The first time I truly fell in love with a show was in 2020 during Covid-19. This series captured my attention not only because of its entertainment value, but also for its raw honesty, which couldn’t compare to any other piece of media I had seen before. It didn’t hide away from taboo subjects, character types, or situations. The producers and writers explored such a wide range of topics while making sure each topic was written, produced, and directed with respect and justice. Each actor is perfectly suited for the role; the location of the filming was breathtaking; the actors spoke realistically; and the writing was shockingly complex and emotional. At first, the TV series ‘Sex Education’ immediately caught my attention, hence the name. It wasn’t until I began to hear the rave over it when I decided to give this show a chance. Many people, including me before I watched it, may think this series is just about sex. But in reality, the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’ is so much more than that. It explores friendship, sexual assault, feminism, asexuality, single parenting, divorce, therapy, childhood trauma, romantic relationships, anxiety, mental health, disability pride, and so much more. In ‘Sex Education’, there is a character or plot line for everyone to relate to. It is the television show that I will recommend to anyone and everyone (despite its jarring and mystifying name). ‘Sex Education’ is not only serious, it’s also a feel-good show with loads of wholesome and funny moments. If you enjoy romance, comedy, drama, and even a little mystery, this series is perfect for you. Even if you’re more of a horror, reality TV, or sports watcher, this show would still be great for you as a feel-good or escape from your typical routine. There is a problem with ‘Sex Education’, though: It’s impossible to hate any of the characters! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they don’t make mistakes; this series is full of mistakes, miscommunication, misguided anger, and fallouts. But, ‘Sex Education’ has not heard of the “2-dimensional character”. The writers don’t allow the audience to formulate stereotypes, because even when you assume something about one of the characters, the series will immediately show you a different, more personal side of them that is impossible not to empathize with. Need more persuading? Let me give you a run-down on the plot. The main character (Otis Milburn) is the son of a single mother (Jean Milburn), who is a sex therapist. He witnessed his dad cheating on his mom at a very young age and is still yet to recover from it. His best friend (Eric Effiong) is Black, gay, and religious. Otis begins a sex clinic at school with the infamous girl at their school (Maeve Wiley), who is the rebellious, rock-music fiend with pink hair. The pot stirs when Otis develops feelings for Maeve. Unfortunately, she is interested in their school’s lead swimmer (Jackson Marchetti). At the same time, Eric struggles with the intersection of his religion and his sexuality, simultaneously pursuing his love for music at the school band. He begins to get bullied by the school homophobe (Adam Groff), yet his situation escalates when he finds out that Adam is actually queer. And that, my friends, is just the first episode. So sit back, relax, eat some popcorn, and click “start” on Sex Education Episode 1 for the craziest and most fulfilling television journey of your life!

Within the education community, the aspect of convenience is often mistakenly prioritized. A prospective educator, current educator, or anyone in a related field, might hear comments along the lines of “the college you pick doesn’t matter”, or “pick the cheapest and easiest route, everyone will end up the same”. But, I believe this viewpoint to be completely and utterly dismissive of the importance of higher education for future educators. The importance of receiving a fruitful education is equally important for an educator than it is for a doctor or lawyer. Without a pedagogic education, teachers will raise the future generation into incomplete, insufficiently educated adults. Teachers are the backbone of society and without quality education, our world would be incomplete. In high school, I have been involved in the Speech team since freshman year; in senior year I received a co-captain executive board position. Additionally, I’ve founded two clubs, Philosophy Club and Film Club which have become widely recognized and successful at my high school. I have also been in leadership positions for Asian Youth Alliance, Chinese Club, and been a part of Scholastic Bowl and National Honors Society. My most treasured experience, however, has been my time volunteering at Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center weekly during the school year. Throughout the year, I form connections with 5th grade students, tutoring them and supporting them through math, english, and social studies topics. In this upcoming summer, I will be working as an intern with this organization for a 6-week academic summer camp as a teacher’s aide. Similarly, I was accepted into an “Invite to Teach” Program through my school which allows me, next year in my senior year, to teach middle school children as a student teacher with my most cherished teacher: my 8th grade English teacher. Without him, I don’t believe I would have ever discovered the power of education and how important teachers truly are. During the darkest time of my life, he unknowingly saved my life. In a time I felt unbelievably silenced and isolated, he made me feel as if my voice was valuable and irreplaceable. As a student, it would either be antisocial and anxious, or it would be depression and isolation.. My mental health deteriorated and even after we returned to school after Covid-19 in high school. I didn’t know how to function as a mentally suffering, transgender Asian at a predominantly white school. Without the teachers to uplift me along the way, I - in point of fact - don’t know if I would be here writing this right now. For eternity, I will always be undoubtedly grateful for every educator who has got me to where I am. Quite vividly in my future, I can see a part of myself acting in honor of these teachers to my students. As long as I keep their spirit with me, I know I will be able to persevere through anything as a teacher. With both a personal experience and set of credentials, I have set up a mindful and strong start to allow myself to begin my teaching career being the best possible version of myself. Sometimes, it’s difficult for me to ground myself to reality because I am so proud that I will be able to support and uplift students as my career.

“What are you even talking about?” Chuckles scatter from all directions before an insufferable silence drapes over the room. Almost immediately, my mind goes black and the staring faces fade out of view. I am aware of two things: my face beginning to burn up, and the immobilization of my lips. Within my darkness, I regret a grave mistake I have made: forgetting the reason why - for years - I’ve kept quiet. The look of condescension on loved ones, friends, strangers … It would not be worth sharing my voice. I’m sobbing in front of my mother. The raw superiority infecting their voices haunt me, forcing me to fight harder to reject gravity and force the tears behind my eyes. “You remind me of myself,” my mother tells me. What? My whole life, I thought I was the only one who felt this isolation of inferiority. “When I was younger, my brother told me I was an embarrassment to the family,” she continued. She tells me about the years she spent - in the past and in the present - feeling inferior to her family members that attended medical school, got higher grades, received a multitude of awards, and got spots in keepsake binders for their academic achievements; yet there was nothing in there to show pride of her accomplishments. Once, I overheard a mother yelling at her child with horrendously crude language, diminishing any light in him before it could even shine. That experience made anger begin to boil from inside of my chest, trying to claw its way out. I realize, there are other people who are just like me, and need help to see their potential. Suddenly, I recall a moment from my 8th grade classroom: “Really well done. You have unbelievable potential, and I am so excited to see where life takes you,” he tells me. I look up at my middle school English teacher and feel an unfamiliar, radiating warmth. With those words, my life was laid out before my eyes like seeing a flower bloom within seconds. In what feels like moments, “Will you be my tutor forever? Pinky promise me you will be a teacher when you grow up. Please, just promise me!” And I promised her. When I did so, I felt no doubt, fear, or hesitation. Every bone in my body knew I would uphold this promise to her. As memories, in the present, and forever, I will treasure the moments I have spent with my teachers. They have taught me how to learn, laugh, and treasure education. And maybe, in a few years, someone will be writing an essay about their passions and refer to me. But whatever happens, I will respect students whether they respect themselves, me, or their peers. I will uplift them, and assure them that despite whatever anyone tells them, they have the capability to be better than they ever believed they could.