The first day I volunteered at a local elementary school, I didn’t know it would spark a passion that would shape my future. I walked in with a mix of excitement and nervousness, not sure what to expect. As I helped in the classroom—assisting students with reading, explaining math problems, and organizing activities—I saw firsthand the impact a teacher can have. I noticed how the students’ faces lit up when they finally understood something, and how they looked to me with curiosity and trust. I realized, in that moment, that I wanted to be the person to guide and inspire them every day. It was more than just helping out for a few hours; it was about building connections and fostering growth. I grew up surrounded by strong examples of teaching in my family. My grandmother, my aunt, and my cousin all chose this profession. I often saw them grading papers late into the night or crafting creative lesson plans. More importantly, I saw the deep joy they felt when their students succeeded. Their stories of challenging moments and rewarding breakthroughs were shared at family dinners, and over time, I came to understand that teaching is not just a job; it’s a commitment to shaping young minds and a community. In addition to strong examples in my family, I had a first hand experience with a teacher who changed my life and inspired me to go above and beyond. My teacher Ms.Jackson is someone who also made me want to be that amazing teacher for someone else's kid like she was for me. Everytime I mention school I can’t do it without mentioning her which is why I want to have that same type of impact. Their advice helped me recognize the depth and dedication it takes to be an effective teacher. They encouraged me to embrace patience, creativity, and empathy—qualities I saw in them and wanted to develop in myself. Each of them taught in different settings and faced their own challenges, but they all had one thing in common: a passion for their students' growth. It was through their guidance that I saw teaching as not just a career, but a mission. When I returned to volunteer week after week, the idea of becoming a teacher solidified. I wasn’t just helping kids with homework or guiding them through activities; I was watching them grow in confidence and ability. I realized that teaching isn’t about standing at the front of the room delivering information—it’s about being a mentor, a listener, and a supporter. It’s about seeing potential in every student and helping them unlock it. I carry with me the lessons I learned from both my time volunteering and the wisdom shared by my family and teachers . They’ve shown me that teaching is a powerful tool for change, and I am eager to take on the responsibility of nurturing and guiding future generations. Volunteering gave me a glimpse into the kind of teacher I want to be: one who believes in each student’s potential and works to help them achieve it. It’s a mission that began in an elementary school classroom, and one I’m ready to pursue for the rest of my life.

Empowering women and advancing gender equality are causes that I hold close to my heart, both personally and as an African American woman. My dedication to these issues comes from my own experiences and a deep belief in fairness and opportunity for all. Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges that women, especially women of color, face in my family and community. Whether it was being overlooked in the workplace, struggling to balance family and career, or not having their voices heard in important decisions, these experiences opened my eyes to the barriers that still exist for women today. They have motivated me to become part of the solution. I am dedicated to empowering women because I believe that when women succeed, families and communities thrive. As an African American woman, I know how powerful it is to see someone who looks like you succeed and lead. Representation matters, and I want to be that example for other young women and girls. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and strengths to every area of life, from the workplace to the home to positions of leadership. Yet, too often, our potential goes untapped due to outdated stereotypes, lack of resources, or limited access to education and opportunities. I want to help change that. I want to be someone who lifts others up, encourages women to pursue their goals, and helps break down the barriers that hold them back. My career goal is to work in education and community development, with a special focus on programs that support girls and women. I plan to become an educator and eventually take on leadership roles in organizations that promote gender equality. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for change. By teaching girls and young women to believe in themselves, think critically, and pursue their dreams, I can help create a future where their voices are valued and their contributions are recognized. More than anything, I want to be someone who is remembered in the field of education—not just for my work in the classroom, but for the positive impact I make on the lives of my students and my community. I hope to inspire others, especially young African American girls, to continue the work of empowering women and advancing equality long after my own career is over. To make a difference, I plan to serve as a positive role model and mentor, create safe spaces for girls, and develop programs that teach important life skills such as leadership, financial literacy, and self-advocacy. I also want to advocate for policies that support women’s rights, like equal pay and access to quality healthcare. Ultimately, I am committed to using my education, my voice, and my actions to advance the cause of women’s empowerment. I hope to leave a legacy in education that inspires others and makes a lasting difference.

My name is Jonesh Johnson, and I have a passion for making a positive impact in my community. I am part of Delta Gems, FCCLA, DECA, and the Spanish Honor Society. These organizations have taught me important skills in leadership, teamwork, and academic excellence. Besides these activities, I also love dancing and cheering. I often compete in dance and cheer competitions, showing my dedication and hard work. However, my true dream is to become a teacher. I believe education can change lives, especially in low-income communities where resources are often limited. I want to help young students reach their full potential and create opportunities for themselves through education. To support this mission, I already volunteer at three elementary schools as a “Literacy Leader.” In this role, I work with young students to help them improve their reading and writing skills. This experience has shown me firsthand the impact that dedicated support and resources can have on a child's educational journey. Building on this experience, I plan to start a charity focused on improving literacy rates in underserved areas. The charity would offer various services to help people improve their reading and writing skills. We would provide free tutoring sessions, donate books, and hold literacy workshops for different age groups. By working with local schools, libraries, and community centers, we can create a strong support network for those who need it most. Additionally, we would host community events and reading circles to foster a culture of literacy and learning. These events would encourage families to engage with reading and make it a regular part of their lives. We would also provide resources for parents, offering guidance on how to support their children's literacy development at home. The main goal of my charity is to give people the tools they need to succeed in school and life. Personalized tutoring sessions would cater to the specific needs of each learner, ensuring they get the guidance and attention they need to improve their literacy skills. Our book donation program would aim to build home libraries, encouraging a love for reading and lifelong learning. In addition, our literacy workshops would engage both children and adults. These workshops would offer practical tips and techniques to enhance reading comprehension and writing abilities. By focusing on low-income communities, my charity would help bridge the gap in educational resources and support, creating a brighter future for everyone involved. Through my charity, I hope to inspire others to value education and take steps to improve their own literacy skills. I am committed to making a difference and believe that by working together, we can create lasting change in our communities. With dedication and passion, I am confident that we can achieve our goal of improving literacy rates and providing more opportunities for success.