Since a young age, I have been hardworking and motivated by a strong urge to help others. I joined Circle of Friends my freshman year of high school and has quickly become a focal point of my life and let me help those who need it most. Circle of Friends is an organization dedicated to supporting students with special needs. My goal is to improve the club but more importantly, to improve the students' lives it serves. To fulfill this goal, I’ve had to put in a full 101% effort, with that extra 1% symbolizing the extra chromosome that makes these individuals so special. This club has allowed me to create very special bonds with many people. I am frequently in a classroom with Mr. Clark who has 4 students, La Nya, Mitchell, Juan, and Brooklyn. This classroom soon became my home away from home. Mr. Clark has taught me so much and fueled my passion for helping others who need it most. He truly has so much love for the students and has perfected teaching by leaving his mark on each student. For me, he has been a mentor, a guiding light, and most importantly, a friend. Not only has he pushed me in the right direction to become a mature adult and helped me through the process of preparing for college, but he has also been a shoulder to lean on. He has provided a sanctuary for me when school stresses become too much. I will never forget the bond and support he has given me on both a professional and personal level. After college, I plan on becoming a special needs teacher. His nurturing teaching style has shown me what works in a classroom, and I plan on putting all of his techniques to work in my own classroom one day. Working specifically with the students in Mr. Clark’s classroom brings me so much joy and receiving the same emotional response back is the most fulfilling feeling anyone could experience. Before high school, I did not have a path to lead me. That all changed after finding Circle of Friends. My first three years I have worked my way up the ladder and become much closer to everyone in this amazing organization. Senior year I am honored to be President of the club. This has allowed me to work with teachers, students, and members. I have become very involved in many organizations, one being the most influential is Miracle League. This organization allows the students play all sports with an audience. I have, and continue, to coach at these games and help keep everything order. Working in the organization has helped in many ways outside of the classroom. I will leave for college knowing I have helped this club, and other organizations, in many ways by setting up extra events and fundraisers and reforming the club to the strength it had before Covid-19. Working with special needs students has led me down a path I never expected, and I couldn’t be more grateful. These students, though may be different, have a joy I have never seen in anyone else. They made me realize, everyone has so much potential and is very capable. I have found my way to help others with 101% and I couldn’t be happier with where I have ended up.