I plan to make a positive impact on the world by playing a vital part in the lives of the children. I knew in 8th grade that my future career would be working with children. The children are our future and they have big dreams and goals. I am a mother of 3, an instructional assistant for kindergarten, I assist with the youth at my church and I am the head coach of our local youth cheer league. Each day for me revolves around children and it has been an honor and a privilege to be able to do the things that I do. I plan to finish school and obtain my degree in psychology. Psychology has helped me to learn about children’s development. This has helped me to be more patient in all aspects because knowing how the child mind works, helps you to realize why children do the things they do. It also helps to you understand and know how to teach them and help them grow. I will also have a certificate in Trauma Informed Advocacy. The courses in this program have helped me to cater to children who have not had the privilege to develop in safe environments. I am able to see the signs of certain circumstances and provide help and support for children. Helping at my church helps me to create connections with mothers who encounter the same things that I do as a mother. My role is to help mothers to check in for the service. As mother getting the children ready for church is already a hassle. Then getting to church and settled for service is another hassle of its own. So to be able to relieve the overwhelming hassle for a mother to be able to strengthen her relationship with God makes me happy. I am able to watch children flourish and learn about God, while also eliminating any issues that a mother may have by assisting her so that she can enjoy service. I am the head coach. This has come to be another passion of mine. I have 28 girls on my squad, ages 4-12. Not only am I teaching the fundamentals of cheer, I am building self esteem, courage, leadership, integrity and resilience. I have been able to watch the girls learn and bond with each other. I have also given the girls something fun that they can be proud of. I have so many other plans that will help the children of the future and receiving this scholarship will be the start to achieving all of my goals and dreams.

Trying to find balance can be very difficult, but it’s not impossible. I remember getting pregnant during my junior year of college in 2015. I was overwhelmed by emotions and worries. I was so close to finishing college. I was determined to finish. The hardest part of trying to continue college and be a mother, was trying to find time for studying . Being a mother is like a full time job and although I would have plans, my baby had others. I thought it if I had a proper night routine and bedtime everything would be alright. Unfortunately sometimes my baby would not go to sleep by 8, and I would be pressed do finish an assignment by 11:59 with him in my arms. I remember taking my son to class with me and even finishing a final presentation with him in my arms. Life brought more challenges in 2017 when I had my second child. I was on academic probation because my GPA declined. I decided to go back to the campus for classes. Online was extremely challenging for me. During this time, I was working part time, enrolled in school while also being a mother one two. Although challenging, this did not stop me from trying. I only had 6 classes left to graduate. This particular academic year I committed an hour to get to campus. I had a a few blow outs, and a minor accident within the fall semester and had to withdraw from the university. I took a few years off and found a better job so that I could provide for my children. I was so close to the finish line. In 2019, I did an appeal and was able to enroll in school again. My children were a little older, I felt like I was more stable mentally and financially. I successfully passed all of my classes that fall. Then Covid-19 happened. While I was on spring break Covid-19 was rapid. Before classes resumed, we got an email saying that all classes would be continued online. My sisters had to relocate: my middle sister had to leave her home and my youngest had to leave campus and move in with me. During my spring semester, my home was chaotic. My two children, two more adults who each gave birth during this time. All local businesses were closed and I did not have a quiet place to study. My grades dropped tremendously and I did not finish that semester very well. I only have 3 classes left. Even through all of life’s challenges, I still refuse to give up on my dreams. When I graduate I will have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in Child Development, and a certificate in Trauma Informed Advocacy. This scholarship will not only help me to finish a major achievement for myself, but it will also allow me to expand my career and increase my income. I can be an example for my children and demonstrate how much hard work pays off, and also teach them not to give up no matter what. Finishing college is also important to me because I will be the first in my immediate family to receive a Bachelor’s degree. I will be able to continue my education further by obtaining my license to teach or be a school counselor. I will be able to make a difference in the lives of children and make an impact for the future of the next generations.

I want to make a difference. I currently am an instructional assistant at a primary school. There is a major need for educators and I want to be one to make a change in the lives of students. Teaching is more than providing educational material to students. As a teacher in early education it to be: a role model, educate future leaders, be creative, and make a difference. How can I be a role model? The first years of a child’s life is full of learning and major development. As a teacher I am able to play apart in teaching vital life skill, as well as provide the educational information that the children need to thrive through school. I have worked as an instructional assistant for kindergarten for 2 years. I have enjoyed watching children grow socially and academically. I have assisted with helping children learn to read and develop social skills. In the classroom, we also provide structure which helps currently in a classroom. Structure is also very vital for everyday life as an adult, so this skill is something that they can benefit from. Teaching also requires patience, compassion, understanding and dedication. Displaying these skills as the teacher helps to provide a safe space for the children; to motivates them to do their best and work hard; to understand that although we make mistakes we can try again; and to show them how to work hard and not give up. The children are our future leaders. In order for the next generations to thrive, they have to have proper guidance. Teachers play a vital role in the lives of children, and one day these children will make a major impact on the lives of others. For eight hours of the days, my job as a teacher is to be a mentor and motivator. The harsh reality is that some of the children that teachers encounter at school, do not have positive influences outside of the school. I want to teach children that they can be anything that they put their mind to be and build their self esteem and confidence. I want to demonstrate integrity and help them to understand the importance of honesty and self awareness. I want to show them how to resilient and adaptable. The more positivity and love we pour into children as they grow, they will grow to be amazing adults. The children now will later be our doctors, lawyers, educators etc. Creativity does not stop at childhood. I have had a great pleasure of not only being able to display my creativity in the classroom, but also helping children tap into their creativity and imagination. Each child has a different interest even at a young age and all children do not learn in the same way and pace. Being creative within the classroom, children are able to explore and learn things in new ways. It also gives an opportunity for communication improvement and new ideas. Expressing creativity can most importantly help minimize stress and anxiety in the classroom, which helps to improve the mental health of our children. I can have a positive impact on a life. I can still remember specific teachers that made a difference for me. The influence that you make on a child does not stop. If it were not for those teachers, I truly believe that I would not be where I am today. So my goal is to continue the same mission and make a difference for children in every way that I can.