As someone who is about to enter college with the goal of becoming an Elementary Education teacher, I know all too well the importance of educators in helping the world become a better place. Teachers play such a significant role in shaping the lives of children, not only academically but also emotionally and personally. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, impacting students in profound ways that can—and do—last a lifetime. Although I have been privileged enough to have had so many incredible educators throughout my time in school, as I reflect on the mentors who have steered me in the direction I am now heading, I have to express just how much Mr. DiGiuseppe, a teacher at my high school, has had on my life. My relationship with Mr. DiGiuseppe as a teacher and a student is unique in the sense that, although I was never a student of his, he has been the advisor of two clubs that I have held so sacred to me throughout my time in high school. As the advisor for both our school newspaper, the Patriot Press, and the yearbook club, two activities in which I hold editorial positions, it is safe to say that I have spent a considerable amount of time in his classroom working on projects. Through our time together, Mr. DiGiuseppe has become a mentor, a guide, and a confidant. Through his unwavering support and encouragement, he helped me to navigate both the highs and lows of adolescence, while also nurturing my passion for what has become one of my most treasured hobbies—journalism. One of the most significant ways Mr. DiGiuseppe impacted my life by recognizing my potential and providing me with opportunities to grow as a writer on the Patriot Press. When I expressed to him my interest in journalism as a freshman, he didn’t just recommend to me that I start writing articles; he offered me a position as the News & Features editor and entrusted me with responsibilities that challenged and empowered me. Under his guidance, I learned the importance of communication, leadership, hard work, and dedication, and I worked my way up to Editor-in-Chief during my senior year. If he had not given me so much trust as a young freshman, I do not know if I would have discovered my true love for writing or realized that I want to continue working on the newspaper in college. I will never forget, however, the amount of support Mr. DiGiuseppe gave me on a personal level, especially during my freshman and sophomore years. My mother, a two-time-cancer survivor, once again was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and she underwent surgery and chemotherapy as a result. Needless to say, this was a very difficult time for my family, and I was so devastated to see her struggling in such a profound way. During this time, I confided in Mr. DiGiuseppe, letting him know how I felt and sharing raw emotions. He was nothing but understanding, supportive, and loving—reassuring me that everything would be okay, and that he was always there to lend an ear. His words allowed me to have a more positive outlook on the future. It is my belief that every child deserves to know that they have an adult, especially outside of their family, who truly cares for them. I do not know where I would be without him. As I embark on my college journey on my way to becoming a teacher myself, I have the ultimate goal of being that adult—another version of Mr. DiGiuseppe—for someone else.

Throughout my life, I have noted time and again the basic need that all people have-- to be heard, to be seen, to be validated. Too many times, I have watched people who want to speak up and share their ideas being too afraid of being labeled or attacked for their opinions and therefore retreating into themselves. I have seen very intelligent and empathetic people dismissed or not taken seriously because they were quiet and unassuming. And I can say this all with certainty, because I was one of these people. Conversely, I have had the opportunity to witness scenarios in which people have emerged happier and more confident when they have been given the chance to use their voices, to engage with others, and to feel as if they have made a difference by simply having the opportunity to participate and be involved in their surroundings. As I envision my future, I am struck by the sheer enormity of ways in which I can use my voice to make a difference and to help others make a difference as well. As a future teacher, my impact and my legacy will be to help others be the best version of themselves by finding their voice and using it for self advocacy, open-mindedness, and inclusivity. For much of my childhood, I was that student who was painfully shy. I’d watch as my classmates engaged with others and passed me over time and again because I was “different”. In reality, I simply preferred to watch and listen rather than to talk and socialize. As I got older, I challenged myself every year to improve and be more confident, and now, as a senior in high school, I am in numerous leadership positions and very involved in school activities. Still, I never forgot the teachers and students who took the time to know and encourage me along the way; to help me find my voice. I thought to myself, let me be that light for others; let me take the legacy of those who believed in me to a new level and carry it on. And, for me, the starting point was the written word. I’ve been using my voice since the fifth grade, contributing countless hours to the craft of putting the school newspaper together, both in editing and staff writer positions. I worked diligently throughout the years, ultimately working my way up to being the Editor-in-Chief of my high school paper. As a future teacher, what greater gift can there be than helping future generations learn to accept others, to listen better, and to use their words, both oral and written, to express themselves? As an educator, I want to cultivate a warm, relaxed, and enjoyable atmosphere. It is truly such a cathartic experience to feel like your voice is being heard, and I am determined to contribute my insight and passion to bring the craft of writing to greater heights. Every student wants to be validated. Every student has their own unique background. In short, every student has a voice; and, as a future teacher, it will be my passion and focus to create opportunities for students to cultivate and refine those voices to help diversify, elevate, and inspire others. I want my legacy one day to be one of service: helping others to use their voices, together and alone. The power of words can never be underscored, and the value of cultivating empowered children is always worth the investment.