For as long as I can remember, education has called my name. When I share this, I often hear, “Good luck with that” or, “I could never do that,” as if trying to dissuade me from the career I love. When I was in kindergarten, I remember my teacher telling me that I would be an amazing teacher. This talent and passion have been with me since the start of my education. Although there is, indeed, a rather grim appeal to teaching within current society, being a teacher is among the most important jobs in the world right now. I fundamentally believe education is one of the most powerful agents of powerful change in the world, and I am eager for my future role to follow in the footsteps of Marie Humphries. I have pursued education propelled by my passion for creating a positive impact, consistently seeking leadership roles to support others. I have done speech and debate for six years, and it has helped immeasurably with my leadership and career pursuits. As a former high school captain and current president of the Casper College team, I have helped countless students with their speaking skills, including world knowledge, confidence, and empowerment. Moreover, I am a dedicated hard worker. I will graduate this May with my Associate’s Degree, earning a 4.0 GPA and multiple speech national championships. I have achieved this all while working at my college’s food pantry, providing support for students in need. After graduating, I will transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for my Master's in English Education and membership on their speech team. My ultimate career goal is to be both an English teacher and speech coach, for I believe motivating others to use their voices is one of the truest and most effective forms of education. A career choice often does not exist without inspiration. The most inspiring teacher in my life is my former speech coach, Mr. Viney. He is undoubtedly one of the most kind, accepting, supportive, and devoted teachers the world has to offer. He offered me irreplaceable guidance and support pushing me to believe in myself Mr. Viney also did small things like making me tea in his office when I was having a hard day at school. I have never seen someone believe in students like he has. While in high school, I earned many national, and state speech titles. Notably, I was named one of the National Speech and Debate Students of the Year based on a letter Mr. Viney wrote to the selection commitee. I truly believe I could not have reached these accomplishments without him. Mr. Viney always tells me, “You are a hero” While he calls me this, Mr. Viney is truly my hero. He fully embodies the message of standout teacher Marie Humphries. I cannot think of something that means more to me than education. By educating myself, I am growing future generations. While my family has a legacy of attending college, they do not have the means to contribute to my college funds; I must have financial assistance to achieve my dream of being a teacher. This is specifically important because, unfortunately, I won’t become financially rich in the field of education. Everything I earn will be used to help the “future educator” in me. By obtaining this scholarship, I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. So, when people try to deter me by telling me, “I could never be a teacher,” I just simply smile, for I know this job is the best investment I can put into the future.

Whenever I tell someone I want to be a teacher, I get the classic, “Good luck with that” or, “I could never do that,” as if trying to dissuade me from the path that has called my name for as long as I remember. When I was in kindergarten, I remember my teacher telling me that I would be an amazing teacher. This talent and passion have been with me since the start of my education. Although there is, indeed, a rather grim appeal to teaching within current society, being a teacher is among the most important jobs in the world right now. I fundamentally believe education is one of the most powerful agents of powerful change in the world, and I am eager for my future role to follow in the footsteps of Tammy Needman. I have pursued education propelled by my passion for creating a positive impact, consistently seeking leadership roles to support and uplift others. I have done speech and debate for six years, and it has helped immeasurably with my leadership and career pursuits. As a former high school captain and current president of the Casper College team, I have helped countless students with their speaking skills, including world knowledge, confidence, and empowerment. Moreover, I am a dedicated hard worker. I will graduate this May with my Associate’s Degree, earning a 4.0 GPA and multiple speech national championships to my name. I have achieved this all while working at my college’s food pantry, providing necessary support for students in need. After graduating, I will transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for my Master's in English Education and membership on their speech team. My ultimate career goal is to be both an English teacher and speech coach, for I believe motivating others to use their voices is one of the truest and most effective forms of education. A career choice often does not exist without inspiration. I come from a long line of the strongest women teachers I know. My Mother, Grandma, Nana, and Aunt are all former or current educators. No one inspires me more than these resilient and selfless women. I have seen firsthand the dedication and vigor they pour into their students. There is rarely a day I am not impressed with the relationships they have built with students and the thought-provoking, substantial lessons they have imparted to them. I have experienced countless students sincerely thank them for their impact on their lives. I learned profound lessons of inclusivity, kindness, devotion, hard work, educational empowerment, and so many more from these inspiring women. I fundamentally believe these women embody Tammy Needham’s values of empowering and teaching students; I am ecstatic to follow in the footsteps of Tammy Needham and all these intelligent and bold women before me. I cannot think of something that means more to me than education. By educating myself, I am growing future generations. While my family has a legacy of attending college, they do not have the means to contribute to my college funds; I must have financial assistance to achieve my dream of being a teacher. This is specifically important because, unfortunately, I won’t become financially rich in the field of education. Every dollar I earn will be used to help the “future educator” in me. By obtaining this scholarship, I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. So, when people try to deter me by telling me, “I could never be a teacher,” I just simply smile, for I know this job is the best investment I can put into the future.