My name is Brady Durkan. Ever since I can remember, I always played sports. From little kid programs playing soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. To playing travel baseball year round and football in the fall. Being a student athlete is a great opportunity. It’s teaches you life lessons along the way. At some point in life, the athlete chapter is going to close. Many people what their life will look like, if they can handle it, and many other scenarios following that chapter. Being an athlete in any sport teaches you grit, determination, but most importantly to never give up. During my senior year in high school, I tore my UCL in the very first game of the season. It happened in the first quarter and I knew it tore. But that didn’t stop me, I played the rest of the game knowing my senior year was done. I often referred back to one of the best athletes of all time Kobe Bryant when he tore his Achilles and walked back out to the floor to shoot his last two free throws. You can’t let people see you weak. Even when you know your season is over, you have to stay strong and finish the job. And that’s exactly what I did. I finished the rest of the game with seven tackles, two sacks, and two touchdowns to help my team win 28-14 versus the number twentieth team in the state of California. This same feeling can translate to the classroom. Your going to have to finish a hard assignment, test, group work, or even a presentation. How will you respond? Just like you did on the field. Showing resilience and getting your job done right and efficiently as possible. It’s about not letting your class mates down, teachers, coaches, and team mates. Life is hard, but it only makes you better. After I tore my UCL, I was cut from Cal Poly SLO for a baseball scholarship. I felt like my life was falling apart. But I never gave up and kept battling to prove my future self I can do anything I put my mind to. Everyone has a story, but your own individual story is the one that matters most. You have to be okay with knowing someone is going to have a better attribute or skill than you. But no one should have a better work ethic, mindset, and consistency than you do. It’s about how you want to be remembered inside and outside the classroom. I am now committed to California State University, Bakersfield to play baseball and I am majoring in Agricultural Business to become a Salesman for Four Star Fruit. Anything is possible in life, and never give up. Being a student athlete is the best thing I could have ever asked for.

My experience with the Special Education program has been a significant factor in my decision to pursue higher education and certification training. Growing up, I was always interested in education, particularly how different individuals learn and how challenges can shape their educational journey. However, it wasn’t until I got directly involved in the Special Education program that I truly understood how transformation an education can be for individuals with unique needs. This experience has deeply inspired me to pursue college and certification training, particularly in the field of education, where I hope to contribute meaningfully to the lives of those facing challenges similar to those I’ve encountered. Throughout my involvement with the Special Education program, I’ve learned how important it is to approach education with compassion, creativity, and adaptability. In many ways, these students don’t just need an education—they need a personalized approach that accounts for their unique learning styles, challenges, and strengths. I’ve worked closely with teachers and students, and through these interactions, I’ve seen the power of tailored education and how it can unlock a student’s potential. This has led me to want to pursue a career that allows me to continue supporting individuals with diverse needs, whether through teaching, therapy, or advocacy. The hands-on experience of assisting students with learning disabilities, autism, or emotional challenges has shown me how critical it is to have trained professionals who understand these students’ needs and who can make a difference in their lives. This experience inspired me to pursue higher education, as I now understand that I need a more comprehensive understanding of educational psychology, behavioral strategies, and teaching methods to best serve these students. I want to learn how to create inclusive, equitable learning environments that can foster success for every student, no matter their background or challenges. Moreover, I’m drawn to the idea of receiving certification training to specialize in special education, which would equip me with the tools and qualifications necessary to make a lasting impact. I believe that certification in Special Education will give me the expertise I need to not only teach but also advocate for changes in the system that can improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Additionally, my experience with personal challenges and difficulties has played an important role in my decision to pursue a career in education. I’ve faced my own set of challenges throughout my life, particularly in the areas of academic performance and personal growth. Early on in my education, I struggled with focus and self-discipline. Despite being a curious student, I often found myself falling behind in class, unable to keep up with the pace of the lessons. My teachers were supportive but often seemed unsure of how to help me fully overcome these struggles. It wasn’t until I began receiving individualized attention and support that I began to make significant progress. I realized the importance of recognizing the specific needs of each student and offering the right tools to help them succeed. These early challenges in my own life ignited a passion for understanding how others learn and why some students face additional barriers. I learned firsthand how critical it is to have support systems that are patient and understanding, particularly for those who struggle in non-traditional ways. This experience helped me realize that difficulty and struggle don’t define a person’s abilities or potential—they are simply part of the process of learning and growth. Overcoming these personal difficulties gave me the resilience and determination to pursue my goals, and it further cemented my desire to help others who face similar challenges. This understanding of challenge and difficulty is what drives my passion for special education. I see the value in developing skills to assist students who may face learning barriers, whether due to disabilities, socioeconomic challenges, or other obstacles. The experiences I’ve had in both the Special Education program and in overcoming my own difficulties have shown me that, with the right guidance, every student has the potential to succeed. It’s about providing the right tools, support, and encouragement so that no student is left behind. Ultimately, the combination of my personal challenges and my experiences in the Special Education program has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in education, particularly in a field where I can make a meaningful impact on students with unique learning needs. Through higher education and certification training, I hope to gain the necessary skills to become a more effective educator, one who can empower students to reach their full potential. The challenges I’ve faced in my own life have given me the empathy and determination to be a better advocate for students, and I am committed to using these experiences to help shape a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive educational environment for all.

One of my favorite local community events that I’ve participated in is the annual “Neighborhood Clean-Up Day.” Every year, members of our community come together to pick up litter, paint fences, and plant trees, all with the goal of revitalizing our neighborhood and fostering a sense of pride among its residents. This event is meaningful to me because it reflects the power of collective action and the positive impact that small, consistent efforts can have on a community’s well-being. I’ve participated in this event for several years now, and each time, it feels like a reaffirmation of the idea that when people come together with a shared goal, they can accomplish something much greater than any individual effort could. Seeing the streets and parks transform over the course of the day—once litter-strewn and rundown, now clean and inviting—is always inspiring. More than just the physical improvements, though, the event helps foster a sense of unity and belonging among neighbors. It’s a chance to meet people from different walks of life, build relationships, and feel connected to something larger than ourselves. The meaningfulness of this event also lies in its ability to encourage responsibility and care for our environment. It shows that small, sustainable actions—like picking up trash or planting trees—can lead to lasting change and inspire others to take ownership of their surroundings. By working together, we create a cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant space for everyone. Looking ahead, I would love to see even more community-driven events like this one that promote exclusivity and active participation. One positive change I hope to see is increased involvement from local businesses and schools. Their support could help fund projects, provide resources, and encourage even more people to take part. I also hope this event, and others like it, can serve as a springboard for ongoing community improvement projects, such as creating green spaces or organizing educational programs on sustainability. Ultimately, I believe the positive effects of events like Neighborhood Clean-Up Day can extend far beyond just the immediate physical results. By strengthening the social fabric of the community and empowering individuals to take ownership of their environment, we can create a lasting culture of care, collaboration, and community pride. Caring for our community takes great pride, integrity, and grit. We came from these communities and call them home so this is a great way to give back to our people as a whole.

I come from a hardworking family that values education deeply, despite not having had many opportunities themselves. My parents, who grew up in modest circumstances, always emphasized the importance of learning and self-improvement. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, and their sacrifices fueled my determination to pursue a better future through education. I watched them strive to create opportunities for us, and their example inspired me to view education as a means of not just personal growth, but as a tool for positive change. My motivation to pursue an education is rooted in a desire to create a better life for myself and to help others in my community. I’ve seen firsthand how limited access to education can affect individuals and communities, and I want to be part of the solution to those challenges. I believe that education is the foundation for breaking cycles of poverty, building social mobility, and creating opportunities for others who might not have access to the same resources. Through my education, I hope to gain the skills necessary to contribute to meaningful change, particularly in the areas of social equity and community development. I aspire to use the knowledge I gain to work on projects that can improve the quality of life for others, while also growing personally and professionally. Ultimately, I aim to make a difference and to ensure that education remains a pathway for opportunity for those who need it most.

The most difficult part of navigating my grief has been the overwhelming sense of emptiness and the challenge of moving forward without the person I lost. I lost my grandma due to cancer. Grief is an unpredictable companion. One moment, you might feel fine, almost normal, and then something as simple as a memory, a song, or a certain smell can knock the wind out of you. The hardest part is reconciling the life I had before with the new reality that has taken shape after the loss. There are moments where the absence feels so profound that it becomes hard to imagine how I’ll ever feel complete again, and the smallest of triggers can send me spiraling. Accepting that it’s okay to feel sad, lost, and vulnerable at times has been a journey in itself. The world doesn’t stop for your grief, and the weight of this loss often feels heavier because life keeps going, forcing me to try to find a way to fit my grief into a world that doesn't stop to recognize it. This loss has undeniably changed me. It has deepened my understanding of life’s fragility, and it has forced me to confront my own vulnerability in ways I hadn’t expected. I’ve become more reflective, less focused on the trivial distractions that once consumed me. In the midst of loss, I’ve learned the importance of cherishing the people around me and embracing moments of connection, no matter how fleeting they may be. I also feel a sense of resilience growing within me—grief has shown me that I am stronger than I realized, even on days when I feel completely broken. This journey has humbled me, reminding me that healing is not linear and that it’s okay to take time to mourn. Looking ahead, I see education playing a significant role in my journey forward. It provides both an escape and a way to reconnect with my goals. Education is a pathway to healing, offering a structure and purpose in the midst of emotional chaos. The process of learning—whether academic, personal, or emotional—allows me to channel my grief into something productive, something that honors the memory of my loss while still moving forward. I see education as a bridge that will help me make sense of my experience, providing me with tools to process my emotions and ultimately find a way to grow from this hardship. In the future, I hope to integrate what I’ve learned from my grief into helping others who are going through similar experiences, using education as a tool for empathy, healing, and understanding.

Being a student-athlete offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. The combination of academics and athletics requires exceptional time management, discipline, and teamwork—skills that are invaluable in any career. The ability to balance a demanding training schedule with schoolwork teaches athletes how to prioritize tasks, set clear goals, and make the most of limited time. These skills transfer seamlessly into the workplace, where managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and staying organized are essential for success. In addition to time management, the experience of competing in sports fosters perseverance and mental toughness. Athletes face setbacks, whether it’s a loss, an injury, or the pressure of balancing academics and training, but they learn to keep going despite challenges. This resilience is a powerful tool in any career, as it enables individuals to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with obstacles. The ability to rebound from failure and maintain a positive attitude in difficult situations is a quality that employers value in potential hires. Goal-setting is another key skill developed through athletics. Athletes are constantly setting personal and team goals—whether it's improving a specific skill, winning a championship, or achieving a personal best. This approach to goal-setting is highly transferable to the professional world, where setting measurable and realistic goals is a cornerstone of success. Whether in business, education, or other fields, the ability to establish goals, create plans to achieve them, and track progress is a crucial skill for career advancement. Leadership is often cultivated through sports as well. Many student-athletes serve as team captains or take on mentoring roles with younger athletes. This responsibility helps them develop strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Leadership on the field often translates to leadership in the workplace, where guiding teams, motivating colleagues, and making strategic decisions are essential elements of success. Outside of sports, student-athletes often have diverse interests that shape their career aspirations. Many are passionate about technology, education, or community service, and these interests can guide them toward different career paths. For example, a student-athlete with an interest in technology may pursue a career in software engineering or data science, while one with a passion for teaching may look toward a career in education or coaching. The combination of athletic discipline and personal interests allows student-athletes to bring a unique perspective to any field they choose to pursue. Ultimately, the skills and values learned through sports can provide a strong foundation for future professional success.