My career goal relating to becoming a secondary English teacher is to use my platform to encourage students and instill a work ethic that they can take with them to college. My goal is to connect with my students on a level that not only allows them to trust and respect me, but to want to learn every day they enter my classroom. As an educator, I will not just teach English/ Creative Writing but to also teach them about what to expect in college and teach them things that will help them after they graduate. I want to give my students the knowledge and resources needed to excel in their college careers because I was fortunate to have resources at my disposal and every student deserves this. Going to college will help me get the education I need to educate others. My experience with teachers throughout my school years have been mostly good. I've had multiple favorite teachers who have shown me compassion and understanding. As a future secondary English teacher, the values of respect, honesty, and compassion will guide my approach in building a classroom culture rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and empathy for others. I want my students to leave my class with a better mindset and improved communication skills that they can use to excel in their college careers and in the real world. With my education, my students will learn in a simple but real world way. This means my approach is to teach them how to deal with things that they'll deal with as an adult. Students should learn how to do things multiple ways. There is never just one way to achieve something. My goals and values not only shape who I am as a student but also who I am as a person. As I look toward my future, I see all positive things. I’m planning to achieve much more every year of my life. Working hard and following my dreams will help me build the life that I want. This life is full of opportunities and new beginnings that I will humbly take with me as I grow. With each goal I achieve this year, I am not only preparing for my own success but also equipping myself with the knowledge and skills I will one day pass on to my students, empowering them to achieve big things and work hard. As an educator, the things you do matter because students are always watching. My students will be a reflection of me and that reflection will be a strong-willed, emotional mature, problem-solving individual.

One significant challenge I faced was learning to balance friendships with personal priorities. Early on, I realized that friends shouldn’t dictate my self-worth or academic success. Navigating my social life often meant making tough choices, such as the times I’ve had to step away from certain friendships to focus on my studies or mental health. These decisions weren’t always easy and sometimes led to stressful misunderstandings or drama. Many of these friendships were toxic and were filled with narcissistic values and centered around the freedom of disrespect. However, I came to understand that no matter what, my education had to take priority. This influenced me to be more decisive with who I allow in my circle. I’ve learned that surrounding myself with like-minded people, those who shared my values and goals, was crucial for my personal growth and academic success. With each obstacle I overcome this year, I am not only preparing for my own success but also equipping myself with the knowledge and skills I will one day pass on to my students, empowering them to achieve big things and work hard. I plan to give back by helping my city's students excel in school like I did. I want to show my students that I am here to help them and that I care about their education. Although I'll be just solely an English educator, I still have the influence to uplift students to be their best selves. I want to give my students the knowledge and resources needed to excel in their college careers because I was fortunate to have resources at my disposal and every student deserves this. Going to college will help me get the education I need to educate others. I am looking for financial assistance to attend college because I am a low-income student in a single-parent household. Although my parents will give me financial support, I’ll receive limited financial assistance from them when I go to college. Being able to afford college and get my degree will help me become the best teacher I can be and use my platform to educate and inspire my students. My students will be the most important thing to me. Being able to go to college and come back to show them

Throughout my high school years, three educators left a lasting impression on me. My fourth grade, sophomore and junior English teachers. They not only helped me grow academically but also showed me the profound impact a caring, dedicated teacher can have on a student's life. Before having them as teachers, I was unsure if teachers truly cared about their students beyond their academic performance and behavior. However, all three of these teachers proved otherwise by taking the time to get to know me as a person, not just a student in their class. I don't remember much of my fourth grade class, but I do remember my teacher. She was funny, full of life, educated, and always listened to what her students had to say. She showed me the importance of always trying my best and to put myself first. In my sophomore year, my English teacher went beyond the standard curriculum to create a classroom environment where everyone felt comfortable and valued. She constantly encouraged me to ask questions and express my opinions, constantly reinforcing that my voice mattered. This inspired me to revisit my wish for teaching and sparked my thriving interest in literature and writing. My junior English teacher continued that influence by pushing me to go beyond my comfort zone, both in my writing and in my confidence. She recognized potential in me and offered consistent support during times when I needed help. Her commitment to my success showed me that there are teachers who genuinely care about the well-being and growth of their students. This experience motivated me to continue the pursuit of becoming an educator myself, so I could inspire and support students in the same way. I have faced my own adversities along the way, particularly the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with personal expectations. I’ve always had high expectations for myself, striving to achieve both academic success and personal growth. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming, but overcoming that pressure has strengthened my resilience and determination. It taught me how to handle stress while still striving for excellence. These challenges, combined with the positive impact of my English teachers, have shaped me into an even more empathetic and driven individual. I’m determined to become an educator who creates a welcoming, encouraging space for students. One where they know their thoughts, questions, and experiences are valued, just like mine were. I want to be the teacher who helps students overcome their own challenges and shows them that there’s always someone there for them.

My values shape what I deem important as a teacher. I value respect because I don’t believe you can have a proper relationship with anyone without it. If you don’t respect me, you don’t love, care, trust, or understand me. When you respect someone, you have an understanding that neither of you are inferior to the other and it is an equal relationship because respect is earned through actions. I also value honesty because I am very understanding and will always be there for someone, so I don’t believe there is any justifiable reason to lie to me. If there’s honesty, there is respect for our relationship. I value compassion because I am very compassionate to everyone I need. I believe every person deserves compassion and the chance to do better. These values shape my personality and perception of the world, and as a future secondary English teacher, these values will guide my approach to building a classroom culture rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and empathy for others. My career goal relating to becoming a secondary English teacher is to use my platform to encourage students and instill a work ethic that they can take with them to college. My goal is to connect with my students on a level that not only allows them to trust and respect me, but to want to learn every day they enter my classroom. My goal is to not just teach English, but to also teach them about what to expect in college and teach them things that will help them after they graduate. I want to give my students the knowledge and resources needed to excel in their college careers because I was fortunate to have resources at my disposal and every student deserves this. Going to college will help me get the education I need to educate others. I am looking for financial assistance to attend college because I am a low-income student in a single-parent household. Although my parents will give me financial support, I’ll receive limited financial assistance from them when I go to college. Being able to afford college and get my degree will help me become the best teacher I can be and use my platform to educate and inspire my students. Through my values, achievements, and goals, I have not only shape who I am as a student, but also who I am as a person. As I look toward my future, I see all positive things. I’m planning to achieve much more every year of my life. Working hard and following my dreams will help me build the life that I want. This life is full of opportunities and new beginnings that I will humbly take with me as I grow. With each goal I achieve this year, I am not only preparing for my own success but also equipping myself with the knowledge and skills I will one day pass on to my students, empowering them to achieve big things and work hard.