“I’m Sorry for Being 16 and Afraid of the World” One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS album that really sticks with me is from her song “teenage dream,” where she sings, “I’m sorry for being sixteen and afraid of the world.” When I first heard this line, I paused the song and played it back. It felt like she had taken a piece of my own thoughts and put it into words I didn’t even know I needed to hear. Being a teenager can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff you’re expected to jump off—into college, a career, adulthood—and pretending you’re not terrified. For me, this lyric captures the reality that even when you’re trying your hardest to grow up and have it all together, sometimes you’re just scared. There’s pressure to make the right choices, get good grades, plan your entire future, and somehow be “cool” at the same time. It’s a lot to carry. I remember during my sophomore year, when I took on more than I probably should have—clubs, tutoring, working with the Skyler Pennington Memorial Foundation, all while trying to keep my grades up. I pushed through, smiling and staying “bubbly” so no one would see that I was overwhelmed and, honestly, afraid of failing. Olivia’s lyric reminds me that it’s okay to admit that. It’s okay to be young and unsure. It doesn’t make me weak—it makes me real. This line also connects to the way teenagers often feel misunderstood. Adults sometimes expect us to act like grown-ups but still treat us like kids when we have something important to say. Olivia Rodrigo puts that frustration and fear into her music so perfectly that it makes people my age feel seen. She makes it okay to say, “I’m scared,” or, “I don’t have all the answers yet.” Hearing that line helped me realize that being afraid doesn’t mean I won’t make it—it means I care enough to want to do things right. My fear pushes me to keep trying, keep learning, and keep showing up for things I believe in, like my volunteer work with kids and my dream of becoming a teacher. I know that as I graduate high school and step into college, that fear might grow again. There will be new challenges—paying for school, living away from home, handling bigger responsibilities. But I also know now that fear isn’t something to hide or feel guilty about. It’s something that can motivate me. Just like Olivia Rodrigo’s lyric says, I’m “sorry for being sixteen and afraid of the world”—but I’m learning not to be sorry at all. Because being afraid just means I’m stepping into something bigger than what I know now. It means I’m growing. And maybe that’s exactly what being a teenager is all about.

As a current high school junior, the SAT feels like one of the biggest academic challenges I’ve faced so far—but it’s also something I’m determined to face with confidence and preparation. For me, the SAT is more than just a test. It’s a stepping stone toward my dream of becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of young students. To prepare, I’ve started with the basics: making a consistent study schedule that works with my school, work, and volunteer responsibilities. I set aside time at least three days a week to study SAT-specific material, with a focus on math one day, reading and writing the next, and then a full-length practice test or section review on the third. This rotation helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed and allows me to track progress in each area. I’ve also been using free resources like Khan Academy’s SAT prep, which gives me personalized practice based on the areas I need to improve. I love that I can watch videos, take quizzes, and review explanations all in one place. It’s like having a tutor, just online and on my own schedule. I also try to read more outside of school—books, articles, and even editorials—to build my vocabulary and reading comprehension naturally. One of my biggest goals for the SAT is to score high enough to qualify for scholarships. Coming from a small town in Eastern Kentucky, I know how valuable every opportunity is. I want to take full advantage of any financial help available so I can focus on studying to become an elementary teacher without putting extra pressure on my family. Another goal is to simply prove to myself that I can do it. Standardized tests can feel intimidating, but I’m using this experience to build my confidence, not just for the SAT, but for college and beyond. I believe that hard work and preparation can take you far, even if you don’t feel like a “natural” test-taker. In the end, my SAT preparation is about more than just a score. It’s about learning to stay focused, manage my time, and push myself to grow. Every hour I study is another step toward my future classroom—where I hope to teach students that with effort, they can reach their goals too. The SAT is just one part of my journey, but I’m preparing with determination and a clear purpose: to open doors, earn scholarships, and build the future I dream of—one where I’m not just taking tests, but helping the next generation believe in themselves.

My name is Danielle Pennington, and helping others—especially kids—has always been part of who I am. Whether it’s through tutoring, leading a community foundation, or standing up against bullying, I try to be someone who brings light into other people’s lives. As I prepare to enter college and pursue a degree in elementary education, I carry with me the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued—online and in real life. One of the most meaningful parts of my life has been helping lead the Skyler Pennington Memorial Foundation, which was created in honor of my cousin who passed away from leukemia at just nine years old. Through this foundation, we raise money for kids battling cancer and their families, offering not just financial support, but also love and community. This work has shown me how powerful it is to give back and how one small act of kindness can truly change someone’s day—or life. It’s also deepened my passion for working with children and protecting their well-being. At school, I’m actively involved in FBLA, FCCLA, and Future Educators of America, all of which have helped me grow as a leader, speaker, and future teacher. I’ve also tutored both middle and elementary school students, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard school can be for kids dealing with bullying or struggling with confidence. When I tutor, I make it a point to not just help with homework, but to be a positive voice and a safe space. I believe that kindness, consistency, and connection are some of the best tools we have to fight bullying. Cyberbullying is something I take seriously. I know how much words can hurt—especially behind a screen. That’s why I try to set an example both in person and online. I encourage my peers to speak up when something isn’t right and to support each other instead of tearing others down. I also help younger kids in our community understand internet safety, like how to block, report, and talk to a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable. As someone from a hardworking family, the cost of college is something we worry about. I plan to work while attending school, but even with that, covering tuition, books, and technology like a laptop is a challenge. Receiving this scholarship would lift a huge burden and allow me to focus more on learning and less on how to afford it all. I’m committed to using my education to give back to others—just as others have done for me. My dream is to become a teacher who not only teaches math and reading but who also teaches kids that they matter. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe, loved, and free to be themselves. I believe in the power of education to change lives, and I’m ready to be part of that change. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. With your help, I’ll be one step closer to making a real difference in the lives of children who need it most.

When I was in 6th grade, my grandma had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks. I missed her a lot, but every evening we would video call using an old tablet she had. Even though we were miles apart, it felt like she was still right there with me. That’s the first time I realized how powerful technology could be—not just for entertainment or learning, but for bringing people together when it matters most. One piece of technology that really inspires me is video calling. It might not be new, but the way it helps people stay connected, especially during hard times, is something I’ll always appreciate. During the pandemic, kids could still attend school from home, families could check in on each other, and grandparents could see their grandkids grow. In a time when everything felt uncertain and distant, video calling made the world feel a little smaller and a lot more human. This technology has also changed the way we learn. Teachers can now connect with students from anywhere, host virtual classrooms, and even help kids who can’t be in school for health or personal reasons. I think that’s amazing. It opens up new opportunities for people all over the world who might not have access to a regular classroom. To me, video calling shows how technology doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big impact. It reminds me why I want to go into education one day—to help create more spaces where students feel seen and heard, even if they’re not sitting in the same room. Technology, when used with heart, can truly make the world a better and more connected place.

When I was younger, I didn’t like school very much. Most days, I didn’t feel excited to go or motivated to learn. I often felt like I was just another student sitting in the classroom—until one year, everything changed. That year, I had a teacher who completely transformed my experience. She made me feel seen, heard, and truly cared for. For the first time, I wanted to wake up and go to school. That feeling stuck with me. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be that kind of teacher for other kids—one who creates a space where every student feels welcomed, supported, and loved. My name is Danielle Pennington, and I’m working hard toward my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I believe that school should be a place where every child feels like they belong, no matter what. I want to build a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves, excited to learn, and encouraged to grow. Throughout high school, I’ve had the chance to work with younger students through tutoring. I’ve helped both elementary and middle school kids with homework and reading assignments, and I’ve found that staying positive and patient makes a huge difference. I try to be someone they can count on—someone who believes in them, even when they don’t believe in themselves yet. I’ve seen how much kids light up when they realize they can do something, and that’s the feeling I want to give my future students every day. People often describe me as bubbly, creative, and always up for trying new things. I love using my imagination and coming up with fun ways to make things interesting—whether that’s in the classroom, during a school project, or when helping a younger student stay engaged. I know these traits will help me as a future teacher, especially when it comes to making learning fun and helping kids feel excited to come to class. I’m also involved in my community and school. I’m a leader of the Skyler Pennington Memorial Foundation, which was started in memory of my cousin who passed away from leukemia. Through this foundation, we help support families with children battling cancer by raising funds and spreading awareness. It’s something I care deeply about, and it’s taught me the importance of compassion, service, and never taking a moment for granted. In addition, I’m a proud member of, FCCLA, and Future Educators of America. These clubs have helped me grow as a leader and allowed me to connect with others who also care about making a difference. They’ve given me opportunities to explore the field of education and confirmed that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. My dream classroom isn’t just about teaching lessons—it’s about building relationships. I want every student who walks into my room to know that they are important and valued. I want them to feel like they have someone on their team, someone who believes in them and helps them see the magic in learning. This scholarship would bring me closer to making that dream a reality. I would use it to help with college expenses like books, tuition, and a laptop—tools that will support me on my journey to becoming the kind of teacher who changes lives. I’m so excited for what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my story. I know I have a lot to give, and I can’t wait to one day be the teacher who helps her students love learning, believe in themselves, and feel right at home.

My Journey Toward Becoming an Elementary School Teacher By Danielle Pennington When I was younger, I didn’t like school very much. Most days, I didn’t feel excited to go or motivated to learn. I often felt like I was just another student sitting in the classroom—until one year, everything changed. That year, I had a teacher who completely transformed my experience. She made me feel seen, heard, and truly cared for. For the first time, I wanted to wake up and go to school. That feeling stuck with me. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be that kind of teacher for other kids—one who creates a space where every student feels welcomed, supported, and loved. My name is Danielle Pennington, and I’m working hard toward my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I believe that school should be a place where every child feels like they belong, no matter what. I want to build a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves, excited to learn, and encouraged to grow. Throughout high school, I’ve had the chance to work with younger students through tutoring. I’ve helped both elementary and middle school kids with homework and reading assignments, and I’ve found that staying positive and patient makes a huge difference. I try to be someone they can count on—someone who believes in them, even when they don’t believe in themselves yet. I’ve seen how much kids light up when they realize they can do something, and that’s the feeling I want to give my future students every day. People often describe me as bubbly, creative, and always up for trying new things. I love using my imagination and coming up with fun ways to make things interesting—whether that’s in the classroom, during a school project, or when helping a younger student stay engaged. I know these traits will help me as a future teacher, especially when it comes to making learning fun and helping kids feel excited to come to class. I’m also deeply involved in my community and school. I’m a leader of the Skyler Pennington Memorial Foundation, which was started in memory of my cousin who passed away from leukemia. Through this foundation, we help support families with children battling cancer by raising funds and spreading awareness. It’s something I care deeply about, and it’s taught me the importance of compassion, service, and never taking a single moment for granted. In addition, I’m a proud member of FBLA, FCCLA, and Future Educators of America. These clubs have helped me grow as a leader and allowed me to connect with others who also care about making a difference. They’ve given me opportunities to explore the field of education and confirmed that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. My dream classroom isn’t just about teaching lessons—it’s about building relationships. I want every student who walks into my room to know that they are important and valued. I want them to feel like they have someone on their team, someone who believes in them and helps them see the magic in learning. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that dream a reality. I would use it to help with college expenses like books, tuition, and a laptop—tools that will support me on my journey to becoming the kind of teacher who changes lives. I’m so excited for what lies ahead, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my story. I know I have a lot to give, and I can’t wait to one day be the teacher who helps her students love learning, believe in themselves, and feel right at home—just like my favorite teacher once did for me.

Do you ever feel like your emotions just don’t make sense? I do all the time but a certain movie impacted my mindset on different emotions. Inside Out (produced by Pixar animation studio) changed my whole perspective on my mindset. It taught me not to ignore emotions, even the bad ones. Many people like to avoid certain emotions like sadness, anger and fear all it does is leaves it there for later. In the movie it shows this, Riley could experience anger and joy may try to over shadow anger which shows the pushing the emotion to the side. All this did was cause more feeling and conflicts. It shows whenever you try to pushes certain emotions away for say better ones it ends in more negative emotions. Have you ever thought of how everything in our body works together? It’s crazy to think about for example, all of our emotions work together. Inside out tells this story wonderfully I had never real thought about how our emotions are working together but they do. Connecting this to real life examples isn’t as hard as you think. Being nervous and excited at the same time is your emotion are working together.for example, Riley was in high school now, and today she had to give a presentation in front of the entire class. Her stomach was in knots as she stood by the whiteboard, trying to stay calm. Inside her head, things were chaotic Fear was convinced she was going to mess up, Disgust rolled her eyes at how awkward this could get, and Anger just wanted to storm out and call it a day. But then Sadness spoke up, reminding them all that Riley was nervous because she actually cared about doing well. That changed the mood. Joy jumped in to hype her up, reminding her of the last time she crushed a group project. With everyone working together Fear keeping her alert, Disgust helping her avoid any cringe moments, Anger adding some fire, and Sadness grounding her Riley took a deep breath and gave a presentation that surprised even herself. When I first watched Inside Out, I honestly didn’t expect an animated movie to hit me so hard emotionally. But as the story unfolded, it felt like it was holding up a mirror to my own inner world. It gave me a way to understand feelings I didn’t always know how to explain especially how sadness isn’t just something to avoid, but something that helps us grow and connect with others on a deeper level.