For much of my life, anxiety has been a quiet but powerful force in the background shaping decisions, limiting opportunities, and sometimes leaving me completely frozen. There were times when I wanted so badly to be involved, to join in, to raise my hand, to say yes, but I simply couldn’t. I would sit paralyzed, watching from the sidelines while something inside of me screamed to participate. It wasn’t that I didn’t care or wasn’t interested I just felt trapped in a wave of fear I didn’t know how to overcome. Anxiety is still something I wrestle with every day, but I can honestly say I’ve come a long way. That progress didn’t happen overnight. It happened because people in my life saw me, believed in me, and refused to let anxiety have the final word. My mom has been one of the biggest voices of encouragement. When I’m in the middle of an anxious moment, whether it’s before a presentation, a performance, stepping into a new space, or just making a simple decision, she helps remind me of all the things I would have missed if I had let fear take over. Cheerleading has helped me so much over the years. Even though the idea of performing in front of a crowd was terrifying, with the help of supportive coaches and teammates, I learned to push through. I ended high school as a varsity cheerleader and was named an All-Region Cheerleader. This is something I never thought I was capable of when I was younger. That journey didn’t just build skills, it built confidence. Alongside cheer, volunteering has helped me grow more comfortable in my own skin. Whether I’m working with first graders at church, packing meals for Backpack Buddies, or helping out at community events, I’ve learned that serving others often takes the focus off of my own fear and helps me step into something bigger than myself. There are still moments when anxiety creeps in and makes me question whether I’m enough, whether I belong, or whether I can do something new. But now, I have a track record to look back on. I can see the memories I would’ve missed if I had let anxiety win. And when I doubt myself, I remind myself of what I’ve already overcome. I may still be quiet. I may still struggle. But I’m showing up. And that, to me, is what courage really looks like.

Title: "Quiet Strength" Opening Scene: The screen fades in from black to a quiet morning. A teenage girl, slightly nervous but focused, ties her cheer shoes in her bedroom. Sunlight peeks through the blinds, and a Bible verse scribbled on a sticky note is stuck to the mirror: “Be strong and courageous.” Her cheer uniform hangs neatly on the door. In the background, her younger brother’s backpack sits by the front door, waiting for her to drive him to school. Her dad is resting in a recliner nearby, a quiet reminder of the car accident that changed everything. The camera pans to the kitchen, where she’s packing two lunchboxes, one for her brother and one for herself. She glances at the clock. It’s almost time to go. Before leaving, she helps her dad with his medication and checks in to make sure he’s comfortable. Her mom is already at work. She grabs her keys, her confidence, and a heart full of purpose, then steps outside into a brand-new day. A soft voiceover begins: "I’ve always been the quiet one. The one who smiled from the sidelines, never too loud, never too bold. But cheerleading taught me to use my voice. Volunteering taught me to use my hands. And my family taught me to use my heart." We see flashbacks: • Her helping her dad into the car for a doctor’s appointment. • Driving her younger brother to and from school. • Volunteering at Backpack Buddies, carefully packing meals with a quiet determination. • Participating in Race for the Orphans and Coweta Pregnancy Services fundraisers. • Teaching first graders at church, crouching down to their level, listening to their stories. • Helping prepare for Sunday services with joy and consistency. • Standing on the football field under stadium lights, leading a cheer with newfound confidence. The voiceover continues: "My journey hasn’t been without struggle. My dad’s accident shifted everything. He’s now medically retired and no longer able to drive due to a brain injury and loss of peripheral vision. I’ve stepped up to help my family with running errands, driving my brother, and supporting my mom whenever I can. On top of that, I’ve battled social anxiety for years. But step by step, God gave me strength, a quiet strength I can't even fully describe. The kind that builds, serves, and leads in ways that don’t always make noise but always leave a mark." The camera follows her as she walks into an elementary school classroom, not as a student, but as a future teacher. The room is warm and colorful, filled with creativity, encouragement, and hope. She smiles, imagining the students who will one day sit in those chairs. "This is where I’m headed. A classroom full of potential. I want to be the teacher who sees the quiet kid, who adapts for the one who learns differently, like my brother with dyslexia or my nephew with autism, and who reminds every child that they matter. Because I’ve lived that story. And now, I want to help others write theirs." The screen fades to white with soft music playing and the words: Coming Soon: Quiet Strength.

Georgia offers a diverse array of educational opportunities that have significantly influenced my academic path and aspirations. Among these, the Dexter Mosely Act (Senate Bill 42) and the state's Dual Enrollment Program have been particularly impactful during my homeschooling years. The Dexter Mosely Act, enacted in 2021, allows home study students in grades 6-12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities within their resident public school system. This legislation enabled me to enroll in a public school class and engage in sports and extracurricular activities while continuing my core studies at home. Participating in the school's cheerleading team not only enhanced my physical skills but also boosted my confidence and social interactions, helping me overcome shyness and social anxiety. The camaraderie and teamwork experienced during this time were invaluable, fostering personal growth and resilience. Simultaneously, Georgia's Dual Enrollment Program provided me with the opportunity to take college-level courses during high school. This initiative allowed me to challenge myself academically, earn college credits, and gain exposure to the rigors of higher education early on. Balancing dual enrollment courses with my homeschooling curriculum taught me essential time management and organizational skills, preparing me for the demands of college life. These experiences have profoundly shaped my future goals. The confidence and leadership skills developed through extracurricular participation have inspired me to pursue a career in teaching, aiming to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. The academic challenges encountered through dual enrollment have instilled a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity in my future classroom. While Georgia's educational policies have provided substantial support, there is always room for improvement. One area that could be enhanced is the accessibility and awareness of these programs for all eligible students. To address this, I propose the following solutions: 1. Enhanced Communication and Outreach: Develop comprehensive informational campaigns targeting homeschooling communities to raise awareness about available programs like the Dexter Mosely Act and Dual Enrollment. This could include workshops, webinars, and collaboration with homeschooling associations to disseminate information effectively. 2. Streamlined Enrollment Processes: Simplify the application and enrollment procedures for these programs to encourage greater participation. This could involve creating user-friendly online platforms with clear guidelines and support resources for students and parents navigating the process. 3. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship initiatives where students who have successfully participated in these programs can guide and support newcomers. This peer-to-peer approach can provide practical insights and foster a supportive community for prospective participants. Implementing these solutions would require collaboration between the Georgia Department of Education, local school districts, and homeschooling organizations. By enhancing communication, simplifying processes, and fostering mentorship, we can ensure that more students can benefit from these valuable educational opportunities. In conclusion, the educational opportunities in Georgia have played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey and future aspirations. By building upon and improving these programs, we can continue to support and empower students across the state, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic educational landscape. Sources Cited for this essay are: gavirtualschool.com, West Georgia Tech College, University of West Georgia, Carol County Schools.

One movie that has had a lasting impact on my life is God’s Not Dead. I first watched it during my teenage years, and it struck something deep within me. The story follows a college student who, when challenged by his professor to deny the existence of God, chooses instead to defend his faith in front of the class. What stood out to me most wasn’t just the courage it took for him to stand up for what he believed in. It was the reminder that faith is worth holding onto and standing up for, even when it’s tested. At the time, I was still growing in my own confidence, not just in my faith, but in who I was as a person. I’ve always been a bit shy and have struggled with social anxiety. Speaking out in front of a crowd or standing firm when others disagreed wasn’t something that came easily to me. Watching this character walk through opposition with both conviction and kindness inspired me to look at my own life differently. It reminded me that living out your beliefs isn’t always comfortable but it’s powerful and what God has called us to do. The movie also helped shape the way I see my future as a teacher. As someone who volunteers weekly with first graders at church, works in our Mom’s Morning Out program, and has grown up in a family deeply rooted in caring for children, I want to carry that same heart into the classroom. My mom is a Children’s Director at church, and my grandmother ran a preschool, so I’ve seen firsthand how strong values and gentle leadership can influence the next generation. God’s Not Dead also reminded me of the importance of using our voices. Whether it’s advocating for children with learning differences, like my brother who has dyslexia or my nephew with autism, or simply showing up for students who need encouragement, I want to be a teacher who helps others feel seen, heard, and supported. This movie encouraged me not to back down from what I believe, even in quiet ways. It may not be the most conventional answer, but God’s Not Dead shaped my heart and helped strengthen my purpose. It gave me the courage to step into leadership roles, like cheerleading and volunteering, and reminded me that faith and education can go hand in hand. As I continue toward my degree, I carry that message with me: stand firm, speak truth, and love people well.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. It’s not just a career path, it’s something I feel deeply called to do. I’ve been surrounded by strong, compassionate women in my family who have made it their mission to care for and teach children. My grandmother ran a preschool, my mom is a Children’s Director at our church, and my sister also works with kids. Growing up in that environment, I saw how much of an impact a loving and committed educator can make. That foundation is what first sparked my interest in becoming a teacher. Over the years, that interest has only grown through hands-on experiences. I volunteer weekly with first graders at church, help set up for children’s services, and work in our Mom’s Morning Out program. I’ve also volunteered at cheer and stunt camps, packed meals through Backpack Buddies, and supported local causes like Race for the Orphans and Coweta Pregnancy Services. Through each of these roles, I’ve had the chance to work with children of different ages, backgrounds, and needs. The more time I spend investing in young lives, the more convinced I am that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. My passion for teaching deepened even more because of my family’s personal journey. My younger brother has dyslexia, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard my parents have worked to find the right learning tools and strategies for him. My nephew has autism, and he’s shown me the importance of patience, flexibility, and celebrating progress in all forms. These experiences have taught me that every child learns differently and that it’s a teacher’s job to meet them where they are and help them grow from there. I’ve also had to grow through personal challenges. I’ve always been shy and struggled with some social anxiety, especially when I was younger. Cheerleading helped me break through that. I’ve been a cheerleader since fifth grade, and I finished high school as a varsity cheerleader and All-Region honoree. Being part of a team, learning to lead, and receiving support from my mom, coaches, and friends helped me grow more confident. That growth made me want to help children build the same kind of self-belief in themselves. Pursuing a degree in teaching isn’t just a dream for me, it’s a purpose. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I want to be the kind of teacher who changes lives the way so many amazing educators have changed mine.

One of the most meaningful community events I’ve been a part of is Backpack Buddies, a program that provides weekend meals to children who may not have consistent access to food outside of school. As someone who has always had a heart for serving children and families, volunteering with this organization has been incredibly impactful and eye-opening. My first experience with Backpack Buddies was through my church. We gathered to pack bags of food for students in our local school system, making sure each bag was filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals. As I packed each bag, I remember thinking about the child who would receive it and how something so simple could bring comfort, stability, and joy to their weekend. It reminded me that we often take basic things, like having food at home, for granted. For many families in our community, this support means everything. What makes Backpack Buddies so meaningful to me is that it puts compassion into action. It’s one thing to say we care about children; it’s another to show up and do something that makes their lives better. As someone who volunteers weekly with first graders at church and works in our Mom’s Morning Out program, I’ve seen how basic needs affect a child’s ability to focus, learn, and grow. No child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. This event also connects directly to my future career goals. I’m pursuing a degree in education, and I plan to become an elementary teacher. I want to do more than teach lessons. I want to meet my students where they are, support their needs, and be a consistent source of encouragement. Backpack Buddies has reminded me that education and care go hand in hand. A well-fed child is better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive. Looking ahead, one positive change I would love to see in our community is greater awareness of childhood hunger and more involvement from young people in addressing it. Programs like Backpack Buddies are only possible through volunteers, donations, and consistent community effort. I would love to help expand this kind of initiative into more schools and churches so that no child goes without. Backpack Buddies may seem like a small act of service, but it makes a big difference. It’s helped shape my heart for teaching, strengthened my desire to serve others, and reminded me that real change often starts with something as simple as a bag of food and a willing heart.

My name is Breanna, and I’m someone who’s passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. I’ve always had a heart for teaching, and I’m pursuing a career in education because I believe that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive no matter their learning style or background. I’ve grown up surrounded by strong examples of service and leadership. My mom is a Children’s Director at our church, my grandmother ran a preschool, and my sister also works with kids. It’s part of our family’s DNA to care for and invest in others. But my journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve always been on the quiet side and have dealt with some social anxiety growing up. It wasn’t easy for me to speak up or feel comfortable in group settings. That started to change when I joined cheerleading. I’ve been cheering for several years now, and being part of a team helped me grow in confidence. With the encouragement of my mom, my coaches, and my teammates, I learned how to lead, how to use my voice, and how to push through fear. I finished my senior year as a varsity cheerleader and was honored to be named an All-Region Cheerleader. Another major challenge came when my dad was in a severe car accident three years ago. He nearly lost his life and now lives with a brain injury that left him medically retired and without peripheral vision, making it impossible for him to drive. Since then, I’ve had to step up at home and help with running errands, taking him to appointments, and driving my younger brother to and from school when my mom is working. It hasn’t always been easy balancing everything, but it’s taught me responsibility, compassion, and the importance of family. Through it all, I’ve continued to serve in my community. I volunteer at church with first graders, help set up for children’s services, assist with cheer camps, and participate in programs like Backpack Buddies, Race for the Orphans, and fundraisers for Coweta Pregnancy Services. These experiences have fueled my passion to make a difference not just in my home, but in the lives of others. As a future teacher, I want to create a classroom where kids feel safe, confident, and empowered especially those who may feel overlooked or struggle with learning challenges like my brother with dyslexia or my nephew with autism. I know what it’s like to face personal challenges, but I also know how support and encouragement can change someone’s life. That’s the kind of impact I hope to have.

To me, empowerment means giving someone the confidence, tools, and support they need to step into who they were created to be. It’s not just about achieving a goal, it’s about knowing you have the ability and the voice to make a difference. Empowerment means being seen, believed in, and encouraged, even when the path isn’t easy. I’ve been blessed to grow up surrounded by strong women who live this out daily. My mom is the Children’s Director at our church and has devoted her life to loving and leading children and families. My grandmother ran a preschool, and my sister works with children too. Watching them serve, lead, and influence their communities has shown me the power of women who are confident in their calling and it’s inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I’m passionate about becoming an elementary school teacher. I volunteer weekly with first graders at church, help with the children’s service setup, and work in our Mom’s Morning Out program. I’ve also volunteered at cheer and stunt camps, local fundraisers for Coweta Pregnancy Services, and with organizations like Race for the Orphans and Backpack Buddies. Each of these opportunities has reminded me how much impact one person can make when they step up to serve. Empowerment also looks like inclusion, especially for students with learning differences. My brother has dyslexia, and I’ve seen the way our family had to advocate for his education to be tailored to his needs. My nephew has autism, and he’s taught me the beauty of patience and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for every child to thrive. These experiences have strengthened my desire to empower the next generation by becoming a teacher who sees and supports every student, no matter their learning style or background. As a young woman preparing to go to college, I know that higher education is a key part of my journey to becoming the kind of leader I hope to be. But I also know the cost can be a barrier. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my academic and career goals without the overwhelming weight of financial stress. Empowerment means believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves. That’s the kind of teacher, leader, and difference-maker I want to be and that’s the kind of support I’m so grateful for through opportunities like this. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship award.

Cheerleading has been a big part of my life since fifth grade, and it’s helped shape not only who I am but also who I want to become. I finished my last 3 years of my high school cheer career as a varsity cheerleader and was honored to be named an All-Region Cheerleader. But more than the titles or awards, cheer taught me discipline, leadership, and the value of being a steady and encouraging presence. These are skills that I now see as essential in the career I want to pursue. Being a student athlete helped me learn how to manage my time, stay committed to a team, and push through challenges, even when things felt overwhelming. These experiences have prepared me well for my future goal of becoming an elementary educator. Just like in cheer, teaching requires energy, consistency, teamwork, and a positive mindset. It also requires a heart for people and that’s something I’ve developed through both cheer and my life outside of it. Beyond sports, I’ve always loved serving in my community. I volunteer weekly at my church with first grade students teaching lessons, playing games, making crafts and often times just having a conversations on how things have been going that week. I also lead worship, assist with choreographing motions to songs and help prepare and set up for our children’s services. I’ve also volunteered at cheer and stunt camps, and I’ve supported causes like Race for the Orphans, Backpack Buddies, and fundraisers with Coweta Pregnancy Services. These opportunities have deepened my love for helping others and reminded me how much impact one person can make when they show up with care and commitment. A love for children runs deep in my family. My grandmother ran a preschool, my sister works with kids, and my mom is a Children’s Director at our church. I’ve also seen the unique needs of children with learning challenges. My brother has dyslexia, and my nephew has autism so I have had a front row seat at their journeys. This has given me a heart for making learning more inclusive and supportive for all students. In the future, I want to create a classroom where every child feels seen, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are. Cheerleading taught me how to lead with joy and resilience, and my experiences in the community have shown me that the best way to make a difference is to serve others well. I can’t wait to bring those values into my career as a teacher.

From a young age, I’ve known I wanted to work with children. It’s something I’ve grown up around. My grandmother ran a preschool, my mom is a Children’s Director at our church, and I volunteer weekly with first graders. I also work in our church’s Mom’s Morning Out program, where I care for, teach and share the love of Jesus with young children each week. These experiences have shaped not only my passion for education but also my desire to make a lasting difference in my community through the lives of children. Beyond the classroom, I’ve made it a priority to give back to my community in ways that directly support children and families. I’ve volunteered with Backpack Buddies, helping provide food for children in need, and I’ve spent time assisting at cheer camps that build confidence and character in young girls. I’ve run in Race for the Orphans, which raises funds for adoptive families, and I regularly help with field days at local elementary schools. All of these experiences have deepened my love for my community and confirmed how even small acts of service can create a big impact. I’ve also seen the unique needs of children with learning differences. My little brother has dyslexia, and my nephew is on the autism spectrum. Watching the way they’ve learned and grown has inspired me to be a teacher who creates a classroom where all students feel safe, supported, and celebrated. After college, I plan to use my degree in education to serve in a public elementary school. My goal is to not just teach academics, but to help every student feel seen, loved and valued. I want to create a classroom that’s not only a place for learning, but also a space where students feel they belong, especially those who might feel like they don’t fit the mold. I want them to know they are perfect the way they are. Long-term, I’d love to be involved in creating or supporting after-school programs for kids who need extra academic or emotional support. I’ve seen how much of a difference just one caring adult can make, and I want to be that person for as many students as I can. I believe the best way to impact the world is to invest in the next generation and that’s exactly what I plan to do, one student at a time. I hope to make an impact that will last for many years to come.

"Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed." – G.K. Chesterton From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It’s something that has always been a part of my world. My grandmother ran a preschool. My mom is a Children’s Director at our church. I volunteer weekly with first graders and work in our Mom’s Morning Out program. I’ve grown up in an environment where teaching is not just a job—it’s a calling to love, serve, and support children through every stage of growth. But my passion for teaching students with special needs became more personal through my own family. My brother was diagnosed with dyslexia when we were younger, and I watched as our family worked hard to find new and creative ways to help him learn. It wasn’t always easy, but it opened my eyes to how powerful patience, encouragement, and the right kind of support can be. More recently, my nephew was diagnosed with autism. Spending time with him has taught me even more about the importance of understanding, flexibility, and celebrating progress, no matter how small. Students with special needs face challenges that many others may not fully see. But they also bring incredible strengths, perspectives, and joy. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only adapts to meet their needs but truly champions them. I want to create a classroom where they feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow into exactly who they are meant to be. Chesterton’s quote resonates deeply with me. Children already face battles, whether that’s learning to read, managing emotions, or simply being accepted. As a teacher, I want to help them believe that those dragons can be faced, and even defeated. I want to be someone who walks alongside them with compassion, consistency, and belief in their potential. A Fairy Tale: The Brave Heart of Miss Bree Once upon a time in a kingdom full of questions, colors, and crayons, lived a young teacher named Miss Breanna. She had a gift. She could see what others often missed. She noticed the child who struggled to sit still, the one who couldn’t yet say what he felt, and the one who read the same line five times and still didn’t give up. She knew each of them carried dragons: dyslexia, sensory challenges, moments of self-doubt. But she also knew that dragons weren’t the end of the story. With her kindness as her shield and creativity as her sword, Miss Breanna built a classroom where every child had a voice, every effort was celebrated, and every step forward was a victory. She reminded her students they were brave, capable, and never alone. And so, in that little classroom with big dreams, the students became the heroes of their own stories. And Miss Bree? She simply kept believing in them—every single day.

There are a lot of careers out there, but teaching is the one that has always felt right to me. It’s more than just something I’ve grown up around, it’s something I feel genuinely called to do. I’m pursuing a career in teaching because I want to make a difference in the lives of kids. I want to be a positive voice in their lives, someone who helps them feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. Teaching is something that runs throughout my family. My grandmother had a heart for kids and ran her own preschool. My sister works with children, and my mom is the Children’s Director at our church, working with elementary-aged students. Watching the way they’ve poured into young lives has made a huge impact on me. Their influence helped shape who I am and made me realize how much I love working with kids, too. I have had the best role models and have learned so much from watching them. As I think back on my years in school, one teacher who really made a difference in my life was my 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Reynolds. I was quiet and shy, and I didn’t always feel like I stood out. But she saw something in me. She encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me come out of my shell. Her kindness and support gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. That experience stuck with me. It showed me just how powerful a teacher’s impact can be and how much it matters when someone takes the time to really see and believe in you. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. I want to be someone who helps students feel seen, loved and supported, even on the tough days. I currently volunteer with first graders at our church and work in our Mom’s Morning Out program, and both of those experiences have only confirmed that this is what I’m meant to do. Whether I’m helping with a lesson, leading a game or simply listening to a child tell me about their day, I love being part of their world and helping them grow. Teaching isn’t just about academics—it’s about showing up for kids in meaningful ways. I want to help them discover their strengths, believe in themselves, and know they are cared for. That’s why I’m pursuing a career in education, and I can’t wait to have a classroom of my own one day.

Teaching has always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. My grandmother had a heart for it and ran a preschool where she poured into the lives of young children and fostered relationships with parents. My sister works with kids, and my mom serves as the Children’s Director at our church, leading and caring for elementary-aged students. I’ve grown up surrounded by people who have a passion for helping children learn and grow, and that’s had a huge impact on me. Over time, I’ve come to realize that teaching isn’t just something my family does, it’s something I truly feel called to do as well. One teacher who made a big impact on me personally was my 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Reynolds. I was very quiet and shy at the time, actually I still kinda am. I didn’t speak up much in class, and I often blended into the background. But Mrs. Reynolds saw something in me. She noticed my thoughtfulness, my willingness to help others, and my desire to do well, even if I wasn’t the loudest voice in the room. She encouraged me, gave me opportunities to participate more, and made me feel seen and valued. That experience is something I have taken with me and it has shown me how powerful a teacher’s encouragement can be, and it planted a seed in me that I’ve never forgotten. Now, I have the opportunity to work with children myself. I volunteer weekly with a group of first graders at church, and I also work in our Mom’s Morning Out program. I genuinely love being with the kids. Whether I’m helping them with a craft, reading a story, playing a game or just offering a listening ear, I’ve learned that teaching is about so much more than teaching lessons. It’s about building trust, creating a safe space, and helping each child feel known, loved and cared for. What inspires me most about becoming a teacher is the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students discover their strengths, feel confident in who they are, and grow not just academically but personally. I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and encouraged, and I want to be someone who helps make that happen. Teaching is more than a career path for me, it’s a passion, a purpose, and something I’m excited to pursue with my whole heart.

I plan on making a positive impact on the world by teaching. I am looking into studying elementary education and that will be the future. The way that elementary children are raised and taught will drastically change the future of this world. I hope to be able to get my degree in teaching elementary education so I can help teach these children the right way to grow up. Children growing up need a good and firm foundation to stand on and that is what their early teachers are. If they have bad experiences with teachers as children, they will never enjoy school or want to do the work as much as kids who have had good experiences with teachers. As a future teacher, I want to teach kids kindness as well as so many different topics. As an elementary school teacher, you have to be hands-on and understanding with these children for they are still learning and going through life at a young age, they need help understanding how to live it. You can provide them with a helpful educational system, but you can also provide them with a good relationship as well as stability. Elementary school teachers are huge leaders as they are the first teachers children have had and will base future teachers on their relationship and experience with you. Another topic I plan on doing to make a positive impact on the world is volunteering. It is something so simple, but can help out drastically. I already have done my fair share of volunteering for huge organizations, but I plan to continue that aspect while in college and growing up as an adult. There are many different volunteer options for people to do. For example, the main volunteering I do is working at the church I attend. I work for the kid's ministry, which also helps prepare and equip me for teaching elementary school whenever I get my degree. Volunteering can help change people's lives, as well as their heart postures. Volunteering has shown me how thankful I am for everything and how much others need help. I have a passion to serve, help others, and make others happy and that is exactly what volunteering is. Volunteering doesn't even mean signing up to run a 5k to raise money, but it can mean just being present and going to a prom with people who have special needs. It is something so little to us, but it is everything to them. Don't ever volunteer to get congratulated for it, but because it is something you have a passion for and doing it brings you joy.

The end of my short story called, "Hide and Seek Gone Wrong" Madelyn began kicking, screaming, and doing anything to try to get away. Somehow she managed to bite the nasty wrinkly hand of the witch as hard as she could. Greta, the witch, snatched her hand back and screamed in pain. At that moment, Madelyn made a run for it. She ran out of the kitchen and was trying to figure out a way to escape. Just then, Madelyn remembers all the potions she saw earlier and knows she will likely need one to break free from the witch. She is frantically scanning through the potions when the witch starts to get closer. Madelyn looks at the potions and sees one named “Invisibility.” so she grabs for it and swiftly chugs it. Unexpectedly, the witch can not see her. She looks around the entire old broken-down house and can not find Madelyn anywhere. Then out of nowhere, the door slammed open so Madelyn ran out as fast as she could before the potion wore off. While the witch is frantically searching for Madelyn outside, Madelyn is running into the woods and does not look back at all. She just runs and runs with her heart pounding out of her chest. As Madelyn was running, she heard police and ambulance sirens in the distance. Thankfully, as she is running she can feel the invisibility potion starting to wear off. Cautiously yet hurriedly, she follows that sound until she makes it back to the loud rusty fence outside the school. Madelyn, out of breath, rests briefly leaning on the rusty old fence. Dylan hears the fence squeak and runs towards it. With excitement, Dylan yells “Everyone I found her! Madelyn is alive!” Slowly, she looks behind her and smiles with relief. She then throws herself on Dylan, tightly hugging him and crying as he embraces her. Dylan continues to hold her until he can feel her body begin to relax. He then opens the rusty fence door for her while she walks through. “What happened? Why are there police and medical people here?” asked Madelyn confused. “You don’t know? That’s right you weren’t here,” said Dylan sorrowful. Madelyn looks at him puzzled. Then, Dylan takes a big sigh and says with teared-filled eyes “When playing hide and seek, Chase was close to my tail. As I was running away from him, I tripped over what seemed to be ahead. So then I stopped running and told Chase. He walked up to see where it was from and when we both looked we saw it was Ella.” Madelyn’s jaw dropped, her body went completely numb and she could feel tears forming in her eyes. She knew the witch had killed Ella and that she could have been next. Madelyn was completely grief-struck and in total disbelief. Dylan then hugged her tenderly and Madelyn knew it was true. A few minutes later, Chase starts calling for Dylan looking for him. Dylan says to Madelyn “We should probably go.” Together they start walking to catch up with Chase. As they are walking, Madeline bravely wipes her tears away. Although that day has haunted her over the years she has never spoken of the incident again.

A personal experience that I will continue to experience to this day is serving in the community. I serve at the church that I attend every Sunday. I am looking into studying elementary education so the area I serve in is helping me prepare and already learn how kids operate. I serve in the kid's ministry and usually help with the first or second graders, although I have helped all the way down to newborns and all the way up to sixth grade. I am a small and large group leader as well as a worship leader at my church. I help teach and explain the Bible to the little kids as well as being able to hype them up and show off motions for worship songs whenever it is worship time. I have been told that kids gravitate towards me because I am someone they will always feel comfortable with, no matter how long they have known me. I have a huge passion for working with kids, it genuinely brings me so much joy teaching the kids in church as well as being able to be silly and have fun with the kids. We have a great time every Sunday learning more and more about the Lord together.