I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with the goal of becoming a special education teacher. My studies focus on understanding people, learning differences, and how education can be adapted to meet diverse needs. I chose this path because I want to work with students who are often overlooked or misunderstood and help them discover their confidence, voice, and sense of belonging. I believe education is not just about academic success, but about helping individuals realize their worth and potential. As someone who identifies within the LGBTQ+ community, my personal experiences have shaped who I am and how I view the world. There have been moments where I have felt different, uncertain, or not fully understood, and those experiences have given me a deeper sense of empathy for others who may feel the same way. Being part of this community has taught me resilience and the importance of acceptance, both from others and from within. While my journey is still evolving, I value the strength that comes from embracing identity and supporting others in doing the same. I absolutely see myself as someone who will give back to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. As a future educator, I want to create inclusive and safe environments where all students—regardless of their identity or ability—feel seen, respected, and supported. I also hope to serve as a mentor and role model, especially for students who may be struggling to find their place. Giving back, to me, means using my experiences to uplift others and help create spaces where people can thrive without fear or judgment. Financially, I am facing significant challenges that have made continuing my education difficult. I do not have a strong financial support system, and I am responsible for navigating my educational expenses largely on my own. Additionally, I have experienced a major personal loss with the passing of my mother, which has deeply affected both my emotional well-being and financial stability. This loss has created additional hardship, making it even more difficult to focus fully on my education while managing financial stress. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. It would help relieve the burden of tuition and allow me to focus more fully on my academic goals and future career. More importantly, it would provide me with the opportunity to continue working toward becoming an educator who makes a positive impact on others. I am determined to turn my challenges into purpose and use my education to support and uplift those who need it most. Thank you for your time and consideration.

**Why I Am Passionate About Special Education** I am passionate about the special education profession because it centers on something deeper than academics—it is about helping students discover their identity, confidence, and place in the world. Many students with special needs are often defined by labels, limitations, or what others believe they cannot do. I want to be the teacher who helps them see beyond those limitations and recognize their strengths, voice, and value. Special education is not just about modifying lessons; it is about transforming lives by meeting students where they are and helping them grow into who they are meant to be. **Defining “A Sense of Their Own Presence”** When Professor Harold Bloom speaks about bringing a student to a “sense of their own presence,” he is referring to self-awareness—the moment when a student recognizes that they matter, that their thoughts and feelings are important, and that they have a unique identity. It is the awareness of “I am here, I am capable, and I have something to contribute.” For students with special needs, this sense of presence can be difficult to develop if they have faced repeated struggles, misunderstandings, or exclusion. To experience their own presence means that students begin to: * Understand their strengths and challenges * Feel confident expressing themselves * Recognize their value in a classroom and community * Develop independence and self-advocacy **My Mission as a Special Education Teacher** My mission is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where every student feels seen, heard, and capable. I will guide my students toward a sense of their own presence through: 1. **Individualized Support** – I will meet each student at their level and tailor instruction to their needs, ensuring they experience success regularly. 2. **Building Confidence** – I will celebrate small victories and reinforce effort, helping students believe in their abilities. 3. **Encouraging Self-Expression** – Whether through speech, writing, art, or assistive technology, I will give students multiple ways to share who they are. 4. **Teaching Self-Advocacy** – I will help students understand their needs and empower them to communicate those needs confidently. 5. **Creating Inclusive Community** – I will foster a classroom where differences are respected and every student feels they belong. Through these practices, I aim to help my students not only learn but also *realize themselves*—to stand confidently in their own presence. --- **Optional Fairy Tale** Once upon a time, in a quiet village hidden between tall mountains, there was a teacher named Eli who entered a classroom filled with children who believed they were invisible. Each child carried a cloak that made them feel small, silent, and unseen. Eli had a different kind of vision. Instead of seeing their cloaks, Eli saw light—small flickers within each child waiting to shine. Every day, Eli gave the children small challenges, kind words, and opportunities to speak their truth. At first, the lights flickered weakly, unsure of themselves. But slowly, something magical began to happen. One child spoke their first full sentence and their light grew brighter. Another solved a problem they once thought impossible, and their cloak began to fade. Soon, the classroom was filled with glowing light, each child realizing, “I am here. I matter.” In time, the cloaks disappeared completely. And as the children walked out into the world, they no longer felt invisible—they carried their light proudly. Eli smiled, knowing the greatest lesson had not been reading or math, but helping each child discover their own presence. **The End.**