
Hobbies and interests
Education
Church
Babysitting And Childcare
Mental Health
Reading
Mystery
Adult Fiction
Religion
Romance
I read books daily
Catherine Terrell
1x
Finalist
Catherine Terrell
1x
FinalistBio
I am a Senior at Collierville High School. I participate in Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment classes. I serve as the President of Bible Club, I am an active member of Rho Kappa, Beta Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the National Honor Society. I am a student teacher at Sycamore Elementary School for first and fourth grade classrooms. I participate in multiple church activities and love volunteering at weekly events. I am the oldest sibling of two sisters who are fifteen and two. I hope to major in Secondary History Education.
Education
Collierville High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Education, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
Test scores:
30
ACT
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Make an impact on each of my students life
Front of House
Chick-Fil-A2025 – Present1 year
Sports
Soccer
Intramural2019 – 20223 years
Research
Education, General
Sycamore Elementary School — Data Charting2024 – Present
Arts
Collierville High school and West Collierville Middle School
Music2019 – 2025
Public services
Volunteering
Sycamore Elementary School — Student Teacher2024 – PresentVolunteering
Samuels Sanctuary-Belize — Volunteer2025 – 2025Volunteering
Harvest Church — Preschool Volunteer2023 – Present
Future Interests
Volunteering
Ryan Stripling “Words Create Worlds” Scholarship for Young Writers
Writing has always been the place where my mind feels free and understood. I love the ivory tower of academia that I can enjoy when I step into my writing world. It is not that I am better than others, but that my enlightenment I experience through writing is almost indescribable. Writing connects my thoughts to an audience in an intimate and powerful way. When I write, the creativity in my head finally has room to flow onto the page, allowing my audience to be captivated by the imagery and rhetoric I craft. Writing lets me share parts of myself that do not always appear in conversation. I am able to state what I believe in and stand firm on those opinionated doctrines.
I have realized that writing is also not just a personal outlet; rather, a way of living in a community. Through immersing in academic essays and socratic discussions, I have learned that as a writer, I am in a creative world of analysis and continuation of previous information. Rather than living in a world of writing anomaly, I can see what writers use and embrace that concept or deviate to my own academic standards. Writing becomes dialog, not a monologue.
"Words create worlds" stated by Stripling resonated with me. I believe that words shape the way we see ourselves and each other. They create conversational bridges and illumine our minds into ideas never conceptualized before.
As an aspiring educator, I have to use writing to encourage my future classroom to show them that words have power and that when we know the audience, we are able to convey sociological and psychological views into our daily lives in the world.
My passion for writing has flourished in the blessing of taking Dual Enrollment English Composition I and II at my high school. I have been shaped into an academic writer who is able to share what she hopes the world finds from herself and other academic sources. I learned how to refine my voice, strengthen arguments, and contribute to classwork conversations. Whether I am crafting a rhetorical analysis or a ten page research paper, I am under the emphasis of using my words to create an impact in the world.
In college and the future, I hope to keep growing and use my words through more than academic writing. I have come to the conclusion that writing helps strengthen daily communication and as a future educator, learning how to write and make an impact is exactly what I will live out.
God Hearted Girls Scholarship
My relationship with Jesus has shaped every part of who I am, but it has especially strengthen my faith during the college decision process. Learning to trust the Lord with something as big and uncertain as my future has stretched me in ways I didn't expect. I've had to surrender my plans, my timelines, and my fears, and instead lean into the truth that God is faithful, intentional, and already ahead of me. Through prayer, scripture, and wise council, I've grown more confident that wherever he leads me, he will also equip me. That trust has become the foundation. I'm caring with me into this next season.
As I step into college, I hope to stay rooted in my faith by getting involved in student ministry and surrounding myself with a Christ centered community. I wanna be someone who doesn't just attend events, but actively serves, encourages, and pours into others. My goal is to make an impact for the kingdom, whether that is through leadership, discipleship or simply showing up constantly for the people around me. I want my college cheers to be marked by obedience, boldness, and a willingness to work for the Lord and everything I do.
Like calling to become a teacher as another place for my faith shapes my purpose. I know that as a public school educator, there will be limitations and laws that require wisdom and discernment, but even within those boundaries, I believe God can use me I can disciple through my character, my compassion, my integrity, and the way I treat every student with dignity and love I can be "on fire "for God, not by preaching in the classroom, but by living in such a way that students see something different in me. I hope to become an educator where they see a joyful and deeply rooted Christian.
Ultimately, I hope to be a light in the school system, the kind of teacher students remember not just for what I taught, but for who I was. I want to represent God and his kingdom through patience, grace, and a genuine desire to help students grow. My prayer is that I become the kind of teacher who no student has had before. I want to lead with heart, teach with purpose, and reflect Christ in every interaction, even when I can't speak his name directly. My faith isn't something I plan to leave at the door; it's the very thing that will guide me how to teach how to serve and how to love the people entrusted to me.
Clara Denise Hall Earle Aspiring Educator Memorial Scholarship
As I prepare to graduate high school and step into the next chapter of my life, I am more certain than ever that I wanna become a history teacher who inspired students to think deeply, ask questions, and see themselves as part of a larger story. Education has shaped my life and powerful ways, and I want to give that same sense of purpose, and possibility to the students I will one day teach.
Receiving the scholarship would bring me closer to that goal by easing the financial burden of college and allowing me to fully focus on my academic growth, my field experiences, and the kind of educator I'm working hard to become.
Throughout high school in Collierville, Tennessee, at Collierville High School, I have intentionally taken steps to prepare myself for a career and education. I enrolled in a Teaching as a Profession class and SDC Intro to Education, which gave me a strong foundation in classroom management, instructional strategies, and the realities of teaching. This year, I have been part of Work-Based learning, as a student teacher gaining hands-on experience in real classrooms at Sycamore Elementary School in Collierville, Tennessee. I have helped to manage lessons, supported small student groups, prepared materials, and stepped in wherever my mentor teachers need me. These experiences have confirmed that teaching is not just something I want to do rather, it is something I feel called to do I love the energy of the classroom, the challenge of explaining complex ideas in simple ways, in the relationships that performance and students know you genuinely care about their success.
Financial support from the scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing these opportunities without the constant worry of how I will afford tuition, books, and living expenses. I want to attend a college with a strong education program, where I can study Secondary Social Studies Education and continue building the skills. I need to be an effective teacher. With the scholarship, I would be able to dedicate more time to my coursework, field placements, and professional development instead of juggling multiple jobs are limiting my involvement in activities that help me grow. It would give me the freedom to focus on becoming the best educator, I can be.
My commitment education is closely connected to my commitment to serving my community. Throughout high school, I have looked for ways to make a positive impact on the people around me. At Sycamore, I have supported my mentor teachers by helping manage classrooms, preparing materials and stepping into assist students who need extra help. I have learned that sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference in a students day.
Outside of school, I have been involved in ministry and mentorship. I have led faith based events, supported younger students, and tried to be someone they can trust and talk to. I know what it feels like to need guidance, and I want to be the kind of person who offers it freely. Whether I am helping student understand a tough concept or encouraging someone through a difficult moment, I try to bring patience, empathy, and authenticity and to every interaction service to me, is not about checking a box, it is about showing up with a genuine heart and a willingness to help.
What makes me unique is combination of my background, my interest, and the way I approach learning and leadership. I grew up, valuing resilience, loyalty, and perseverance. Those values of shaped the way I handle challenges in the way I support others. I am someone who works hard, stays committed, and doesn't give up easily I believe that every experience, including the difficult ones, can be used to help someone else and I try to carry that mindset into everything I do.
I also love to bring creativity and passion to my work. I love history, not just as a subject, but is a living narrative that connects people across time I enjoy finding ways to make history come alive for students or simulations, debates, scavenger, hunts, and interactive activities. I want my future class to be a place for students, be engaged, curious, and confident in their ability to understand the world around them. I believe that learning should be meaningful and memorable, and I am excited to continue developing the skills that will help me create that kind of environment.
Another part of what makes me unique as my ability to connect with people. Whether I am working with students, collaborating with teachers or supporting younger peers, I tried to build relationships based on trust, respect, and encouragement. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of effective teaching, and I am grateful that my experiences help help me grow in this area. I want my students to feel seen, valued, and capable.
As I look ahead to college and beyond, I am motivated by the impact, I hope to make. I want to be a teacher who helps students discover their strengths, understand the world, and believe in their potential I want to create a classroom or students feel safe to ask questions, explore ideas, and grow. I want to be the kind of educator who not only teaches with history, but also inspires confidence, curiosity, and character.
This scholarship would help me take the next step towards that future. It would support my academic journey, strengthen my ability to serve others, and allow me to continue developing the skills and experiences that will shape me into the teacher. I aspire to be. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply, and I am committed to using every resource that I receive to make a meaningful difference in my community and the life of the students I will one day teach.
A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
My name is Catherine Grace Terrell and I aspire to become a secondary history teacher because I believe that education has the power to shape lives and communities. History is more than memorizing dates and events; rather, it is a living story that helps us understand who we are and where we are going. I want my students to leave my classroom not only knowing what happened, but understanding why it matters, and how it connects to their lives. My goal is to male history come alive in ways that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students to think critically about the world around them.
While teaching is not a traditionally considered a male-dominated field, I am aware of a unique challenge that exists in secondary education. In many schools, coaching positions in football, baseball, softball, wrestling, tennis and other sports often come with teaching assignments in history or social sciences. Too often, these roles are treated as a free add on to coaching, and the classroom suffers when the focus is heavily on athletics. Students deserve teachers who are passionate about their subject, not individuals who view teaching as secondary to sports. As a woman pursuing this career, I know I will be competing with coaches who may be handed these jobs without the same dedication to teaching. It can be intimidating to live with that fear, but I am determined to meet it with confidence and purpose.
I believe my resume and experiences already demonstrate my commitment to education. Through Work Based Learning as a student teacher, I have gained firsthand experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and connecting with students. Leading study groups with younger girls has taught me how to mentor, encourage and guide others with patience and empathy. Volunteering and serving with non-profits oversees has allowed me to see the importance of service, adaptability, and cultural awareness. These events have strengthened my ability to teach with compassion and creativity, and they set me apart from those who may enter the classroom without the same preparation or passion.
My vision as a teacher is to create a classroom that is unforgettable. I plan to incorporate immersive teaching strategies that go beyond lectures and textbooks. Students might participate in historical simulations, debates, or role playing activities that allow them to see history in multiple perspectives. I hope also to integrate technology, interactive projects, and connections to current events so that students see history not as something distant, but as something relevant to their own lives. By making lessons engaging and meaningful, I hope to foster a love of learning that lasts long after students leave my classroom.
I also want to build a classroom culture that values confidence and curiosity. Often, students feel intimidated by history because they see it as a subject filled with memorization. My goal is to show them that history is about stories, people, and choices. I want them to see that they have the ability to analyze and interpret those stories themselves. By encouraging students to ask questions, challenge ideas, and make connections, I will help them develop the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the world around them.
I see teaching as a calling. I want to make a positive impact on the world by shaping students who are not only knowledgeable about history, but also prepared to use that information to make thoughtful decisions and contribute to society. Competing with coaches for teaching positions may be a reality, but I believe my passion, preparation, and immersive strategies will set me apart, to guide generations in their own futures.
Hearts to Serve, Minds to Teach Scholarship
Teaching is about shaping lives as much as it is about shaping minds. My service in the community has taught me that education extends far beyond textbooks and it is about building character, fostering resilience, and inspiring compassion.
I have served others in a multitude of ways.
To begin, as a babysitter, I learned the importance of patience and emotional guidance, helping children navigate conflict and encouraging positive behavior. As my role as a Freshman Mentor at Collierville High School, I supported younger students as they adjusted to high school, offering encouragement and modeling integrity. My leadership as President of Bible Club and as a small group leader for eighth grade girls has allowed me to create safe spaces where students feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Service is a universal language. On mission trips to Honduras and Belize, I saw the power of compassion across cultures. These opportunities reminded me that teaching is not just about knowledge, rather it is about empathy and connection.
Leading with heart means approaching every interaction with empathy and integrity. I strive to see the potential in others and to nurture it with patience and encouragement. When I was honored with the Heart of a Dragon Award, selected out of three thousand students for demonstrating integrity, It affirmed my belief that leadership is not about recognition but about always choosing to act with kindness and honesty. In the classroom, I hope to lead with that sam heart to create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions and grow not only academically but personally.
Thinking with purpose means aligning my actions with a vision of meaningful impact. My involvement in honor societies, music ensembles, and leadership programs has taught me that purpose requires discipline, reflection, and a commitment to excellence. As a teacher, I will think with purpose by designing lessons that connect knowledge to real world applications. I want my students to see learning as a tool for problem solving and innovation. Purposeful teaching is not about checking boxes; rather, to equip students with the skills and values they need to succeed in life.
I envision a future where education is a force for good. Education has the power to break cycles of inequality, to inspire service, and to cultivate leaders who act with integrity. My hope is that my students will leave my classroom not only with academic knowledge but with confidence in their voices, a sense of responsibility to serve others, and the courage to act with compassion in a world that often needs it most. In this way, teaching becomes a calling to shape lives and communities for the better.
My experiences in service, leadership, and mentorship have prepared me to lead with heart, think with purpose, and envision education as a force for good. I believe that teaching is about inspiring students to live with integrity, empathy, and purpose. That is the lasting impact I hope to make.
RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
My Essay:
Professor Harold Bloom once said, "The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence." To me, this means helping each student recognize their unique value, voice, and potential not just academically, but as whole individuals. It is about guiding them to see themselves as capable, worthy, and empowered to shape their own lives.
I have seen this transformation firsthand. During student teaching, I have worked with two incredible students who have special needs. I serve alongside dedicated special education teachers, and every day I witness the power of connection, patience, and belief. My journey began as a child attending summer camp with special needs peers. The early experience planted a seed of empathy and understanding that has grown into a deep commitment. I connect naturally with students who have IEP and 504 plans, because I see beyond paperwork and straight to the person the student is.
My passion for special education stems from helping each student discover their "presence" by creating environments where they feel safe, seen, and celebrated. I use encouragement, consistency, and creativity to help them build confidence and independence. Whether it is helping a student find their voice in the classroom discussions or supporting them through a tough moment, I strive to be the person who says, "You belong here and you matter."
A Fairy Tale: Grace and the Light of Presence
Once upon a time in the village of school, their lived a young heroine named Grace. She had a gift, not of swords play or spells but of understanding hearts. Grace had once been a camper in the enchanted summer forest, where children of all kinds gathered to laugh, learn, and grow. It was there she met Arship, a quiet boy with a brilliant mind and a heart full of wonder.
Years passed, and Grace returned to the village as a guide for children with special gifts. Arship was now one of her students, facing the challenges of a mysterious scroll called the IEP and a protective shield known as the 504. These scrolls held clues for unlocking each child's potential, but only someone with true empathy could read between the lines.
One day, a shadow called Doubt crept into the village, whispering to the children that they were not enough. Arship began to shrink into silence, his light quickly dimming. Grace knew what she had to do. She gathered tools of encouragement, patience, and belief and set out on a quest to restore Arship's light.
She taught him to speak his truth, to celebrate his strengths, and to face challenges with courage. Slowly, Arship began to glow with presence. He stood taller, laughed louder, and even helped other students.
The villagers rejoiced for Grace had not only guided Arship to his own presence but reminded them all that every child carries a light waiting to be seen.
And so, Grace continued her journey, walking beside her students, lighting the path with love.
Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
I have been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter since the very beginning of her acting career. I still remember watching her as Maya Hart on the iconic Disney show Girl Meets World. I was about nine when I realized something about her presence on the screen was fascinating. Even then, her talent stood out; she was witty and effortlessly charismatic. It was not just her character rather how she played her with depth and authenticity that made me feel a connection.
As I grew up, I continued to follow Sabrina’s journey. Her transition from Disney Channel actress to a powerful voice in music and film is more than impressive. Recently, seeing her release a new album while being on tour with Taylor Swift made me realize that time and dedication leads to success. I watched her evolve from a talented teen into a woman who advocates for herself, represents her work with pride, and never stops pushing boundaries.
Her dedication to her craft, her ability to speak out through her lyrics, and her commitment to staying true to who she is have made a lasting impact on me. Sabrina’s career has shown me what it means to grow with grace and grit. She has taught me that it is okay to reinvent yourself, to stand for what you believe in, and to work hard for the life you want.
Her journey reminds me that success is not just about talent; it is about perseverance, self-respect, and the courage to change. I have enjoyed being a Sabrina Carpenter fan and I proudly stand with the Carpenters.
Big Picture Scholarship
There are few works that captured my attention like Wicked. From its spectacular soundtrack to the emotionally rich narrative, Wicked is more than just a musical, it is a master in storytelling, cinematic brilliance and the power of persevering through struggles. My love for the work stems from its ability to blend artistic excellence with life lessons, making the piece timeless, resonating with millions. At the heart of Wicked is the incredible soundtrack. The musical quality is nothing short of magical. Pun intended. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” are not only vocally demanding and developed with an insightful composition, but they also carry emotional weight and foster connection among audience members. The orchestration, harmonies, and lyrical depth elevate the entire experience making it feel like a personal journey to OZ. With the melodies and crescendos, the music speaks to the soul, leaving a lasting impression when the credits appear. Beyond the music, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Glenda challenging societal notions of good and evil. The narrative of the movie explores themes of identity, friendship, and societal expectations. It is a story of transformation and misunderstood intentions. It initializes standing up for what is right regardless on if the world disagrees. The layers of depth are what make Wicked so amazing. It is not just a story; it is a real human struggle. This movie and is a masterpiece and it has impacted me by showing the in depth work and dedication that it brings movie production to life.
The cinematic adaptation brings a whole new dimension to the beloved musical. With the visuals, set design, and talented cast, the film captures the grandeur of production. The brilliance of the film allows for character analysis, symbolism and theatrical art creating a bridge between mediums of enrichment. One of the most inspiring parts is how Wicked showcases the importance of dedication through one’s career. From the actors bringing the characters to life, to the composers, directors, and crew who work behind the scenes, Wicked is a product of hard work and dedication. This changed my life. It showed me that excellence does not just happen; it is the result of hard work and training. Wicked is a celebration of talent and a tribute to the perseverance fueling creative success.
My love for Wicked is rooted in the musical brilliance, powerful storytelling, cinematic artistry, and a celebration of dedication. Whether I am listening to the soundtrack, watching the film or thinking of the themes, Wicked continues to be a source of joy and creative thoughts showing the beauty that emerges when passion meets purpose. Movies can change our life in inspirational ways and Wicked is that movie for me.
Wicked Fan Scholarship
There are few works that captured my attention like Wicked. From its spectacular soundtrack to the emotionally rich narrative, Wicked is more than just a musical, it is a master in storytelling, cinematic brilliance and the power of persevering through struggles. My love for the work stems from its ability to blend artistic excellence with life lessons, making the piece timeless, resonating with millions. At the heart of Wicked is the incredible soundtrack. The musical quality is nothing short of magical. Pun intended. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” are not only vocally demanding and developed with an insightful composition, but they also carry emotional weight and foster connection among audience members. The orchestration, harmonies, and lyrical depth elevate the entire experience making it feel like a personal journey to Oz. With the melodies and crescendos, the music speaks to the soul, leaving a lasting impression when the credits appear. Beyond the music, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Glenda challenging societal notions of good and evil. The narrative of the movie explores themes of identity, friendship, and societal expectations. It is a story of transformation and misunderstood intentions. It initializes standing up for what is right regardless on if the world disagrees. The layers of depth are what make Wicked so amazing. It is not just a story; it is a real human struggle.
The cinematic adaptation brings a whole new dimension to the beloved musical. With the visuals, set design, and talented cast, the film captures the grandeur of production. The brilliance of the film allows for character analysis, symbolism and theatrical art creating a bridge between mediums of enrichment. One of the most inspiring parts is how Wicked showcases the importance of dedication through one’s career. From the actors bringing the characters to life, to the composers, directors, and crew who work behind the scenes, Wicked is a product of hard work and dedication. Excellence does not just happen; it is the result of hard work and training. Wicked is a celebration of talent and a tribute to the perseverance fueling creative success.
My love for Wicked is rooted in the musical brilliance, powerful storytelling, cinematic artistry, and a celebration of dedication. Whether I am listening to the soundtrack, watching the film or thinking of the themes, Wicked continues to be a source of joy and creative thoughts showing the beauty that emerges when passion meets purpose.
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
I am interested in pursuing a career in teaching because of the long lasting impact I can make on children's lives. I have seen how my teachers have taken time to pour into each studetn individually and how they know every one of their 150 students names. I have also had some bad teachers who have called us all by the seat number we were in. Seeing the good teachers and the bad have allowed me to plan how I want to be as a teacher. I hope to develop a secondary history education classroom in which students will have opinionated socratic seminar conversations, immersive projects, and one-on-one teaching. I hope to have some students do assignments aligned to their favorite events. I have designed some lesson plans and I have also brainstormed games to make my future classroom the best it could be!
Some of my favorite teachers have played a vital role in the way I would like to teach.
The best teacher I ever had was Mrs. Mary Jane May. She is one of the most kind and tenderhearted people I’ve ever met. I had her for Spanish 2 Honors and she taught so well by incorporating games and sub lessons into her unit lessons to make the material easy to understand. She would joke with us and get very real with us in how we needed to understand the unit for future tests. I loved her because her kids were on my sister’s lacrosse team, and we would get to sit and talk to each other during and after school. She made effort to talk to me wherever I saw her and she always asked me how things I told her the week before went. The bond she created with me by talking about Spanish, church, family, and sports was a memory I will not forget. The most important thing she taught me was the bond teachers can create with students and how to make them feel heard and welcome.
My favorite teacher I have ever had is Mrs. Cristi Parker. She was my English 9 Honors teacher and while she gave a lot of homework, she taught me so much about time management and she also was the first teacher to teach me how to write well. I passed with a 102 in her class and I would get 98-100 on all my essays. Her teaching methods were awesome. The one thing I appreciate her doing is the Daily Grammar assignments. Through those assignments she taught me fundamental tools for the ACT, and I was able to get my English score high. She also talked about all thing’s family, and she is the one person I fully trust to go to when I need help or when I’m struggling. I always have her to go to.
I remember that as a freshman in school they would ask each student if they had a trusted adult in the building that they go to when they are having a good or bad day. I remember thinking that these two women were that for me. I have gone to them in tears, I have gone to them in laughter, and I have gone to them for advice. That is the teacher I aspire to be. A teacher there no matter what.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
A fourth graders life went from utopia to hell on earth in two weeks. My family was torn apart with one key word...divorce. It happened when my 40 year old birth mom had decided to have an affair with her friend- a 60 year old man. As it happens, my dad divorced her. It was so confusing as a child to have to watch my mom tear our family apart based off of what she wanted for her life.
Looking back, having a parent who was so selfish and egocentric really impacted my view. My childhood went up in flames when she made that decision. I had to grow up faster than any child should. I had to figure out how to cook proper meals because I was being fed chips and cookies for three meals a day. I was being exposed to smoke and alcohol as my mom and her friends would gather on the porch drunk as a 9 year old and 7 year old sat on the couch listening and watching the chaos irrupt. I became a parent to my little sister that day ensuring that she was able to learn how to eat well and do her chores. I sadly even punished her when that should never have been my job.
I thought that having that was bad. It rapidly got worse. My birth-mom decided that she would foster a baby. Now, I had two "kids" that I had to make sure stayed alive and healthy. I was being forced to miss school and call saying I was sick so that I could stay and watch the baby. It was a terrible experience and I never want to go through it again.
While all of that did mess up what could have been a great childhood, I did learn quite a lot about how the world works and what my callings are in life. I did find that I enjoyed watching kids and helping my younger sister with school work. It brought me joy. I found that when I was able to teach the baby her first words and how to eat with a spoon, how easily it came to me and how I always seemed to teach her well. I realized that I had a voice and that I could speak up to my lawyer about the chaos that was happening and that just because I was a youth, I had rights. I called my guardian ad litem and told her everything. I was no longer a fourth grader, I was now a mature seventh grader tired of living life like a movie from hell. I was ready to use my voice to get out of that situation.
Once I told the story and all the details to my lawyer, they finally believed me that my dad's house would be much better of a living condition. I begged them for a full custody agreement. My dad had been in much pain since my mom during the divorce tried to make him guilty when in the end, she was the one with the most damage. Through this, I learned that I am a passionate young girl who loves to teach, who has a voice, and who knows that while I have a messy background, I come with knowledge and strength to conquer any challenges I may face.
Fred Rabasca Memorial Scholarship
Teacher's have changed my life. My passion for education grew in the eighth grade after I took an advanced United States History Class. This class was aligned with a College Level Examination Prep Course or CLEP. My teacher taught with socratic seminars, basketball infused games, and quiz game shows. I was able to see how a teacher, when they put their love and dedication in the career into their respect for their students, they are impacted. It changed my perspective on teaching. This teacher showed me that I had an unique interest in history and was preforming above average on his activities. He pushed me to apply for the CLEP exam. I was challenged but most off all, I was supported. This teacher took time to meet with me and go over the hard things like the presidential debates and political cartoons. I learned things I would not learn until junior year as an eighth grader. Having the impact that my history teacher had on me made me realize I wanted to be a teacher.
Something I have realized as a student as that we overlook the education occupation. Many say that teaching is an easy job; however, when you look at all the internal details of the occupation, you can see that it is much more complicated. Teaching is the process of meeting people in their state of emotional, mental, and physical mind set and helping the students learn, grow, and develop to reach attainable goals while maintaining an appropriately challenging classroom and inclusive environment.
I believe that every student can succeed and that their failure does not define them. It is up to me, as the teacher to help them reach this success. Through allowing my students to feel confident and smart-just as my eighth grade teacher did to me- I will aid them in their mind set by creating an environment that shows them they can do it with hard work. Learning as a student can be nerving and I can help them succeed by having them aim for goals and growth. I aim to challenge students by telling them to express themselves instead of staying in the formatted rules previous teachers have set for them. I will tell them to vocalize the style of learning they want and for us to set a classroom where they are comfortable and feel valued.
In my classroom, I will prioritize being patient, having empathy, being honest, and having respect for my students. I do not want them to feel uncomfortable in my classroom and so with these aspects of character, I hope to show them that I care for them and that I want to be there for them as a whole and individual. My goal is to allow them to create self-expression and for them to form skills needed in their future career.
As a rising teacher, I am pursuing education to relationships with my future students and the success rates to which they may have. I hope to learn from my mistakes and evolve my curriculum over time. I hope to be understanding and respectful of my students and be a source for them in and out of school topics. Education in my eyes is a field of many: teacher, mother, cook, advisor, counselor, nurse, authority, and more. I hope to leave a lasting impact and a healthy memory for my students. My goal is that years from now, I have a former student reach out and for me to know that I made an impact in their life, just as my teachers have had on me.