Throughout my life, I’ve learned many lessons, but above all, to never take anything for granted and to seize every opportunity. This mindset grew from what I’ve experienced, especially involving my sister. You only miss someone when they’re gone. I’ll never forget the scent of my sister’s “old lady perfume,” as she jokingly called it. While she never left this world, a part of her did. Her brain disease changed not just her but our entire family. The sister I knew seemed gone forever, and even after her recovery, she was different. For two months, I avoided her room, which felt like a museum, untouchable, frozen in time. The fear that “maybe she won’t come back” haunted me, and with each passing day, hope felt further away. Eventually, after countless treatments, tests, and shots, chemotherapy brought her back to us. But she wasn’t the same. She had to relearn everything,reading, writing, walking, even speaking. My family has never been wealthy, but we’ve always gotten by. My mom once said, “I don’t care if we have to sell our house. If it means she’ll get better, we’ll sell it.” That stayed with me. Her words showed me that love outweighs any struggle. My sister’s illness taught me to give my best today because tomorrow is uncertain. Because of her, I push myself to take every opportunity, for her, and for myself. Now, as college approaches, I see my family hesitating to support my dreams. Texas Tech is my goal, it has one of the best education programs, and I’ve worked hard to get there. But after my sister’s chemotherapy and ongoing recovery, money is tighter than ever. They’re torn between supporting her and helping me. This scholarship would lift the burden of “too much money” off my shoulders. While I plan to work in Lubbock to help my family, this support would let me focus on academics, join clubs, and volunteer, things I’ve loved doing in high school. What I've been through has helped me in school, As a senior in high school. I've started to be more involved in clubs and in class. I've seen my grades change drastically and have started to be known as someone who is involved in school activities. What I've done now is thanks to what I've experienced in my life. I would never have become someone who does what I do now without my sister teaching me life lessons. Now that i've seen how fulfilling it is to be involved. In college, my goal is to build strong connections and participate in programs and internships that align with my passion for teaching while maintaining a strong GPA. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped who I am. They’ve taught me resilience, gratitude, and the value of opportunity. But financial strain has limited my family’s ability to help me chase my dreams. With this scholarship, I could become the teacher I aspire to be without sacrificing my family’s stability.

I want to pursue a career in teaching because of the impact teachers have had on my life, particularly my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Sandlin. She was the first person who truly opened my eyes to teaching and the difference they can make in someone’s life. Even though I was only around eight or nine years old at the time, I still think about Mrs. Sandlin’s classroom and her as a person often. I’m not sure if it was because we shared the same birthday or the same disease, but I felt an incredibly strong connection to her. I was fortunate enough to have her as my teacher for two years, both in second and third grade, and my time with her only got better as the years went on. One memory that stands out to me is when Mrs. Sandlin brought us green eggs and ham on Dr. Seuss Day. None of the other classes got to experience this, but somehow, we did. When I asked her, “Why did you make us green eggs and ham, Mrs. Sandlin?” she responded with, “Because I love you guys,” and she had the biggest smile on her face. Little moments like this made me appreciate and love Mrs. Sandlin even more. She showed me that being a teacher is about more than just teaching, it’s about showing students love and making them feel cared for. When Mrs. Sandlin left my elementary school after I moved on, she made sure to let me know. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that would probably be the last time I would ever see her. As I approach the end of my high school journey, I find myself thinking about Mrs. Sandlin a lot and how much I want to be like her. I want to make my future students feel the same love and connection that she made me feel. I want to be the teacher who kids remember as their biggest supporter or the teacher who taught them the most. Mrs. Sandlin helped me grow into the leader I am today, and she will always be one of my biggest role models and inspirations for wanting to become a teacher. I hope to pass on the torch that she passed to me, inspiring another generation of teachers who might one day think of me when they think of why they chose this path. Mrs. Sandlin’s impact on my life shaped my dream to become a teacher, and I am determined to carry her legacy forward. I want to pursue a career in teaching because I believe that teaching changes lives. Mrs. Sandlin showed me that teaching is not just about learning but about love and making students feel loved. I want to create an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. I want to be the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond to make learning memorable, just as Mrs. Sandlin did for me. I know teaching is where I can make a difference. I want to be a role model for my students. By pursuing a career in teaching, I hope to continue her legacy and make an impact on my future students.

My love for teaching began in high school through the clubs I led and the volunteer work I did. Working with younger students, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating their growth made me realize that teaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life. In college, my goal is to network, participate in programs and internships that align with my passion for teaching while maintaining a strong GPA. After graduation, I hope to step into a classroom as a teacher, where I can put everything I’ve learned into practice and make a real difference in my community. I want to leave something behind that future students can benefit from, whether through clubs, mentorship, or the school itself. These experiences opened my eyes to the world of teaching and helped me choose my major with confidence. Given the ongoing teacher shortage in our state, I hope to contribute by becoming an educator who inspires and supports students. Teaching is just the beginning for me. After gaining experience in the classroom, I hope to go back to school and earn my master’s in education, opening doors to new opportunities. I see myself not just teaching but mentoring future educators, people who, like me, feel that spark of excitement for working with students. One day, I’d love to become a professor who helps aspiring teachers find their way, offering them the same opportunities, scholarships, and programs that once helped me. As a first-generation college student, I also want to be part of organizations that support students like me, both academically and emotionally. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate college without a blueprint, and I want to be there for others who need guidance and encouragement. In addition to my academic and professional goals, I’ve also made it a priority to give back to my community. One of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve taken part in is a community service project addressing homelessness, which I’ve continued into my senior year of high school. From a young age, I’ve seen the growing issue of homelessness in my community, and seeing individuals struggle without access to basic necessities has always deeply affected me, especially since homelessness runs in my family. This motivated me to take action. In my junior year, I joined a student led project that created hygiene kits for those in need. The kits included essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, menstrual products, soap, deodorant, and lotion. All items were donated by students at my school, and it was inspiring to see my peers come together for a common cause, proving that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference. Once the kits were assembled, we donated them to our local recreation center, which serves as a support hub for the homeless. The center distributed the kits to individuals who might lack access to basic hygiene products. Knowing these items could provide dignity and care to someone in need fulfilled me. While we couldn’t solve homelessness, we were able to offer some relief and comfort to those facing homlessness. This project shed light on the lack of resources available, particularly for women who frequently struggle to access proper healthcare and hygiene products. Moving forward, I hope to expand this effort by organizing more donation drives in my next academic home. This experience has given me the strength I needed to continue making a difference, and I will continue to create a positive impact in the future.

I want to pursue a career in education because of the impact teachers have had on my life, particularly my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Sandlin. She was the first person who truly opened my eyes to teaching and the difference they can make in someones life. Even though I was only around eight or nine years old at the time, I still think about Mrs. Sandlin’s classroom and her as a person often. I’m not sure if it was because we shared the same birthday or the same disease, but I felt an incredibly strong connection to her. I was fortunate enough to have her as my teacher for two years, both in second and third grade, and my time with her only got better as the years went on. One memory that stands out to me is when Mrs. Sandlin brought us green eggs and ham on Dr. Seuss Day. None of the other classes got to experience this, but somehow, we did. When I asked her, “Why did you make us green eggs and ham, Mrs. Sandlin?” she responded with, “Because I love you guys,” and she had the biggest smile on her face. Little moments like this made me appreciate and love Mrs. Sandlin even more. She showed me that being a teacher is about more than just teaching, it’s about showing students love and making them feel cared for. When Mrs. Sandlin left my elementary school after I moved on, she made sure to let me know. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that would probably be the last time I would ever see her. As I approach the end of my high school journey, I find myself thinking about Mrs. Sandlin a lot and how much I want to be like her. I want to make my future students feel the same love and connection that she made me feel. I want to be the teacher who kids remember as their biggest supporter or the teacher who taught them the most. Mrs. Sandlin helped me grow into the leader I am today, and she will always be one of my biggest role models and inspirations for wanting to become a teacher. I hope to pass on the torch that she passed to me, inspiring another generation of teachers who might one day think of me when they think of why they chose this path. Mrs. Sandlin’s impact on my life shaped my dream to become a teacher, and I am determined to carry her legacy forward. I want to pursue a career in education because I believe ithat teaching changes lives. Mrs. Sandlin showed me that teaching is not just about learning but about love and making students feel loved. I want to create an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. I want to be the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond to make learning memorable, just as Mrs. Sandlin did for me. I know education is where I can make a difference. I want to be a role model for my students. By pursuing a career in education, I hope to continue her legacy and make an impact on my future students.

While I’ve had numerous teachers who have inspired me to become a teacher, I think the first person who truly opened my eyes to this calling was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Sandlin. Even though I was only around eight or nine years old at the time, I still think about Mrs. Sandlin’s classroom and her as a person often. I’m not sure if it was because we shared the same birthday or the same disease, but I felt an incredibly strong connection to her. I was fortunate enough to have her as my teacher for two years, both in second and third grade, and my time with her only got better as the years went on. One memory that stands out to me is when Mrs. Sandlin brought us green eggs and ham on Dr. Seuss Day. None of the other classes got to experience this, but somehow, we did. When I asked her, “Why did you make us green eggs and ham, Mrs. Sandlin?” she responded with, “Because I love you guys,” and she had the biggest smile on her face. Little moments like this made me appreciate and love Mrs. Sandlin even more. She showed me that being a teacher is about more than just teaching, it’s about showing students love and making them feel cared for. When Mrs. Sandlin left my elementary school after I moved on, she made sure to let me know. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that would probably be the last time I would ever see her, and it was. As I approach the end of my high school journey, I find myself thinking about Mrs. Sandlin a lot and how much I want to be like her. I want to make my future students feel the same love and connection that she made me feel. I want to be the teacher who kids remember as their biggest supporter or the teacher who taught them the most. Mrs. Sandlin helped me grow into the leader I am today, and she will always be one of my biggest role models and inspirations for wanting to become a teacher. I hope to pass on the torch that she passed to me, inspiring another generation of teachers who might one day think of me when they reflect on why they chose this path. Mrs. Sandlin’s impact on my life has shaped my drive to become a teacher, and I am determined to carry her legacy forward.

One of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve taken part in is a community service project addressing homelessness, which I’ve continued into my senior year of high school. From a young age, I’ve seen the growing issue of homelessness in my community, and seeing individuals struggle without access to necessities has always affected me since homelessness runs in my family. This motivated me to take action. In my junior year, I joined a student-led project that created hygiene kits for those in need. The kits included essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, menstrual products, soap, deodorant, and lotion. All items were donated by students at my school, and it was inspiring to see my peers come together for a common goal, proving that even small donations can make a big difference. Once the kits were assembled, we donated them to our local recreation center, which serves as support for the homeless. The center gave the kits to individuals who might lack access to basic hygiene products. Knowing these items could provide dignity and care to someone in need filled me with pride. While we couldn’t solve homelessness, we were able to offer some relief and comfort to those facing difficult circumstances. This project shed light on the the lack of resources available to the homeless particularly women who frequently struggle to access proper healthcare and hygiene products. It’s heartbreaking to think about how many people go without necessities that many of us take for granted. Moving forward, I hope to expand this effort by organizing more donation drives in my next academic home. This experience has given me the strength I needed to continue making a difference, and I will continue to create an impact in the future.

Taking classes that focus on personal finances and understanding how the economy impacts me as an individual will without a doubt benefit me in the long run as I enter adulthood. During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to take a Money Matters class, which improved my understanding of how to manage my money. Growing up, I was never taught the importance of saving, spending wisely, or investing. Essential life skills that everyone should know before stepping into the real world, yet I didn’t learn them until I was almost ready to graduate. The Money Matters class opened my eyes to the importance of budgeting and planning for my financial future. It gave me the tools to make smarter decisions with my money, which has already started to pay off. For example, I’ve learned the basics of filing taxes, including the differences between forms like the 1040, W-2, and I-9, and which apply where. Now, as a senior taking Macroeconomics, I’m learning more and more about it. While this class doesn’t focus on my spending specifically, it has taught me about worldwide economic concepts like inflation, and taxes, and how these factors impact me and my community as a whole. Understanding these concepts helped me to take control of my financial future and has made me want to strive for financial independence, especially as a woman. The financial education I’ve received throughout high school, including Money Matters and Macroeconomics, have been so helpful and valuable. While these topics might not always be the most exciting, I see their importance and how they will benefit me in the future. I plan to use the knowledge I’ve learned to make better decisions that will better my life and the lives of my family members. Even though I’ve only learned the basics so far, I’m able to share what I’ve learned with others, especially people who might not have the same opportunities to take financial literacy classes. In the end, my experiences with financial education have taught me not to shy away from topics that are often seen as challenging or intimidating, especially for women. I’m determined to use the lessons I’ve learned to create a stable future for myself and my family. Whether it’s budgeting, investing, or understanding the economy, I know that what I’ve learned will help me well throughout my life, and be benefiting to my future.

From a young age, I’ve seen the rise in homelessness within my community. Noticing the lack of access to necessities made me want to take action. In my junior year, I joined a school service project, creating hygiene kits with donated items like toothpaste, soap, and menstrual products. Assembling and donating these kits to our local recreation center and supporting the homeless was eye-opening. Seeing how small acts of kindness could provide relief helped me see the power of a united community. Now, because of my service, my commitment to addressing homelessness inspired me to continue contributing to change. I hope to encourage more community driven efforts and make a lasting impact in the future.

My favorite community event that I’ve participated in is something I am continuing to do in my senior year of high school. From a very young age, I have seen the rise in homelessness within my school’s community. Seeing people struggle without access to basic necessities, not getting the safest and proper help they need, has always broken my heart. That is why, when students at my school came together to make a difference, I knew I had to be involved. In my junior year of high school, I was part of a service project that focused on creating hygiene kits for those in need. These kits included essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, menstrual products, hand and body soap, deodorant, and lotion. What made this project even more special was that all the items were donated by students from our school. It was inspiring to see so many of my peers come together for a common goal, showing that even small donations can add up to make a meaningful impact. Once we assembled the hygiene kits, we donated them to our local recreation center, which serves as a support building for the homeless community. The recreation center distributed the kits to individuals who might not have access to basic hygiene products otherwise. Knowing that these simple items could provide a sense of dignity and care to someone going through hard times made me incredibly grateful to be part of the project. It was a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. I remember the sense of pride we felt as we handed over the donations, realizing that even though we couldn’t solve homelessness, we could at least offer some relief to those in need. As a result of this event, I hope to see an increase in resources for those experiencing homelessness, especially women who struggle to access proper healthcare and hygiene products. It's disheartening to think about how many people go without necessities that most of us take for granted. Seeing the homelessness crisis firsthand throughout my life has made me want to be part of the solution. More programs like ours could bring meaningful changes, ensuring that fewer people go without the essentials they need. If schools and communities continue to work together, we can create more opportunities to help those who need it most. While our donation of self-care bags was just a small step, I hope it will inspire others to contribute in their own ways.My ultimate hope is to see fewer people struggling with homelessness and to encourage more community-driven projects that support those in need. The experience taught me that even as students, we have the power to make a difference, and I hope to continue being part of positive change in the future.

Since childhood, I've dreamed of becoming a teacher, fueled by my love for imagination and creativity. I enjoyed playing school, taking on the role of the teacher while my cousins played students. It was my favorite game, where I delighted in creating lesson plans for my "students." Attending a small all-girls school turned out to be a blessing in disguise. From sixth to twelfth grade, I met many caring teachers who understood me and made me feel seen, especially on my tough days. The teacher who impacted me the most was my reading and language teacher, Mrs. Lewis. I had her in ninth grade and now again as a senior. She’s not just a teacher; she genuinely cares. She could sense when I was sad and would bring a cake to cheer me up the next day. To me, a good teacher is someone you can bond with, not just someone who helps you pass your classes. In Mrs. Lewis’s class, there's laughter and jokes every day. The warm atmosphere we've built is something I aspire to create with my own students. I want to be someone’s Mrs. Lewis. During my ninth-grade year, my family learned that my sister was sick with a brain disease, which turned my home into a place of sadness. Every reminder of her felt bittersweet, and I often preferred to be anywhere but home. Leaving home became my escape, as I struggled with overwhelming feelings, wishing to just stay in bed. I knew my family at home wouldn’t fully understand, so I decided to reach out to a teacher. I chose to talk to Mrs. Lewis. Opening up about my feelings was hard, but it showed me the value of having a caring teacher who listens. Her support helped me process my emotions and highlighted the importance of being there for others. This experience opened doors for my future and motivated me to actually want to become a source of support or a sense of "escape" for students facing similar challenges just like Mrs. Lewis is for me. Now that I’m a senior in Mrs. Lewis’s class again, her presence still brings me so much comfort and peace. Her support and understanding have really inspired me to create that same kind of warm environment for my future students. I want to be the kind of teacher who notices when a student is having a tough time, someone who gives not just help with schoolwork but also emotional support. I dream of having a classroom where laughter and learning go together, where students feel safe to be themselves and are encouraged to chase their interests.

While in high school, I had the opportunity to participate in numerous amount of volunteer and community service activities. Many of them have led to me wanting to pursue a career in early childhood education. From being in clubs where I mentor others and help them grow both personally and academically taking classes where we do school-wide initiatives is something I found enjoyable. Growing up in a modest household, I have always understood the value of hard work and education. However, the rising costs of higher education create a considerable challenge for me and my family. A scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also allow me to completely focus on my studies. And achieve my career goals while also enabling me to access additional resources such as tutoring, workshops, or study materials that could help my academic experience. The scholarship would lessen my work obligation which I am also worried would pose a challenge having to juggle college and work. Because of the experiences I’ve had at my school, I am very passionate about becoming a teacher and wanting to incorporate service or student-led learning into my curriculum no matter what grade to better prepare students going into the real world. My future education and career would hopefully lead to positive changes in society, whether through innovation, leadership, or advocacy seen in my students. Through my involvement in different school-wide initiatives like the Green Team, being a Teacher's Assistant, and Education Go Get It Week, I've seen the impact of teamwork and coming together for a specific goal. For example, while organizing different events, I witnessed how working as a group can lead to amazing outcomes and help foster a sense of community among my classmates. Being a teacher’s assistant has given me a deeper appreciation for education and has boosted my dream of becoming a teacher myself, or something as rewarding as mentoring others which has also played a big role in my growth and has taught me valuable lessons in communication and helped me see things from different viewpoints, which has enhanced my own learning experience. In conclusion, I dream of creating a significant impact in my community and beyond. The Leadership roles and initiatives I've participated in have shaped my understanding of the challenges I face and the positive changes I can achieve. As I look to the future, I am excited about opportunities that lie ahead, whether it’s through inspiring the next generation. I believe that spreading knowledge and allowing collaboration would help empower others and make a difference.

The role of a teacher goes way beyond just teaching subjects; it’s about helping students with their emotional and social development, too. I’m really excited about the chance to make a difference in lives, guiding students through the ups and downs of growing up and encouraging them to reach their full potential. By becoming a teacher, I hope to help shape the next generation, empowering students to think creatively, explore new ideas, and truly love learning, just like the amazing teachers I had in school. My own experiences have really shown me how important emotional support is in education. I want to be that teacher who notices students struggling and steps in to help them out. I hope that by doing this, I can help reduce mental health issues and build resilience in young people, making it easier for them to face challenges and thrive. Building strong relationships with students is crucial, no matter what grade they’re in. The connections I want to create would hopefully lay a foundation for their academic success and personal growth. In my own school, I’ve been lucky to meet many understanding teachers who listen and care about my well-being. Because my school not only prioritizes academics but well-being, it has helped me prepare for the outside world. I feel ready to leave the school I've called home for the last seven years and explore the next years of my life with the simple tools I've been given beforehand. Thanks to being there, I’ve been able to reflect on the opportunities I’ve been given and want to give back to other students. I dream of creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel they belong and aren’t afraid to collaborate or support each other. I also want to weave social-emotional learning into my lessons. This means having discussions about things like mental health, healthy relationships, and how to deal with emotions, skills that are super important for both school and life. I believe that teaching these skills alongside regular subjects can help prepare students for the challenges they’ll face outside the classroom. My goal is to inspire my students to not just do well academically but also to grow into compassionate, strong individuals who greatly impact their communities. By prioritizing their emotional well-being, I hope to create an environment that fosters a love for learning. I want to leave a lasting impact that shapes their futures in meaningful ways. I hope my students will look back on their time in my classroom as a place where they grew, learned, and felt truly supported, an experience that sticks with them long after they leave.

Since childhood, I've dreamed of becoming a teacher, powered by my love for imagination and creativity. I enjoyed playing school, taking on the role of the teacher while my cousins played students. It was my favorite game, where I delighted in creating lesson plans for my "students." Attending a small all-girls school turned out to be a blessing in disguise. From sixth to twelfth grade, I met many caring teachers who understood me and made me feel seen, especially on my tough days. The teacher who impacted me the most was my reading and language teacher, Mrs. Lewis. I had her in ninth grade and now again as a senior. She’s not just a teacher; she genuinely cares. She could sense when I was sad and would bring a cake to cheer me up the next day. To me, a good teacher is someone you can bond with, not just someone who helps you pass your classes. In Mrs. Lewis’s class, there's laughter and jokes every day. The warm atmosphere we've built is something I aspire to create with my students. I want to be someone’s Mrs. Lewis. During my ninth-grade year, my family learned that my sister was sick with a brain disease, which turned my home into a place of sadness. Every reminder of her felt bittersweet, and I often preferred to be anywhere but home. Leaving home became my escape, as I struggled with overwhelming feelings, wishing to just stay in bed. I knew my family at home wouldn’t fully understand, so I decided to reach out to a teacher. I chose to talk to Mrs. Lewis. Opening up about my feelings was hard, but it showed me the value of having a caring teacher who listens. Her support helped me process my emotions and highlighted the importance of being there for others. This experience opened doors for my future and motivated me to be a source of support for students facing similar challenges. Now that I’m a senior in Mrs. Lewis’s class again, her presence still brings me so much comfort and peace. Her support and understanding have inspired me to create that same kind of warm environment for my future students. I want to be the kind of teacher who notices when a student is having a tough time, someone who gives not just help with schoolwork but also emotional support. I dream of having a classroom where laughter and learning go together, where students feel safe to be themselves and are encouraged to chase their interests.