Growing up I have always known the feeling of anxiousness. Biting my nails, my mind running a mile a minute, and deep breaths has become a norm. My anxiety has been an ongoing struggle for years. It held me back from making friends, going to social events, and getting the job. My anxiety is and will always be a part of me. With my anxiety though, it becomes the urge to overcome it. It took a while but I discovered that my anxiety does not define me as a person. My anxiety makes me want to work harder. Every time my mind screams at me that I can't, I scream back that I can and that I will. I have become a strong minded person despite my anxiety. I have learned how to hold and have effective relationships, and I have learned how to fight back. I have learned to listen to my heart rather than listening to the poison in my head. My anxiety does not define me. My anxiety shaped who I am, but does not change who I am. I am stronger because of my anxiety. My anxiety has made me goal oriented, strong minded, and a fighter.

As a kid and growing up my mom had always instilled in me that being different was okay. That our differences is what brought everyone together. I grew up thinking that everyone thought that way, that everyone else celebrated our differences because that was what my mama taught me. I first realized that people thought differently than me and my mom in middle school. There was this boy. His name was Wade Collum. He was in my grade, he was also autistic. I used to pass Wade in the hallway when I would go to recess, he always sat alone, but he always waved back. Fifth grade me thought it was unfair that Wade sat alone at recess, so one day I invited him to play with me and my friends. He was so happy I invited him to play with me. We ran to my friends to join them in drawing chalk. When we stood in front of them they seen Wade and made a disgusted face. I asked them what was wrong, and they said they did not want to play with him. I asked them why and they said he talked weird, was too loud, made loud noises, etc. I was confused. Of course I noticed Wade was different but why was his different bad? Throughout the next three years I started to notice more people not enjoying Wades differences. They called him cruel names, would pretend to be his friend, and be utterly mean to him. I still saw Wade at lunch and recess, I still waved, and he would always wave back. I want to become a special education teacher because of kids like Wade. I want to create an environment that differences are celebrated. I want to create an environment where my students can feel different without being scandalized for it. When my future students come into my room, I want them to smile and know they are accepted. I want students like Wade not to be afraid to sit alone, because as their teacher I will always have a seat open and ready for them. I want to ensure my students families that their child is safe and loved. If I can impact just one student's life, I will know that I have succeeded as a teacher and a person. Differences are okay. In my classroom, the lesson my mom instilled in my at a young age, will be carried on.

I want to become a teacher because I want to make a difference in other students lives. As a student who is introverted and has a hard time connecting with others, I want to become a teacher who can make one feel comfortable and more themselves. Growing up I struggled with building connections with my educators and feeling comfortable enough to raise my hand in class. I want my classroom to be a safe haven for those students who feel as though they do not belong anywhere. I want to make my students feel accepted and heard. I want to become a teacher because I know I would make it my life mission to help a student fully, and hear them. My sophomore year history teacher, Emma Smith, influenced me heavily in education. I had just started at a new school, did not know anyone, and was scared to go to lunch. Ms. Smith, my 6th hour history teacher, allowed me to eat with her in her classroom throughout my Sophomore year. Her classroom became a safe haven for me. She helped me come out of my shell and become more social with others. She was someone that I felt truly understood me. She not only pushed me academically, but she also pushed me to be a better person. She taught she life lessons that will follow me beyond the classroom. To this day, I try to eat lunch with her once a week. She is who truly inspired me to become a teacher. Her impact on my life, her selfless way of living, inspired me and still inspires me. While participating in sports I have learned discipline, teamwork, independence, and how to keep a strong head on my shoulders. Throughout my years of playing softball I have learned to grow from my mistakes rather than letting them take over me. I have learned positive discipline, hard work, and how to work with a team. My coach, Tori Hawking, has thought me many life lessons on and off the field. There was a game last year when my mom was hospitalized. I did not want to play. The idea of setting foot on the field made my stomach turn. Coach Tori sat me down and told me, and I quote, "I can't force you to play kid, I know there is one million thoughts going through your head. Your mom would want you to put that glove on, and play. Life throws curve balls, but it is how we adjust to them and grow from them that makes us better people."