I want to pursue a career in teaching because I have seen how much one teacher can really impact a student’s life. School is not just about assignments and tests. For a lot of students, it is where they learn who they are and whether they feel supported or not. I want to be the kind of teacher who makes students feel like they matter. My interest in education started at home. My mom has worked in education for over twenty years, and I have watched her grow from a teacher to a principal. I have seen how much time and effort she puts into her students. There are students who still come back just to thank her, even years later. Seeing that made me realize that teaching is not just a job. It is something that can truly change lives. My own experiences in school also played a big role in my decision. I have dealt with bullying for years, and even after changing schools, it did not completely stop. At one point, it became physical, and that was a really hard time for me. I also have dyslexia, which made school more challenging. There were times when I felt frustrated and like I was falling behind, even though I was trying my best. The teachers who made the biggest difference for me were not always the ones with the most exciting lessons. They were the ones who paid attention and cared. One teacher in particular really changed my life. There was a time when I was struggling both in school and personally. Instead of just focusing on my grades, this teacher noticed something was wrong and pulled me aside after class. They asked me how I was doing, not just as a student, but as a person. That moment stuck with me. It made me feel seen in a way I had not felt in a while. This teacher did not treat me like I was a problem. They supported me, but they also pushed me to keep going. They reminded me that my dyslexia did not define me and that I was capable of doing more than I thought. Because of them, I started to believe in myself again. That is the kind of teacher I want to be. I want to notice the students who are struggling, even if they are not saying anything out loud. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves. I also want to push them to do their best and not give up on themselves. To me, teaching is about more than just lessons. It is about building relationships and helping students see their potential. I want to make a difference the same way that teacher did for me. If I can help even one student feel supported and believe in themselves, then I know I am doing what I am meant to do.

Trees for Tuition - Donovan Allen I learned early that helping people is not something you do once. It is something you choose over and over again. Since middle school, I have been involved with The Sheilon Hill Community Assistance Foundation. At first, I just showed up because it was something positive to be a part of. Over time, it became something more personal. I have helped with feeding events, worked in soup kitchens, participated in multiple coat drives and giveaways, and helped with an Easter dinner giveaway for families in need. I have seen people come in not knowing where their next meal is coming from, and leave with food, support, and a sense that someone cares. One moment that has always stayed with me is during a coat drive in the winter. Kids were coming up with their parents without coats, clearly cold, just trying to get through the day. Seeing that in real life changed how I look at things. It made me realize how easy it is to overlook what other people are going through. It also made me realize that showing up to help actually matters more than people think. Through Key Club, I continued that same type of service by participating in food drives, toiletry drives, and giveaways. Those experiences taught me that there are needs everywhere, even in communities that might look like everything is fine from the outside. I have also had the chance to perform with my honors chorus at local senior centers. That experience showed me a different side of service. It was not about giving food or clothing. It was about giving time and attention. Watching residents smile, sing along, or just sit and listen reminded me that people want to feel remembered and valued just as much as they want their basic needs met. All of these experiences have shaped what I want to do after college. My goal is to become a school counselor. I want to work with students who may feel overlooked, misunderstood, or unsure about their future. I know how important it is to have someone in your corner who listens and actually cares. I want to be that person for someone else. As a counselor, I plan to create an environment where students feel comfortable being honest about what they are going through. I want to help them build confidence, set goals, and understand that their situation does not define their future. I also want to connect students and families with resources so they have support both inside and outside of school. Outside of my career, I plan to continue doing community work like I have been doing for years. I want to stay involved in organizing drives, helping with outreach programs, and mentoring younger students. Service is not something I plan to leave behind. It is something I plan to build on. Making the world a better place does not always come from one big moment. Most of the time, it comes from consistent effort and being willing to show up when people need help. That is what I have been doing since middle school, and that is what I plan to continue doing after college. I want to be known as someone who did not just talk about helping others, but actually did it. Someone who paid attention, showed up, and made a real difference in people’s lives

I am a senior in high school who has learned that your environment can challenge you, but it does not have to define who you are. My path has had both obstacles and support. My support system has pushed me to grow stronger, more focused, and more determined about my future. Through my high school career, I have stayed involved in my community in ways that matter to me. During my 9th and 10th grade years, I was a member of Key Club, where I participated in service projects that focused on helping others in our community. That experience taught me that consistent service is what truly creates impact, not just showing up once, but continuing to give your time and effort. One of the most meaningful experiences I have had was working with The Sheilon Hill Community Assistance Foundation during a coat drive in the coldest months of the year. I remember families walking up to the table with young children who did not have coats. Seeing kids stand in the cold in line while their parents searched for something warm made everything feel real. Handing a coat to a child and watching their reaction, showed me how something simple can make an immediate difference. That moment stayed with me and changed how I view community service. In school, I have also worked to stay focused on my academic goals through my own challenges. I have learned how to push through difficult situations, stay disciplined, and continue moving forward even when things are not easy. My long term goal is to become a school counselor so I can support students who may feel overlooked or misunderstood, just like I once did. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to support students who are facing both academic and personal challenges. I would focus on students who feel like they do not fit in, students dealing with bullying, and those who lack access to basic resources. My goal would be to create a safe and supportive space where students feel seen, heard, and valued. The charity would provide basic needs such as clothing, school supplies, and personal items throughout the year, not just during certain seasons. It would also include mentorship programs where students are paired with positive role models who can guide them through school and life decisions. Another important part of the program would be mental health support, including safe spaces for conversations and ability to get resources that help students cope with stress and other challenges. Volunteers would play a huge role by organizing drives, mentoring students, and helping create a welcoming environment. Their work would be on building relationships, not just completing tasks. Everything I have experienced has shaped my desire to give back. I do not just want to succeed for myself. I want to create opportunities and support for others so that future generations have what they need to succeed.

Growing up, I learned that community is not just where you live. It is how you show up for others, especially when they need it most. That belief has guided my involvement in service throughout high school and shaped the kind of impact I want to have in the future. During my 9th and 10th grade years, I was an active member of Key Club, a student organization centered around community service. Through Key Club, I participated in different service projects that focused on helping people in need and supporting local initiatives. Those experiences introduced me to the importance of consistency in service, not just showing up once, but continuing to give your time even when it is not convenient. One experience that stayed with me the most was my work with The Sheilon Hill Community Assistance Foundation during a coat drive in the coldest months of the year. I remember watching families walk up to the table, some of them with young children who did not have coats. Seeing kids stand there in the cold while their parents tried to find something warm for them was something I will never forget. In that moment, service became real to me. It was no longer just hours to log or an activity to list. It was about meeting a need that could not wait. Handing a coat to a child and seeing the immediate relief on their face showed me how something simple can make a real difference. That experience changed how I view helping others. It taught me to pay attention, to notice what people may be going through even when they do not say it out loud. Outside of organized service, I have also taken time to support and encourage younger students, especially those who may feel overlooked. My own experiences with challenges in school have made me more aware of how important it is for students to feel seen and supported. Looking ahead, I want to build on these experiences to create lasting change in my community. One of my main goals is to help create safe and supportive environments for students. Every student deserves to feel accepted and protected in school. I also want to expand access to mentorship programs that connect students with people who can guide and support them. Having someone in your corner can change the direction of a student’s life. Another idea I have is to organize consistent community drives, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Needs like clothing, food, and school supplies do not disappear after one season. My experiences in Key Club and with The Sheilon Hill Community Assistance Foundation have shown me that small actions can have a big impact. I plan to continue serving my community in ways that are intentional, consistent, and focused on real needs.

The day started off for me the same as any other day, at least it seemed that way. I had just transferred schools, hoping for a fresh start after dealing with bullying in my previous school. Instead, I found myself facing another setback when I was attacked by two students who targeted me for who I am. At that moment, I felt embarrassed, angry, and honestly hopeless. For a while, I doubted myself. I wondered if changing schools had even been worth it. I kept my head down more. I spoke less in class. My confidence, something I had been working to rebuild, took a hit. What changed things for me was realizing that staying silent would only allow that moment to define me. I come from a family that believes in perseverance. I watched my mom go from a teacher to a principal through years of hard work and patience. That example reminded me that challenges are not meant to stop you. They are meant to change you for the better. I began to change my mindset. Instead of seeing myself as a victim of that situation, I chose to see myself as someone who made it through it. I focused on my goals and on what I could control. I put more effort into my schoolwork, applied for scholarships, and stayed committed to my plans for college. Each application became a reminder that my future is still mine to build. That experience taught me that rising above situations is not about pretending something did not hurt you. It is about acknowledging the pain and deciding to keep going anyway. It also showed me the importance of standing in who you are, even when others try to make you feel small. I am stronger now, not because of what happened, but because of how I chose to respond. That setback did not define me. It refined me.

Money was never a silent topic in my house. Some of the most important lessons I have learned came from honest conversations that most people avoid. My mom is a first-generation college graduate, and she has always been open about her financial journey. She worked hard to earn her degree and build her career, but she also made mistakes along the way. Instead of hiding those mistakes, she and my bonus dad chose to teach through them. I grew up hearing about credit cards used the wrong way, missed opportunities to invest earlier, and decisions she and he wishes they could redo. Hearing those stories early made money feel real to me, not something I would wait until adulthood to understand. That honesty gave me a head start. This summer, my parents enrolled me and my little sister in a financial literacy course. We have been learning about budgeting, saving, and how credit actually works. One of the biggest lessons for me has been understanding credit cards. I used to see them as an easy way to spend money. Now I understand they can either help build your future or damage it if you are not careful. My mom added me as an authorized user on her credit card so I can begin building credit before I even turn eighteen. That experience showed me how important it is to start early and make smart decisions. I am also learning how to think differently about the money I earn. I have a part-time job, and instead of spending everything, I have started investing. With each paycheck, I buy fractional shares. At first, it felt small and almost pointless. Over time, I started to see how consistency matters more than the amount. That changed my mindset. Investing no longer feels out of reach. It feels like something I can grow into over time. My ideas about money have also shifted when it comes to home ownership. Most people my age think about what they can buy. I am learning to think about what I can build. My mom and bonus dad have encouraged me to consider buying a multi-family home in the future or even purchasing a home during my senior year of college and renting out the extra rooms. That idea completely changed how I see money. Housing can be more than just a bill. It can be a way to create income. These lessons are important because of the path I want to take. I plan to become an educator and eventually a school counselor. I understand that career is driven by purpose more than high income, which means understanding money will matter even more. I want to build a life where I am stable, not always worried about money, and able to support others. I also want to share what I have learned with my future students so they can make better decisions earlier than I did. Financial education, to me, is about breaking cycles. My parent's experiences gave me knowledge that many people do not get until it is too late. Their honesty turned their mistakes into lessons I can build on. Now I have the opportunity to make different decisions, make smarter choices, and create a financially stable future.

My drive to become a teacher comes from watching what education can do for a person when someone actually believes in them. Growing up, school was not always a safe or easy place for me. I dealt with bullying, had to switch schools, and at one point I was even physically attacked because of who I am. On top of that, I have dyslexia, so learning never came as quickly to me as it did for others. There were moments when it felt like school was something I had to survive instead of something that was meant to help me grow. What changed everything for me were the educators who refused to let me give up on myself. My mom was an educator for over 20 years. I watched her move from teacher to assistant principal to principal, and I saw how seriously she took the responsibility of shaping student’s lives. She did not just focus on grades. She focused on people. She checked on students who were struggling, and made sure every child felt seen. At home, she did the same thing with me. She pushed me, supported me, and reminded me that my challenges did not define my future. At school, there were also teachers who made a lasting impact on me. They took the time to understand how I learn. They broke assignments into manageable steps. They gave me space to ask questions without feeling embarrassed. Most importantly, they treated me like I was able, even when I doubted it myself. Those experiences changed how I see education. I do not want to become a teacher just to teach lessons. I want to be the kind of educator who recognizes when a student is quietly struggling and helps before they fall too far behind. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe being themselves, especially those who feel different or overlooked. Students like me should not have to question whether they belong in school. I also want to speak up for students with learning differences. Having dyslexia taught me that intelligence does not look the same for everyone. Some students just need information presented in a way that works for them. As a future educator and eventually a school counselor, I plan to make sure students receive the support and accommodations they need without feeling less than. My motivation comes from knowing what it feels like to be on both sides of education. I know what it feels like to struggle, to feel out of place, and to question your worth. I also know what it feels like when a teacher sees you, supports you, and helps you believe in yourself again.That is the kind of impact I want to have. Education changed my life because someone chose to care. I want to be that person for someone else.

Essay: The Adult I Needed I did not always feel seen in school. As a Black male student, there were not many teachers or staff who looked like me or understood what I was going through. At the same time, I was dealing with dyslexia and being bullied for being different. There were days when going to school felt stressful instead of safe. That experience changed how I see education and the role adults play. Even during those challenges, I saw what a difference one caring adult could make. My mom has worked in education for over twenty years. I watched how she showed up for her students every day. She listened, encouraged them, and made sure they knew they mattered. She did not just focus on grades. She cared about what students were going through in their lives. Watching her helped me understand that school is not just about learning. It is also about feeling supported. That is why I want to become a school counselor. There was a time when I had to change schools because of bullying. Not long after that, I was physically attacked at school by two students who targeted me for being different. They were expelled, but the feeling of that moment stayed with me. It made me realize how important it is for students to feel safe and to have someone they can go to. I want to be that person. As a future school counselor, I want to create a space where students feel comfortable being themselves. I want students to know they can talk to me without being judged. Some students come to school carrying things that people cannot see. I understand that because I have lived it. I want to help students work through challenges, build confidence, and believe that their future can be better than what they may be going through right now. Representation also matters. There are not many Black male counselors in schools. I want students, especially young Black boys, to see someone who looks like them in a position where they can lead, support, and guide others. I want them to know that they belong in those spaces too. I also want to support students outside of academics. Sometimes students just need someone to listen. Sometimes they need encouragement or guidance. I want to be present for students know they are not alone. My experiences have taught me that one caring adult can change everything for a student. I know what it feels like to need that support. I plan to be that support for someone else.

Essay: What Compassion Looks Like When It’s Real I did not learn compassion from a lesson or a book. I learned it by watching my mom. My mom worked in education for over twenty years. She started as a teacher, then became an assistant principal, and eventually a principal. I watched her give her time and energy to students every day. She stayed late, took calls after work, and listened to students who needed someone to care. She never made them feel like they were a problem. She treated them like they mattered. Watching her showed me that compassion is not just something you feel. It is something you show through your actions. I did not realize how much I would need that lesson in my own life. I have dyslexia, which has made school more challenging for me. I have also been bullied for being different. It got so bad that I had to change schools. After that, I was physically attacked at school by two students who targeted me simply because I was different. They were expelled, but the memory of that moment stayed with me. That experience could have made me angry and not open to people. I chose a different path. I started paying attention to people who feel left out or overlooked. I make sure to pay extra close attention to how I treat others. Sometimes that means helping someone with their work. Other times it means speaking up when someone is being treated unfairly. Small actions can make a big difference. One moment that showed me what compassion really looks like was when I volunteered with the Sheilon Hill Community Assistance Foundation. We gave out coats and blankets during one of the coldest months of the year. I remember seeing families walk up with young children who did not have coats. That stayed with me. It made me realize that something simple can mean everything to someone else. My faith has shaped how I see people. I was taught to treat others with love and respect, even when it is difficult. That mindset has helped me move forward and not let my past control how I treat others. In the future, I plan to become a school counselor. I know what it feels like to walk into a school and feel invisible or unsafe. I want to be the person who notices, listens, and helps students believe in themselves. Compassion is not always big or flashy. It is often quiet and shows up in small ways every day. That is what I learned from my mom. That is what I will practice as I grow into my career and purpose.