My experiences with mental health have shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in ways I never expected. Living with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder has not been easy, especially throughout middle school and high school. These challenges often held me back from fully experiencing those years and made everyday situations feel much more difficult than they appeared for others. However, through those struggles, I have also gained resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of both myself and the people around me. Throughout high school, my anxiety affected many aspects of my life. I struggled to make friends, join activities, and feel comfortable being myself around others. While I know I am naturally outgoing, energetic, and funny, that side of me was often hidden behind fear and self-doubt. There were many moments when my anxiety felt overwhelming, including panic attacks that made it difficult to feel calm or present. In middle school, there were times when I could not even walk into a store without panicking. Simple daily tasks often felt impossible, and I spent a lot of time isolating myself because I felt overwhelmed by the world around me. Because of these experiences, I often felt disconnected from others. While many people remember middle school and high school as exciting and social times, my experience was very different. I sometimes watched my peers build friendships and make memories while feeling like I was standing on the outside looking in. Although those feelings were painful, they changed the way I view relationships. I learned how important kindness, patience, and understanding truly are because I know firsthand how much someone may be struggling internally without showing it outwardly. My experiences have made me more compassionate and more aware that everyone is fighting battles that may not be visible. Over time, I slowly began learning how to manage my mental health. While growth did not happen overnight, I started becoming more confident and learning how to push through situations that once felt impossible. These experiences taught me resilience and changed my understanding of the world. I realized that success is not always measured by perfection or ease, but by perseverance and growth. Struggling with my mental health helped me understand that people’s experiences are often more complex than they appear, and it reminded me not to judge others based on what can be seen on the surface. One of the most meaningful ways my mental health has shaped me is through my career goals. During high school, I began tutoring kindergarten students through my cadet teaching class, and it quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with children gave me a sense of purpose and belonging that I struggled to find elsewhere. When I am helping students learn, I am able to focus less on my own anxious thoughts and more on supporting them. In those moments, I feel present, confident, and genuinely happy. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. I want to become a teacher because I understand how important support, encouragement, and patience can be in a child’s life. My own experiences with mental health have made me especially aware of how important it is for children to feel safe, understood, and valued. I hope to create a classroom where students feel comfortable being themselves and know they have someone who cares about them. I want to be the kind of teacher who notices when a student may be struggling quietly and offers them support and encouragement. Overall, my experiences with mental health have deeply shaped the person I am becoming. While these challenges have been difficult, they have also given me empathy, resilience, and a greater understanding of the world around me. They have influenced the way I approach relationships, strengthened my goals, and inspired me to pursue a career where I can positively impact others. Although my struggles are part of my story, they do not define me. Instead, they have helped guide me toward becoming someone who is compassionate, understanding, and determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

Education, to me, represents the chance to create a better future for myself and those around me. I have seen firsthand how deeply education can impact someone’s life. My entire life, I have been raised by my single father, who never had the opportunity to receive a quality education because he grew up in poverty in a struggling neighborhood. Due to the lack of opportunities he was given, my dad has spent his life working physically demanding labor jobs while still struggling financially. Even through those hardships, he always wanted something different for me. Before I began kindergarten, my dad decided to move us to a better school district so I could have opportunities he never had. Watching his struggles throughout my childhood motivated me to work hard in school and never take my education for granted. It showed me that education is one of the most powerful tools a person can have. It creates opportunities, provides stability, and allows people to build lives that once seemed impossible. I strongly believe education is one of the best ways for people to better themselves and improve society as a whole. Educated individuals can contribute to their communities, pursue meaningful careers, and create positive change for future generations. Throughout high school, I have challenged myself academically by taking Advanced Placement classes while maintaining a high grade point average. School has not always come naturally to me, and there have been many moments where I had to work harder than others to keep up academically. However, those challenges taught me perseverance and discipline. Instead of giving up, I pushed myself to continue improving and striving for success. Now, as I prepare to graduate with my honors diploma, I feel proud knowing that my hard work has helped prepare me for college and my future career. Earning a college degree would represent years of sacrifice, and perseverance. It would also mean becoming the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is something incredibly meaningful to me. More than anything, I want to make my dad proud and show him that every sacrifice he made was worth it. His hard work created opportunities for me that he never had himself, and I want to honor that by building a successful future. During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to tutor kindergarten students, and I loved it so much that I returned during my senior year. Working with those children quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Helping students learn how to read and grow academically showed me firsthand how important early education truly is. Going to the elementary school became my favorite part of the day because I discovered my passion in that classroom. One of my favorite moments is seeing the expression on a child’s face when they finally understand a concept for themselves. You can almost see the excitement and confidence appear instantly. Those moments confirmed that teaching is what I want to dedicate my life to. I look forward to one day having my own classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and valued. The legacy I hope to leave behind is one centered around kindness, encouragement, and opportunity. I want to be remembered as someone who helped others believe in themselves and achieve more than they thought was possible. Ultimately, education is important to me because it creates opportunities to grow, serve others, and build a meaningful future. Through my future career in education, I hope to leave a legacy of compassion and encouragement that extends far beyond the classroom.

While most kids had to grow up worrying about bad hair days, I worried about leaving sweat marks on literally everything I touched. My sweaty hands have affected almost every aspect of my life in ways that are both inconvenient and embarrassingly funny. In school, my homework would always get smudged from resting my hand on the paper while writing. Tape has always quickly lost its stickiness the second it touches my fingers; it always ends up in a useless ball, which I have to throw away in the trash. Everyday mundane tasks like holding or shaking someone’s hand could send me into panic mode. Even simply using my phone quickly turns into a challenge because my hands are too wet for the screen to respond correctly. People always point it out too, usually with immediate concern or slight horror. I have heard “Why are your hands so sweaty?” more times than I can count. One of the most memorable moments happened while I was getting my nails done. The nail technician grabbed my hand, paused dramatically, looked me dead in my eyes, and said, “Wow, your hands are REALLY sweaty,” and then immediately put on his gloves. I just nodded and laughed awkwardly while thinking to myself, " Wow, thank you, I have never noticed before. As funny as some of these moments are now, growing up with sweaty hands also made me extremely self-conscious. I have always been hyperaware of every interaction involving my hands. I would always try to avoid things like high fives and especially dreaded handshakes, always overthinking the smallest situations. It sounds silly, but when you are already an anxious person, tiny insecurities can feel enormous. For a long time, I worried people would think I was weird before they even got a chance to know who I actually was. As I have gotten older, I have learned to laugh about it instead of letting it control me. Although, I still mentally prepare myself before every handshake, but I no longer let it completely define my confidence. Over time, I learned that everybody has something about themselves that they wish they could hide. Mine just happened to be unusually wet hands. If anything, it has made me empathetic, knowing what it feels like to be embarrassed about something out of your control has made me more aware of how important kindness is. Small comments can stick with people longer than we realize, and so can small acts of understanding. So yes, my awkward thing is sweaty hands. Not exactly the coolest or most inspiring answer. But honestly, I think it has shaped me into someone more humorous, compassionate, and self-aware. And if nothing else, it has conditioned me to never volunteer to hold the tape during group projects.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by dedicating my life to helping children grow into confident, capable, and compassionate people. While many people think that changing the world requires a single big action, I believe that real impact often comes from consistent acts of kindness and support. Through education, community service, and the way I treat others every day, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people around me. My passion for helping others began through my own experiences growing up. Raised by a single father, I saw firsthand how much community support can change someone's life. There were times when my family struggled financially, and the generosity of others helped us through difficult moments. Those experiences taught me the importance of compassion and the power of small acts of kindness. Because of this, I have always wanted to give back and be that source of light for someone else. One of the biggest ways I plan to make a positive impact is by becoming an elementary school teacher. During high school, I discovered my passion for teaching while tutoring a kindergarten class for my cadet class. Working with children quickly became the highlight of my day that I looked forward to most. I love helping students learn how to read, write, and solve problems, but more importantly, I love seeing their confidence grow. Watching a child finally understand something they once struggled with is incredibly rewarding, as I see firsthand how much encouragement can influence a young person’s life. I believe that teachers have the ability to shape much more than academic success. They help children develop confidence, social skills, and a belief in themselves that can last for years to come. I want to be someone who encourages students to do their best and to know that their voice matters. I know from my own teachers how important support and understanding can be. In addition to teaching, I plan to continue serving my community through volunteering and acts of service. Throughout high school, I have volunteered through my church in children’s ministry, nursing homes, food drives, and toy drives for struggling families. These experiences showed me that making a difference does not always require something dramatic. Sometimes, simply being there for others, listening to them, or helping during a difficult time can have a lasting impact. I wholeheartedly believe that making a positive impact starts with how we treat people in everyday life. Small actions of kindness like offering help or simply making people feel seen can change a person’s day more than we realize. I try to live by that mindset, by keeping my own past in my mind. Overall, as I look toward the future, I hope to continue growing into someone who leads with empathy, sympathy, and service. I want to positively impact not only my future students but also my community and the people around me. While I may not change the entire world overnight, I know that making even one person feel encouraged can make a huge difference. All in all, I hope to create a positive impact that continues far beyond myself.

My experiences with mental health have shaped the way I see myself, connect with others, and the path I want to pursue in my future. Living with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder has not been easy. Throughout high school, these challenges often held me back from fully experiencing what those years could have been. I struggled to make friends, join clubs, and feel comfortable being myself around others. While I know I am naturally outgoing, fun, and energetic, that part of me has often been hidden behind my anxiety. There have been many moments when my anxiety felt overwhelming, including panic attacks that made it difficult to feel normal. These experiences were isolating and discouraging. They made everyday situations feel harder than they should have been. Because of this, I often felt like I was missing out on opportunities to connect with others and grow socially. In middle school, there were times I could not even walk into a store without feeling panicked. I struggled to complete simple daily tasks and often stayed in bed, unable to face the day. While others describe those years as fun and carefree, that was not my experience. When I reached high school, I began learning how to manage my mental health. Although I made progress, I still hid my personality, too afraid to fully put myself out there. Now, as a senior, I sometimes see my peers laughing and sharing memories, and I feel frustrated that my anxiety limited my experience. However, I have come to understand that growth does not happen all at once. My journey has been different, but it has still shaped me in meaningful ways. One of the lessons my experiences have taught me is empathy. Struggling internally has made me more aware that everyone is facing challenges, even if they are not visible. Because of this, I make an effort to be patient, understanding, and compassionate toward others. I believe in treating people with kindness, knowing that even small actions can make a difference in someone’s life. One place where I truly feel like myself is in my cadet teaching class. Through tutoring kindergarten students, I have found a sense of purpose and belonging that I struggled to find elsewhere. When I am working with the kids, I am able to set aside my anxious thoughts and focus on supporting them. In those moments, I feel present, confident, and genuinely happy. It has shown me that I am capable of making a positive impact, even while continuing to grow through my own challenges. Working with children has influenced my decision to become a teacher. I believe my experiences with mental health will allow me to better support my future students. I want to create a classroom where children feel safe, understood, and encouraged to be themselves. I know what it feels like to struggle silently, and I want to be the kind of teacher who recognizes when a student needs extra support or encouragement. Overall, my experiences have shaped how I view relationships and personal growth. While I struggled to form connections in high school, I have learned from those challenges and continue to grow. As I look toward college, I see it as a fresh start and an opportunity to become more confident in who I am. My journey with mental health has taught me resilience, compassion, and self-awareness. While these challenges have been a significant part of my life, they do not define me. Instead, they have helped guide me toward a future where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Serving my community is not something I simply turn off and on; it's a part of how I live my everyday life. I believe that putting others before yourself is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. My experiences have shown me that service is not defined by the size of the act, but the intention behind it. Growing up, I learned the importance of service through my own life experiences. Raised by a single father who worked tirelessly to provide, I witnessed both struggle and generosity at the same time. There are moments when we rely on the support of others, and those acts of kindness left a lasting impact on me. They showed me that showing acts of kindness to others in times of need makes a world of difference in their life and that has left me with a strong desire to give back and be that support for someone else. In high school, I began actively serving through my church. I have volunteered in children’s ministry, at nursing homes, food drives, and toy drives. These experiences have allowed me to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Every time I serve in one of these events, I get to help someone through their struggles. One of the most meaningful service projects I participate in is the Christmas toy drive, where families in need can come in and “shop”for their children. Seeing the relief and gratitude on the parents’ faces reminds me of my own experiences growing up and reinforces why service matters. Beyond organized volunteering, I also embody a life of service in my everyday life. Each morning, I help care for the teacher’s kids before their school day begins. Providing my teachers with reliable and free childcare for their elementary grade students takes a weight off their plates, as childcare can be expensive. This responsibility requires patience, consistency, and definitely a learning curve since it’s just one other girl and me, but it is definitely worth it overall as we create a safe and fun environment to start their day positively while supporting both the kids and their parents. In addition, I tutor kindergarteners, and have been for the last three semesters. Every day, I get to help them develop fundamental skills like reading, writing, and math. Working with young children has shown me how powerful encouragement and support can be. Helping kids build their confidence and education is something that will stay with them forever and change how they view themselves as readers. Moments like these have confirmed my passion for serving others through education. My decision to pursue a degree in childhood education is directly related to my commitment to service. I believe that teaching is one of the most impactful ways to serve others because it shapes the foundation of a child’s future. In the future, I plan to use my education to continue serving both my students and my community. I hope to be a teacher who goes beyond the classroom, builds real relationships, and creates a positive environment for every child. I also plan to stay involved in my community by staying involved in my church, so I can continue to give back. Ultimately, I embody a life of service every day I can, and believe small acts of kindness are what make a community and have a powerful impact on others. Through my education and future career, I will continue to serve others by helping children grow and believe in themselves. That, to me, is the most meaningful way to make a difference.

My whole life, it has been just my dad and me. I have watched him work incredibly hard, coming home exhausted after thirteen-hour days caked in mud, discouraged but still determined to provide for me. Despite his hard work, money has always been tight. However, we have always been supported by the kindness of our family, friends, and community. Their generosity helped us through the hardest times, and it is something I will never forget. One memory stands out from my childhood. When I was in third grade, I woke up on Christmas morning and ran to the tree to see dozens of presents waiting for me. There were toys, clothes, and even a bike. I remember thinking to myself at that moment, “Wow, I must have been really good this year.” Years later, when I was in eighth grade, I learned the truth: my dad had not been able to afford Christmas that year. Hearing this, his coworkers and boss came together and bought those presents for me out of the kindness of their hearts. Looking back now, I do not simply see it as an act of generosity, but God working through others to provide for my family in a time of need. In a moment when my dad was lonely and uncertain, God placed people in our lives in a way we will never forget. This experience showed me how powerful faith, love, and community truly are. God can use ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference. That single act of kindness has had a lasting impact on my life and on my perspective on how my actions can benefit others, even years later. Reflecting on that experience, I realize how important it is to support others whenever possible. Now, at eighteen years old, I want to be that source of support for someone else. Inspired by the generosity I received, I got involved in my community through my church, which offers many opportunities to serve others. I have volunteered in children’s ministry, at nursing homes, toy drives, and food pantries. Each experience has allowed me to give back and connect with people in meaningful ways. However, one service project in particular is close to my heart. Every year before Christmas, my church organizes a toy drive that allows struggling parents to come in and “shop”for their children. This room is filled with hundreds of high-quality, trending toys that would give any kid a special Christmas morning. What touches me the most is not just knowing that kids will have presents, but seeing the relief on the parents’ faces. In each of them, I see my dad. I see the same worry, hope, and love they have for their children. Being a part of something so close to my own experiences reminds me why community service matters. During my junior year of high school, I discovered my true passion for giving back and teaching. I was assigned to tutor in a kindergarten classroom, and it did not take long for me to realize that's what I wanted to do. I believe that teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to give back because it makes an impact for a lifetime. I want to create a classroom where students feel supported and valued. Along with that, I aspire to become a leader in my church and be someone people can come to for prayer and advice, as I look up to my current pastors and leaders. Just as my community once lifted me up, I want to lift others up and become someone who makes a difference.

A college degree would change my life by opening doors that have always felt just out of reach. Growing up, financial struggles have been a constant factor in my family. I have watched my dad work hard and sacrifice so much to provide for me. Because of that, earning a college degree would mean more than just personal success, it would represent every sacrifice he made, and every opportunity he wanted me to have that he never had himself. I will be the first person in my family to receive a college degree. That reality carries both pride and responsibility. It means breaking a cycle and creating a new path for not only myself but for future generations. A degree would give me the privilege to have a real profession with stability and financial security. I want to set an example that hard work and determination pays off and can lead to something greater. Personally, a college degree represents perseverance. I have worked hard throughout high school, maintaining a 3.8 grade point average while taking advanced placement courses that have challenged me academically and pushed me to grow. Despite financial stress and uncertainty about how I will afford college, I have stayed focused on my goals. My passion that drives this goal is my desire to teach early childhood education. This passion comes from my own experiences in elementary school, where my teachers made a lasting impact on my confidence and love for learning. They created an environment where I felt supported and capable. This has led me to wanting to give that same experience and support to other children. I believe that early childhood is one of the most important stages in a person’s life because it builds the foundation for everything that comes after. I have already taken steps to pursue this passion by working with young children and gaining experiences in a classroom setting. Through tutoring and helping a kindergarten classroom, I have seen firsthand how meaningful this work is. I have helped students learn how to read, and build confidence in their abilities. The most rewarding part is watching a child finally understand something they once struggled with. Those moments confirm that this is the career I am meant to pursue. Earning a college degree would not only change my life, but it would also change my family’s by creating opportunities and inspiration for others. It would also honor my dad’s sacrifices and show that everything that he has done for me has led to something meaningful. I am passionate about education, growth, and creating a better future. A college degree is the next step in that journey. It represents hope, hard work, and the chance to build a life that reflects the effort and determination I have put in for years. I want to continue to pursue my passion and turn my goals into a reality, ultimately making a lasting difference in both my family and the lives of students I hope to teach.

A college degree would change my life by opening doors that have always felt just out of reach. Growing up, financial struggles have been a constant factor in my family. I have watched my dad work hard and sacrifice so much to provide for me. Because of that, earning a college degree would mean more than just personal success, it would represent every sacrifice he made, and every opportunity he wanted me to have that he never had himself. I will be the first person in my family to receive a college degree. That reality carries both pride and responsibility. It means breaking a cycle and creating a new path for not only myself but for future generations. A degree would give me the privilege to have a real profession with stability and financial security. I want to set an example that hard work and determination pays off and can lead to something greater. Personally, a college degree represents perseverance. I have worked hard throughout high school, maintaining a 3.8 grade point average while taking advanced placement courses that have challenged me academically and pushed me to grow. Despite financial stress and uncertainty about how I will afford college, I have stayed focused on my goals. My passion that drives this goal is my desire to teach early childhood education. This passion comes from my own experiences in elementary school, where my teachers made a lasting impact on my confidence and love for learning. They created an environment where I felt supported and capable. This has led me to wanting to give that same experience and support to other children. I believe that early childhood is one of the most important stages in a person’s life because it builds the foundation for everything that comes after. I have already taken steps to pursue this passion by working with young children and gaining experiences in a classroom setting. Through tutoring and helping a kindergarten classroom, I have seen firsthand how meaningful this work is. I have helped students learn how to read, and build confidence in their abilities. The most rewarding part is watching a child finally understand something they once struggled with. Those moments confirm that this is the career I am meant to pursue. Earning a college degree would not only change my life, but it would also change my family’s by creating opportunities and inspiration for others. It would also honor my dad’s sacrifices and show that everything that he has done for me has led to something meaningful. I am passionate about education, growth, and creating a better future. A college degree is the next step in that journey. It represents hope, hard work, and the chance to build a life that reflects the effort and determination I have put in for years. I want to continue to pursue my passion and turn my goals into a reality, ultimately making a lasting difference in both my family and the lives of students I hope to teach.

When I stepped into my elementary school classroom as a child, school felt simple, learning how to read and solving basic math equations. Looking back now as a senior, only a little bit away from graduation, I understand now how important those early years truly were. The teachers did not just teach lessons; they built confidence, core memories, and made learning exciting and fun. My teachers were more than just educators; they created foundational moments in an environment that made their students feel valued and seen. Those experiences stayed with me, and it is the reason I am passionate about pursuing a career in early childhood education. Firstly, what draws me to early childhood education is the opportunity to be that same source of support and inspiration for the next generation of students. Teaching elementary school is not just about teaching letters and numbers; it is about building a foundation for a child’s entire academic journey. The skills children develop in their early years, such as their curiosity, athleticism, or artistic talents, stay with them throughout their whole lives. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to try, fail, and grow. Currently, I have already begun to see the impact of working with children through my experience in tutoring a kindergarten classroom. In that environment, I have been truly inspired by seeing firsthand how powerful teaching can be, and the impact a teacher makes. Throughout the past three semesters, I have helped students sound out words, recognize letter patterns, and gain confidence in their abilities. At the beginning of my senior year, a little girl came into the classroom unable to spell her own name or even recognize any letters, and now she is able to read and write independently. She has made tremendous progress, but what stands out to me the most is not simply their academic progress but their excitement when something finally clicks. Seeing a child’s face light up when they understand something new is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had, and it reinforces my desire to pursue this career. Becoming an educator allows me to make a meaningful difference at a critical stage in a child’s life. Every child enters the classroom with different strengths, challenges, and experiences. As a teacher, I want to recognize those differences and support each student in a way that helps them succeed. I believe that every child is capable of learning and achieving great things when given the right guidance. This career provides the opportunity to see growth happen in real time as educators lay the groundwork for future success. The students I teach may go on to become doctors, police officers, or any other career path they choose. While I may only be a part of their journey for a short time, I will have the opportunity to influence how they see themselves as learners and achieve their dreams. Ultimately, my passion for early childhood education comes from both my early childhood education and both my past experiences and my present goals. The teachers who influenced me showed me the importance of patience, encouragement, and dedication. I want to be the teacher who makes students feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving anything they set their mind to. Early childhood education is more than a career to me; it is an opportunity to shape the future, one student at a time.

The educational poster I designed is inspired by the kindergarten class I am currently tutoring, and how I observe firsthand how the kids learn phonics. Every day when I am in their classroom, they do various activities practicing how to blend letters together and recognize digraphs. While I help guide them through sounding out words, I have noticed that visualizations really help them understand and figure things out independently. Whenever they get stuck on a digraph, I can point to the wall and tell them to look for a certain picture, which they can use to figure out what letters make that sound. Watching their excitement and self confidence grow when they recognize a sound or word is what inspired me to choose to design a poster on phonics. This real classroom experience helped me better understand how important it is to provide students with tools that support their learning and build their self confidence. I designed this poster to support early literacy development by making a clear visualization of blends and digraphs. It is very important for children to understand the fundamentals of phonics and have word analysis skills because it builds the foundation for the rest of their academic career. Kindergartners should be able to decode words independently before transitioning to first grade. The overall design of the poster was created with young children in mind. I prioritized clarity, engagement, and visual simplicity. Bright, bold colors are used for each separate section to capture students’ attention and help differentiate between each sound. This helps the student to visually separate and remember each concept more effectively. Children should be able to clearly separate and remember each concept. The large font also makes sure students can read the letters from a distance, which is important in a classroom setting. Furthermore, the layout of the poster is intentionally organized into two clear sections: blends and digraphs. This separation prevents confusion and helps us understand the two different types of phonics patterns. The simple, clean layout also prevents young kids from feeling overwhelmed or confused. Visual learning is especially important for kindergarten students as they learn best through seeing and interacting with physical learning aids rather than learning with regular boring packets, often seen used for older grades. My poster serves as a constant reference in the classroom that can be referred to whenever needed, allowing students to revisit and reinforce their understanding. For young students, who are often still developing reading skills, images serve as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between what is being taught to them and the things appearing during their schoolwork and activities, which makes them more likely to remember it and make it stick in their brains. In conclusion, I created the poster to align with educational standards and to fit real classroom needs. By combining a clear phonics curriculum with engaging visuals and thoughtful design choices, the poster helps students build a strong foundation in reading that will support their academic success.

Growing up, my understanding of finances has been shaped by my family’s reality. My single dad has raised me on his own my entire life and has always worked very hard to give me a better life than he had. He grew up in extreme poverty; as a result, he never received a good education and has never been able to get a high-paying job, so we have always lived paycheck to paycheck. For the past ten years, we have lived in the same small apartment, in close quarters, with no yard where we can enjoy fresh air in privacy. My dad has always hoped to upgrade to a house one day, but he always makes sure that stability and making ends meet come first. These experiences have deeply influenced how I view money and the importance of education. As a kid, I never fully understood our financial situation. I often felt frustrated with my dad, wondering why I could not participate in extracurriculars while all my friends signed up together. I cried to him, asking why he never showed up to class parties or field trips while all my peers’ parents did. As I got older, I realized he did not sign me up for sports or show up to special events at school because he did not have the money and could not afford to take time off work. While we never got to go on big vacations or eat at sit-down restaurants, I grew to appreciate that my dad kept a roof over my head and running water in our home, which is an accomplishment that required constant effort and sacrifice. Watching my dad manage everything on his own showed me how much responsibility comes with providing for a household. Furthermore, my dad has always encouraged me to aim higher. He did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, but he constantly reminded me that as long as I stay focused and put in the effort, I can be successful. Something I think about quite often is what he told me throughout my childhood: “If you never want to move out, I have failed as a parent.” While this may sound cynical to some, I know it is really his way of telling me that I have a bright future and should hold high expectations for myself. Being the first in my family to go to college means a lot to both of us. It represents a chance to break the cycle of financial struggle that has affected our lives for a long time. Because of this, financial awareness and education are not just about managing money but about creating a different future. Overall, my experience with finances has shaped who I am today. It has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and education. My dad has given me a life full of security and support, even without many financial resources. His determination has inspired me to take my future seriously and to use the opportunities I have been given to create change. I plan to use the lessons my dad has taught me to create a budget, save consistently, and make informed decisions about my spending. I want to build a future where I am financially stable and break the cycle not only for myself but also for the generations that come after me.

My drive to be a teacher originally stemmed from my second-grade student teacher, Ms. Caitlynn. Although Ms. Caitlynn was only a student teacher, I looked up to her and aspired to be just like her one day because I thought she was the coolest person I had ever met. Starting from second grade, I could not wait to be in high school so I could join the cadet teaching program, and after years of waiting, the day finally came during my second semester of junior year. I was assigned to a kindergarten classroom, and over the course of the semester, I bonded with those kids, and it was even better than I had anticipated all those years ago. Being able to go to that classroom and help them learn was the highlight of my day. Every day when I walked into the room, they shouted, “Ms. Cora!” just as I had once done for Ms. Caitlynn. The semester went faster than I could have imagined. As the end of the school year approached, I was so sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful group of students. I even arranged with my principal to miss a little bit of class in order to attend their kindergarten graduation. When the last day of school arrived, and I got out an hour earlier than them, I went back to the classroom to say goodbye to them one last time. I sat on the carpet with them, making them laugh and talking about what they're excited to do over the summer. Although I had to say goodbye as they moved on to first grade, I returned to the same classroom during my senior year and had the privilege to do it all over again, but this time I got to spend the whole school year with them instead of just one semester. This year, I have watched them grow and learn from the very first day. Every day, I get to help them learn important things, such as their sight words, building their academic foundation that will only grow as they get older. One girl in particular came into kindergarten unable to write her own name or identify any letter, but now she can read and write independently, which really reflects how a good teacher can make a world of difference. But, as graduation is coming closer, and I will soon have to say goodbye, I cannot wait to someday have my own classroom and get the privilege to spend the whole day with my own students instead of only a short hour. I am so excited to receive an education that will help me an excellent education that will help me teach my students in a fun and exciting way.

Taylor Swift’s song “Opalite” from her twelfth studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” is one of her most moving tracks on the album. She uses powerful contrast, vivid imagery, and emotional growth to capture a journey from darkness to a happier time in her life that feels both personal and relatable. Firstly, Taylor uses imagery to communicate the intense emotions she has been feeling. She compares an “onyx night” to an “opalite sky,” which symbolizes a transformation from pain to healing. Onyx is associated with darkness and heaviness, reflecting emotional struggle, while opalite, a glowing and colorful stone, represents hope and clarity. This comparison shows how she was struggling mentally, stuck in a dark place that was swallowing her, but then she met someone new who completely brought her out of the darkness and filled her life with light. By painting emotions through vivid imagery rather than simply stating them, the song creates a lasting impact that resonates with listeners. Furthermore, the song is motivational because it focuses on healing rather than perfection. Instead of presenting love as something flawless, it emphasizes growth and resilience. The song communicates that even after experiencing heartbreak, hope is not lost because resilience and growth are still possible. No matter what darkness life brings, it is still possible to create joy. This idea resonates strongly with listeners because it discusses real-life experiences and reminds people that healing is often gradual and imperfect. Finally, the intimate and reflective tone of the song makes it feel personal and emotionally authentic. The lyrics resemble an inner monologue that feels vulnerable. This vulnerability makes listeners feel as if they are being trusted with something private and meaningful, which strengthens their emotional connection to the song. Instead of feeling distant, the emotions come across as genuine. As a result, the audience is drawn in closely, and the message of the song becomes more impactful and memorable. This leaves the song lingering with the listener long after it has ended. Overall, “Opalite” is a moving song because it combines vivid imagery, emotional progression, and a realistic portrayal of healing. In addition to resonating with listeners, “Opalite” is also Taylor Swift communicating to fans that she has finally found happiness after years of public struggle. The song captures an emotional journey that is also empowering. By illustrating the journey from darkness to light, it leaves listeners with a sense of hope that feels both comforting and authentic.

I believe education is the key to escape poverty. I have watched my dad work his life away for as long as I can remember, and still money is tight. People from low income households are driven to escape from the life they know. Poor families don’t have the means to pay for college, but that does not stop kids from putting in their effort to escape it. I have worked hard for my grades, hoping to get the opportunity to attend higher education and peruse my dream of becoming an educator. I use my dad’s hard work, dedication, but endless exhaustion as an inspiration to work hard in school. Scholarship and grants give children from lesser fortunate families to escape their poverty that may sometimes feel like they are destined to. My mother is an independent and intelligent woman, but I see opportunities pass her because of her lack of education. My mother comes from poor parents, and she never got the opportunity to attend a four year college. She has worked hard, supporting me through it all but still I watch her struggle financially. I want to make her proud, I make sure to be a active member of my community, and putting my best effort in, when it comes to my classes. The kindness of scholarships, give kids like me the opportunity to make their hardworking parents, who never could escape their generational poverty proud. My parents are both proud people; they never quit even when times are hard. I look up to their perseverance through all the hard ships. Although, they never got the best grades in school or attended good schools that never took away their determination to give me the best life they could. My dad moved out of the city, to a small town with a good school, and I am forever grateful. I used this sacrifice to push me through the hard times at school, knowing knowledge is power and my parents gave me all they can and the rest is up to me. Overall, scholarships give kids from low income families the opportunity to change their story.