If I could change anything in education, I would change the way we identify, support, and empower students who learn differently. Too often, our educational systems are designed to serve the average learner while overlooking those with unique needs. Whether a student is gifted, has a learning difference like dyslexia, or simply processes information in a nontraditional way, they deserve an educational experience that is both equitable and empowering. Yet, the current system continues to marginalize these learners, labeling them as "behind" or "difficult" instead of recognizing their potential and designing instruction around their strengths. This issue is deeply personal for me. I was one of those students who was capable of more but rarely given the opportunity to show it. I spent most of my school years in general education classes, never identified for advanced learning opportunities or pushed to go beyond the basics. I was quiet, respectful, and got by—but I wasn’t challenged. Looking back, I now understand that I was underserved. My abilities were overlooked because I didn’t fit a narrow mold of what success or “giftedness” looked like. That experience stayed with me and ultimately became a driving force in my passion for education. Now, I’m raising a son who is also navigating a system that isn’t built with his needs in mind. He is intelligent, curious, and full of creativity. He also has dyslexia and ADHD. His differences make learning more complex, but they certainly do not diminish his capacity to thrive. Despite his strengths, he often lacks access to the tailored support and instructional methods he needs. As a parent, I find myself advocating constantly for him by researching interventions, requesting services, and trying to ensure he is not overlooked like I once was. As an educator, I see these same challenges mirrored in countless students across the public school system. I work closely with teachers and school leaders, and I witness firsthand how many children are left behind not because they lack potential, but because the system was never designed to support their differences. If I could change one thing in education, it would be to create a system where inclusion is foundational, not an afterthought. A system where every child regardless of how they learn is given the tools, support, and belief they need to succeed. This vision is what drives me to pursue my doctorate in Educational Leadership. I want to be a change agent for students like my son, like myself, and like the many others whose brilliance has gone unnoticed simply because they didn’t fit the mold. I want to lead schools and influence policies that prioritize equity, access, and truly inclusive practices. I want to help educators shift their mindset from labeling students as “behind” to asking: “What do they need to grow?” This scholarship makes that possible for me. Pursuing a doctoral degree while balancing full-time work and motherhood is no small task. It requires discipline, consistency, and strong support systems. I manage my responsibilities by creating structured routines, carving out time for study and reflection, and relying on a village of support for my son and myself. Despite the challenges, I remain energized by the belief that my journey will not only impact my own family, but also create meaningful change for students and educators across communities. Education should be a place where every child feels seen, known, and valued. If I could change anything, it would be to build an educational system that recognizes and nurtures the whole child. One that doesn’t just accommodate differences but embraces them as critical to a thriving learning environment. That’s the future I want to help create—and this scholarship brings me one step closer to making that future a reality.