I’m passionate about becoming a special education teacher because I believe that every child, regardless of their challenges, has incredible potential. Growing up, I was always drawn to helping others, especially those who faced difficulties that others may overlook. Children with special needs often have unique perspectives, skills, and talents, but they may not always have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. I want to be the educator who provides that support, helping each child feel valued, capable, and empowered. When I talk about helping my students experience a sense of their presence, I mean guiding them to recognize and embrace their individuality and strengths. It’s about helping them understand that their worth is not defined by their challenges, but by the person they are—unique, valuable, and full of potential. This sense of presence is about building their self-confidence, self-awareness, and a positive sense of identity. To accomplish this, my mission would be to create an environment where each student feels seen, heard, and understood. I would provide personalized learning experiences tailored to each child’s needs, allowing them to work at their own pace and celebrate their progress. I would focus on creating a classroom culture that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, where every student feels safe to express themselves and explore new ideas. I would use positive reinforcement and encourage self-advocacy, helping my students build the skills they need to become independent and confident individuals. By recognizing their achievements, no matter how small, and providing consistent support, I would help them realize that they have the power to shape their futures. Fairy Tale: "The Brave Teacher and the Garden of Dreams" Once upon a time, in a village where every child was unique, there was a kind and determined teacher named Miss Sage. Miss Sage had a special gift: she could see the hidden strengths in every child, even if they didn’t see them themselves. The children in her class had various challenges, and many of them felt overlooked or misunderstood by others. One day, Miss Sage was entrusted with the task of helping these children find their presence in the world. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to help them bloom. She took them to the enchanted Garden of Dreams, a magical place where every plant symbolized a child’s potential. Some of the children were shy, others struggled to focus, and some had trouble communicating. But Miss Sage knew that in this garden, each child’s unique qualities could flourish if nurtured with patience and care. She started by giving each child a special seed, which represented their strength. Some seeds grew quickly, while others took more time. But Miss Sage made sure to celebrate each child’s growth, no matter how small. She encouraged them to water their seeds with kindness and self-love. As they saw their plants grow, they also began to recognize their strengths—whether it was the ability to solve problems, the talent to create, or the gift of empathy. Over time, the children’s plants flourished, and so did they. They gained confidence, learned to advocate for themselves, and discovered the power within. In the end, the Garden of Dreams became a place where every child knew their worth, and Miss Sage helped them realize that their presence in the world was as important and valuable as any other. With the support of their teacher, the children learned that, just like their plants, they could overcome any obstacle and bloom where they were planted. And so, Miss Sage became known far and wide as the brave teacher who helped children discover their presence, and the village thrived with children who were confident, kind, and ready to face the world.

Hello. My name is Brenna Rummery, or Bren for short. I’m a senior at Mendota Twp High School. My journey with mental health has deeply shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. When I was about four years old, my family and I went hiking near River Illinois. I had a close call with danger when I tripped, almost falling into the river. My dad saved me and my older brother, who also fell. This incident, though terrifying, was just the beginning of my struggles. Two years later, I experienced sexual abuse by my own brother, which continued until I was 11. This left me with severe depression and anxiety. I’ve also had to support my cousins through their own battles with suicidal thoughts. My mental health issues have been a constant companion, but I’ve become adept at hiding my depression, always trying to be the "goody two shoes" to make my parents happy. This pressure has made me feel like I’ve had to throw away my true self and pretend. Despite these challenges, my experiences have driven me to help others who are struggling. I’m passionate about supporting those with mental health issues and creating safe spaces for them. My goal is to become a Special Education aide or an elementary teacher, where I can make a positive impact on children’s lives, especially those with special needs. My involvement in my school’s Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club and the Interact Club has reinforced my commitment to helping others. These roles have taught me about leadership, empathy, and the importance of community service. Volunteering at the local Salvation Army, especially during bell-ringing campaigns, has shown me how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. If I could start a charity, it would focus on raising money for homeless shelters and providing essential resources like food, clothing, and hygiene products. This mission aligns with my belief in the power of community support and collective action. In conclusion, my mental health journey has shaped my aspirations and my desire to make a positive impact in the world. I’m determined to use my experiences to help others and continue my journey of personal and academic growth.

Hello. My name is Brenna Rummery, or Bren for short. I’m a senior at Mendota High School, and I’m proud to say that I will be a first-generation college student. As the youngest and only girl among three kids, I’ve faced my share of challenges, including severe anxiety. However, I’ve found that interacting with others helps me overcome my anxiety, and I strive to be the best student I can be. I have a deep passion for helping others, playing with kids, and constantly learning. I’m the president of my school’s Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club, a role I’ve held since freshman year. Additionally, I’m an active member of the Interact Club, which focuses on community service around our town. Volunteering my time at the local Salvation Army is also very important to me. My grandma is on the board, and to help her out, I’ve taken on her bell-ringing duties during the cold months to raise funds. Last year, I raised $323 on my own. My involvement in these activities has taught me valuable lessons about leadership, empathy, and the importance of community service. As president of the Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club, I’ve worked hard to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This role has not only helped me develop strong organizational and communication skills but also deepened my understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by my peers. In the Interact Club, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various community service projects, from organizing food drives to cleaning up local parks. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to the community. Volunteering at the Salvation Army, particularly during the bell-ringing campaigns, has been especially rewarding. It’s heartwarming to see how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in people’s lives. After high school, I plan on becoming a Special Education aide or an elementary teacher. I believe that every child deserves an education tailored to their unique needs and abilities. My goal is to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive. I am particularly passionate about working with children with special needs, as I believe they have incredible potential and deserve the same opportunities as their peers. If I could start a charity, it would be dedicated to raising money for homeless shelters. The mission would be to provide essential resources to the homeless, such as food, clothing, and hygiene products. The charity would host fundraisers with fun games for the kids, bringing the community together to support those in need. I envision organizing events like community fairs, where families can enjoy activities while also contributing to a meaningful cause. In conclusion, my experiences in high school have shaped my aspirations and reinforced my commitment to helping others. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. As a first-generation college student, I am determined to make a positive impact in the lives of others and continue my journey of personal and academic growth.