Being a first-generation college student puts a lot of pressure on a person, which I don't really need since I always put extra pressure on myself to be perfect or appear perfect for my family. I do this so they know I've got this, because in a family of seven, although I'm the oldest, sometimes I blend into the background. Being a quiet kid didn't really help my case, but not wanting to add more problems to my family's shoulders, I never really asked for anything. When I was in the third grade, I stopped asking for help, which followed me into pre-adulthood. I know this is not healthy; although I haven't graduated yet, being the first in my family to attend college is a significant achievement. They are all proud of me, which is encouraging but also pressuring because I want to make them even more proud of me. But sometimes I need a break. That is why I always wanted to be a middle school teacher. You don't really notice you need help until you hit puberty and start to notice your other family members' and friends' lifestyles and support. You realize you need help or at least a shoulder to cry on, which all happens in middle school because you become more aware of your surroundings and start to feel more than before. As they go on their journey to find out who they are as a person, family and friends may have a good or bad impact on them, whether they have good intentions or not.

Once upon a time, in a village nestled between towering mountains and winding rivers, there lived a teacher named Ms. Hope. The village, while beautiful and serene, was home to children who faced many challenges. Some struggled to speak their thoughts clearly, while others felt invisible in the bustling crowd, their voices drowned out by the world around them. The villagers, kind-hearted but uncertain, often treated these children as though they needed to be hidden away, unsure of how to help them realize their potential. The villagers feared that these children might never achieve greatness, and so they lowered their expectations. Ms. Hope, however, saw the light within each child—a light dimmed by doubt but never extinguished. She understood that every child, no matter how quiet or uncertain, had something special inside them. It was just waiting to be discovered. Ms. Hope made it her mission to help these children see their own potential, to guide them toward believing in themselves when the world told them to shrink away. She carried with her a magical piece of chalk, not just for writing lessons on the board, but for drawing paths of possibilities. Her lessons sparkled with inspiration, and the chalk she used seemed to glow with the promise of new beginnings. In Ms. Hope’s classroom, every child had a seat at the table. Their voices were just as loud and important as the roaring rivers that cut through the valley, their thoughts given weight, their dreams nurtured. No one was overlooked. Whether they had difficulty expressing themselves or struggled to believe they could succeed, Ms. Hope made sure each child knew that they mattered. She wasn’t there to fix them; she was there to help them discover their own power, their own voice, and their own worth. One day, a young boy named Leo, shy and unsure, approached Ms. Hope with a quiet but heartfelt request. He wanted to join the village soccer team, but he feared he wasn’t good enough. His hands trembled as he spoke, his heart heavy with self-doubt. "Ms. Hope," he said, "I’m not sure I belong. What if I mess up? What if they laugh at me?" Ms. Hope smiled gently, her eyes filled with understanding. She didn’t offer empty reassurances; instead, she spoke the truth that Leo needed to hear. “Leo,” she said softly, “greatness isn’t about being the best. It’s about trying, learning, and never giving up. The only way to fail is to never try at all. You have everything you need inside of you. Believe in yourself, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.” With her encouragement, Ms. Hope walked with Leo to his first practice. She cheered him on, and even when he stumbled, even when his confidence wavered, she stood by him, offering kind words and gentle guidance. At first, Leo doubted himself. His feet didn’t move the way he wanted, and his shots missed the goal. But with each mistake, he learned a little more, growing stronger, more confident, and more willing to keep going. He discovered that it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about doing his best and pushing through fear. By the end of the season, something incredible happened. Leo, once so uncertain, scored the winning goal in the village soccer tournament. It wasn’t just the goal that made it special—it was the way Leo had transformed over the course of the season. He had learned not only about soccer but also about perseverance, courage, and the power of self-belief. Word of Ms. Hope’s magic spread quickly through the village, and soon, things began to change. Children who once hid in the shadows, too afraid to speak up or take risks, now danced in the sunlight. Their laughter echoed in the streets, and their faces shone with newfound confidence. Ms. Hope didn’t give them her light; she simply helped them find their own. The villagers, seeing the transformation in their children, began to believe in them more, too. They started to see that greatness didn’t come from fitting a mold or following a set path—it came from embracing who you were, taking chances, and growing through the challenges. The village, once full of doubt, now flourished with hope. It became a place where every child, no matter their struggles or fears, knew that they had the potential to shine brightly. Ms. Hope, with her magic chalk and her unshakable belief in each child, had sparked a change that would echo for generations. The village became a living testament to the idea that with a little guidance, encouragement, and love, every child could discover their own inner strength and rise to meet the world. And so, the village flourished, not because the children were perfect, but because they learned to embrace their imperfections and support each other on their journeys. It was a place where the light within each child was free to shine as brightly as it could, lighting up the world around them.

My career of choice is to become a middle school teacher, and when I tell people this, they often question my sanity. Out of all the grade levels I could choose, why would I pick the one where attitudes and puberty collide? To me, though, middle school is where everything begins. People often say that life truly starts in high school, but I believe it’s in middle school. This is the time when children begin to discover who they are and who they want to become. It’s when they start choosing their friend groups and making decisions that will shape their future. Middle schoolers often struggle to figure out their identity, and sometimes, they put up facades to hide their true selves. This is a critical time when students need someone who can look past the surface, understand them, and guide them through life’s challenges. Whether their circumstances are good or bad, a teacher has the power to step in and lead them away from paths of darkness and toward the light within themselves. By helping them find their way during these formative years, I believe they can rise above their circumstances and build better futures for themselves and their loved ones. This belief comes from my personal journey and what I’ve witnessed in the lives of family, friends, and even myself. I’ve sacrificed my well-being to pursue this dream. There have been countless sleepless nights, tears shed over assignments and papers, and moments where my mental and emotional health have taken a toll. Yet, I believe it’s all worth it because there are millions of children in the world who need a helping hand, and I want to be that hand for them. Growing up, I was taught to respect my elders and anyone older than me. This principle shaped my understanding of the world, as I learned that we never truly know the struggles others have faced in life. However, I also believe that respect must be earned, not automatically given. This belief influences my approach to teaching because, as educators, we hold the trust of children who rely on us to guide and educate them in meaningful ways. By showing students that I respect their individuality, I can earn their trust and, in turn, their respect. My decision to pursue teaching has also been inspired by the teachers who have shaped my life in countless ways. Every teacher I’ve had has left a unique impact on me, not just because of their teaching styles but also because of their personalities. Some were warm and nurturing, while others were structured and disciplined. Seeing how each one brought their own approach to teaching helped me understand that education is both incredibly rewarding and challenging. I came to appreciate the hard work they poured into their lesson plans, the creative activities they designed, and the unwavering support they gave their students, both during good times and bad. Their dedication inspired me to follow in their footsteps and be the kind of teacher who makes a difference in my students’ lives, just as they made a difference in mine.

My career of choice is to become a middle school teacher, and when I tell people this, they often question my sanity. Out of all the grade levels I could choose, why would I pick the one where attitudes and puberty collide? To me, though, middle school is where everything begins. People often say that life truly starts in high school, but I believe it’s in middle school. This is the time when children begin to discover who they are and who they want to become. It’s when they start choosing their friend groups and making decisions that will shape their future. This period of growth is pivotal, and as a teacher, I believe it’s my responsibility to help guide them through it. Middle schoolers often struggle to figure out their identity, and sometimes they put up facades to hide their true selves. It’s around this time that they need someone to look past the surface, understand them, and help them navigate life’s challenges. Whether their circumstances are good or bad, a teacher has the power to step in and guide them away from destructive paths. That’s why I believe it’s so important to reach them at this critical stage. By helping them find their way during these formative years, they can discover the light within themselves, rise above their circumstances, and build a better future for themselves and their loved ones. I’m aware that this is no easy task. Middle school is an age where children are emotionally volatile, and their lives are often filled with external pressures that they may not know how to deal with. But that’s exactly why I believe teachers can make a huge difference. A teacher’s influence can offer stability, understanding, and guidance during these turbulent times. By creating a safe and encouraging environment, we can help them realize that they don’t have to have all the answers right now. It’s okay to make mistakes, to question, and to explore—this is the time to build a solid foundation for the future. This belief comes from my personal journey and what I’ve seen happen to family, friends, and even myself. I’ve sacrificed my well-being to pursue this dream. I’ve pushed myself to the limit, spending sleepless nights and shedding tears to ensure my assignments and papers are as perfect as they can be. My mental and emotional health has suffered, but I believe it’s worth it. There are millions of children in the world who need a helping hand, and I want to be that hand for them. Whether it’s helping a student who feels like they don’t belong or offering encouragement to one who feels overlooked, I know that the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. In the future, after gaining more knowledge and experience, I plan to create the charter school of my dreams. It will welcome students from pre-K through 12th grade, bringing together children from all over the world. My vision is for them to learn not just from books but also from one another—immersing themselves in different cultures and perspectives. I hope this diversity in education will prepare them for success in the long run, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well. In an increasingly connected world, students need to understand each other’s differences and learn how to work together. This school will aim to break down barriers, instill empathy, and build a sense of community. .

I believe that anyone can become who they want to be as long as they work hard and treat others with respect. Respect, however, is something that must be earned, not given, regardless of age. At the end of the day, the person in whom you place your trust and respect will either uplift you or let you down. This belief is particularly relevant in education because, as teachers, we hold the trust of children of all ages who rely on us to educate them in the best way possible. This trust is essential to helping them achieve brighter futures. For me, the purpose of education lies in the mutual respect and trust between students and teachers, creating bonds and memories that last a lifetime. Growing up, I was taught to respect my elders and anyone older than me. I strongly believe in this principle because we never truly know the struggles others have faced in life. However, respect can be questioned when someone—whether a family member, teacher, or elder—presents themselves inappropriately or unprofessionally while trying to teach something. That is why I believe it is essential to give students the respect they deserve. By showing them that, although I am their teacher, I also respect their wishes and individuality, I can earn their trust and, in turn, their respect. One of the most effective teaching methods my teacher used was discussion-based learning, which I plan to apply in my classroom alongside hands-on activities and group-building exercises. This combination will allow students to provide feedback and gain perspectives not only from me but also from their peers, broadening their understanding. The impact I wish to have on my students is to help them develop a deeper understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. I want them to see the world not only through their own eyes but also through the eyes of others, expanding their horizons. Academically, I aim to strengthen their reading and writing skills, enabling them to succeed in their future careers and jobs. To achieve this, I will focus on building their confidence and creating a supportive environment that helps them realize their potential. I want my students to know they are more than they think they are and that I am committed to helping them to the best of my abilities. Whether they are experiencing good times or bad, I will be there for them—not just as their teacher, but as a mentor, a big sister, or a friend who listens and supports. To help me grow as an educator, I plan to provide students with teacher and lesson evaluation sheets at the end of each lesson or topic. This feedback will allow me to identify areas where I need to improve, ensuring that my lessons are effective and my teaching continues to evolve to meet my students' needs.