Her grandparents recount their experiences growing up in rural Alabama, witnessing the historic moon landing, overcoming challenges as first-generation college students, and even surviving deadly tornados. Each story is a testament to their resilience and hard work. As she absorbs their life lessons, she is inspired by their strength and determination, wishing to embody those same qualities in her own life. These role models have profoundly shaped her ambitions and passions. Now, as a graduating high school senior, she feels a bubbling excitement for her future. The lessons learned from her historical heroes, the values instilled by her faith, and the wisdom passed down from her grandparents converge into a powerful vision for her life. She aspires to be a diligent and determined difference-maker, just like her historical role models. She dreams of being a kind and loving leader, embodying the spirit of Jesus Christ in her everyday actions. Lastly, she hopes to be a hard-working individual, driven by the same tenacity that characterized her grandparents' lives. With each passing day, she grows more aware of her calling to become a special education teacher. This path aligns perfectly with her desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in the world. She envisions a classroom where every child feels valued, understood, and encouraged to reach their full potential. In her heart, she knows that by following her passions and pursuing her dreams, she can create a ripple effect of kindness and love in the lives of her students. As the scene draws to a close, the girl stands at the threshold of her future, filled with hope and determination. With the guidance of her role models, she is ready to embrace the adventure of life. As she relishes her final days of high school, she is fueled by a purposeful outlook. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead—a journey marked by compassion, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives. The title "Pages of Purpose" lingers on the screen, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the heroes who have inspired them along the way.