Transitioning from a path in elementary education to pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner reflects a profound shift in my career aspirations, driven by a deep-seated passion for helping children. This decision stems from a combination of personal experiences, evolving interests, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on young lives. My journey towards elementary education initially began with a sincere desire to shape young minds and foster their development during their formative years. Throughout my coursework and experiences in educational settings, I discovered a genuine joy in working with children, but I also realized that my interests extended beyond the classroom. I found myself increasingly drawn to the field of healthcare, particularly in roles where I could directly contribute to children's well-being and health outcomes. The decision to switch to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner was not made lightly but was rooted in a series of pivotal moments. Interactions with healthcare professionals, observing their dedication and the impact they made on young patients, profoundly influenced my career redirection. Their ability to provide compassionate care while addressing medical needs resonated deeply with my own values of empathy and service. Central to my decision is a passion for helping children navigate health challenges and promoting their overall wellness. Whether through routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, or responding to acute illnesses, the role of a pediatric nurse practitioner allows me to merge my love for children with a tangible ability to improve their quality of life. This career path promises dynamic opportunities to engage with families, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and continuously learn and grow in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. Beyond clinical practice, my aspirations extend to global outreach. I envision leveraging my skills to travel to different countries and provide healthcare to underserved communities. The opportunity to contribute to international health initiatives, address public health disparities, and advocate for children's rights aligns with my overarching goal of making a global impact. By immersing myself in diverse cultural contexts and collaborating with local healthcare providers, I aim to foster sustainable healthcare solutions that prioritize children's well-being and development. While transitioning between academic disciplines involves navigating new challenges and acquiring additional expertise, I am committed to pursuing this path with unwavering dedication. I recognize the importance of ongoing education and training to excel in my chosen field, including acquiring specialized knowledge in pediatric care and mastering clinical skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Ultimately, my journey from elementary education to pediatric nursing reflects a transformative process driven by a genuine passion for helping children thrive. It represents a convergence of my strengths, values, and aspirations to contribute meaningfully to society. With each step forward, I am eager to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities that come with advocating for children's health and well-being, both locally and on a global scale.

Navigating the educational landscape as a minority has presented me with a series of challenges, each of which has shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve to pursue my goals. As I reflect on my experiences, several key obstacles stand out, illustrating the resilience and determination required to overcome barriers to education. One significant obstacle I faced was the lack of representation and role models who shared similar backgrounds in my chosen field of study. As a minority student, it can be disheartening not to see individuals who look like you in leadership positions or academia. This lack of representation often creates feelings of isolation and self-doubt, making it challenging to envision oneself succeeding in the educational and professional realms. Moreover, navigating institutional biases and stereotypes has been an ongoing challenge. In educational settings, unconscious biases can manifest in various forms, from microaggressions in the classroom to systemic barriers in accessing resources and opportunities. These biases can undermine confidence and hinder academic progress, requiring resilience and persistence to navigate and challenge. Financial constraints have also posed a significant hurdle. Many minority students face financial barriers that impact their ability to pursue higher education. Limited access to scholarships, grants, and financial aid can exacerbate these challenges, forcing students to juggle work and studies or take on significant student loan debt. Overcoming these financial obstacles often requires resourcefulness, seeking out alternative funding sources, and advocating for financial support. Cultural expectations and familial responsibilities have added another layer of complexity to my educational journey. In many minority communities, there may be cultural expectations regarding career choices, familial obligations, or gender roles that can influence educational decisions. Balancing these expectations with personal aspirations requires navigating delicate conversations and making decisions that align with both individual goals and familial support systems. Furthermore, the impact of systemic inequalities and inequities cannot be overlooked. Historical and structural barriers, such as unequal access to quality K-12 education, housing segregation, and healthcare disparities, create a broader context of inequality that disproportionately affects minority communities. Overcoming these systemic obstacles often involves advocating for policy changes, community engagement, and collective action to address root causes of inequality. Despite these challenges, my journey as a minority student has been defined by resilience, determination, and the support of mentors, peers, and community networks. Overcoming obstacles has strengthened my commitment to educational equity and social justice, fueling my passion to create pathways for future generations of minority students to thrive. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, I strive to contribute to a more inclusive educational landscape where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every student has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. My experiences as a minority student have shaped my perspective, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education and the importance of perseverance in pursuing one's dreams despite the odds.

Transitioning from a path in elementary education to pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner reflects a profound shift in my career aspirations, driven by a deep-seated passion for helping children. This decision stems from a combination of personal experiences, evolving interests, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on young lives. My journey towards elementary education initially began with a sincere desire to shape young minds and foster their development during their formative years. Throughout my coursework and experiences in educational settings, I discovered a genuine joy in working with children, but I also realized that my interests extended beyond the classroom. I found myself increasingly drawn to the field of healthcare, particularly in roles where I could directly contribute to children's well-being and health outcomes. The decision to switch to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner was not made lightly but was rooted in a series of pivotal moments. Interactions with healthcare professionals, observing their dedication and the impact they made on young patients, profoundly influenced my career redirection. Their ability to provide compassionate care while addressing medical needs resonated deeply with my own values of empathy and service. Central to my decision is a passion for helping children navigate health challenges and promoting their overall wellness. Whether through routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, or responding to acute illnesses, the role of a pediatric nurse practitioner allows me to merge my love for children with a tangible ability to improve their quality of life. This career path promises dynamic opportunities to engage with families, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and continuously learn and grow in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. Beyond clinical practice, my aspirations extend to global outreach. I envision leveraging my skills to travel to different countries and provide healthcare to underserved communities. The opportunity to contribute to international health initiatives, address public health disparities, and advocate for children's rights aligns with my overarching goal of making a global impact. By immersing myself in diverse cultural contexts and collaborating with local healthcare providers, I aim to foster sustainable healthcare solutions that prioritize children's well-being and development. While transitioning between academic disciplines involves navigating new challenges and acquiring additional expertise, I am committed to pursuing this path with unwavering dedication. I recognize the importance of ongoing education and training to excel in my chosen field, including acquiring specialized knowledge in pediatric care and mastering clinical skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Ultimately, my journey from elementary education to pediatric nursing reflects a transformative process driven by a genuine passion for helping children thrive. It represents a convergence of my strengths, values, and aspirations to contribute meaningfully to society. With each step forward, I am eager to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities that come with advocating for children's health and well-being, both locally and on a global scale.

Transitioning from a path in elementary education to pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner reflects a profound shift in my career aspirations, driven by a deep-seated passion for helping children. This decision stems from a combination of personal experiences, evolving interests, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on young lives. My journey towards elementary education initially began with a sincere desire to shape young minds and foster their development during their formative years. Throughout my coursework and experiences in educational settings, I discovered a genuine joy in working with children, but I also realized that my interests extended beyond the classroom. I found myself increasingly drawn to the field of healthcare, particularly in roles where I could directly contribute to children's well-being and health outcomes. The decision to switch to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner was not made lightly but was rooted in a series of pivotal moments. Interactions with healthcare professionals, observing their dedication and the impact they made on young patients, profoundly influenced my career redirection. Their ability to provide compassionate care while addressing medical needs resonated deeply with my own values of empathy and service. Central to my decision is a passion for helping children navigate health challenges and promoting their overall wellness. Whether through routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, or responding to acute illnesses, the role of a pediatric nurse practitioner allows me to merge my love for children with a tangible ability to improve their quality of life. This career path promises dynamic opportunities to engage with families, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and continuously learn and grow in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. Beyond clinical practice, my aspirations extend to global outreach. I envision leveraging my skills to travel to different countries and provide healthcare to underserved communities. The opportunity to contribute to international health initiatives, address public health disparities, and advocate for children's rights aligns with my overarching goal of making a global impact. By immersing myself in diverse cultural contexts and collaborating with local healthcare providers, I aim to foster sustainable healthcare solutions that prioritize children's well-being and development. While transitioning between academic disciplines involves navigating new challenges and acquiring additional expertise, I am committed to pursuing this path with unwavering dedication. I recognize the importance of ongoing education and training to excel in my chosen field, including acquiring specialized knowledge in pediatric care and mastering clinical skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Ultimately, my journey from elementary education to pediatric nursing reflects a transformative process driven by a genuine passion for helping children thrive. It represents a convergence of my strengths, values, and aspirations to contribute meaningfully to society. With each step forward, I am eager to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities that come with advocating for children's health and well-being, both locally and on a global scale.

Transitioning from a career path in elementary education to one in pediatric nursing marks a pivotal shift driven by my enduring passion for children's well-being and a desire to make a broader impact on their lives, both locally and globally. Since childhood, I have been drawn to the joy and fulfillment of working with children, whether through tutoring classmates, volunteering at summer camps, or babysitting for neighbors. These experiences instilled in me a deep-seated commitment to supporting children's growth and development in various capacities. Choosing to pursue a degree in elementary education seemed like a natural progression of my passion. I envisioned myself as an educator who could inspire young minds, foster a love for learning, and create inclusive environments where every child felt valued. Throughout my academic journey, I thrived in the classroom setting, relishing the moments when a concept clicked for a student or when I could help a struggling learner gain confidence. These experiences reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education in shaping children's futures. However, as I gained practical experience through internships and student teaching, I began to recognize the multifaceted challenges that children face beyond the academic realm. One poignant experience stands out—a student in my class battled severe health issues that required frequent medical attention. Witnessing the compassionate care provided by healthcare professionals to this child and their family profoundly impacted me and sparked a new direction in my career aspirations. The intersection of education and healthcare became increasingly clear to me as I reflected on my experiences. While I cherished my role as an educator, I felt a compelling pull towards a career where I could not only nurture children's minds but also directly contribute to their physical well-being. This realization led me to explore the field of pediatric nursing—a profession that aligns perfectly with my values of compassion, advocacy, and service to others. As a pediatric nurse, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in improving children's health outcomes and overall well-being. Beyond providing medical care, pediatric nurses are educators and advocates for their young patients, empowering families with knowledge and resources to support children's health needs. I am passionate about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or geographic location, has access to quality healthcare. In the United States and globally, disparities in healthcare access persist, leaving many children without essential medical services and facing preventable health challenges. In underserved communities around the world, children often lack access to basic healthcare, vaccinations, and even educational opportunities. Many families struggle to afford medical treatment, medications, and school fees, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting children's chances for success. These stark realities underscore the urgent need for holistic interventions that address both healthcare and educational inequalities. My decision to pursue pediatric nursing is fueled by a steadfast belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. I am committed to leveraging my skills, knowledge, and passion to make a meaningful impact on children's lives, locally and globally. Through clinical practice, community outreach, and advocacy efforts, I aim to contribute to initiatives that promote children's health equity and access to education. In addition to my personal efforts, I recognize the importance of community involvement and collective action in addressing the needs of vulnerable children. Communities play a crucial role in supporting children's well-being by advocating for policies that prioritize healthcare access, supporting local healthcare facilities, and investing in educational initiatives. By fostering partnerships between healthcare providers, educators, nonprofits, and government agencies, communities can create comprehensive support systems that empower children and their families. Furthermore, raising awareness about the interconnected issues of healthcare and education is essential for driving meaningful change. Education campaigns, fundraising efforts, and volunteer opportunities can mobilize community members to contribute their time, resources, and expertise to improve children's lives. By working together, we can create a more equitable world where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. As I embark on this new chapter in pediatric nursing, I am inspired by the potential to make a lasting difference in children's lives. Whether administering treatments, conducting health screenings, or providing health education, I am committed to fostering environments where children can reach their full potential. Each child represents a story of resilience, hope, and possibility, deserving of every opportunity for success. In conclusion, my journey from elementary education to pediatric nursing reflects a transformative evolution driven by a passion for serving children and a dedication to promoting their health and happiness. While my career path has shifted, my core values of empathy, compassion, and advocacy remain steadfast. I am eager to embrace the challenges and rewards of this new path, confident in my ability to contribute to positive change for children, both locally and globally. Together, with the support of communities and collective action, we can create a brighter future where every child has access to healthcare, education, and the opportunity to thrive.

I have always been interested in teaching simply because we start learning at a young age. If you think about it, teachers play a significant role in a child's life. This is because most kids go to school from Monday- Friday for approximately 8 hours a day. Teachers are not just there physically but mentally for their students. As a future educator, I want to make my students feel accepted, unique, and successful. I want to incorporate different styles of teaching since everyone learns differently. I am interested in getting a bachelor's degree in Education, maybe even a Ph.D. In the future, I hope to travel abroad and teach in different countries. I would also like to obtain knowledge of different cultures, religions, foods, and teaching standards .I want to advance my education, maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, and teach our future generation. In the future, I would also like to support future educators in high school or college. This would help to pay for their classes, books, and internships, all to help them get on the path needed to start their careers. I would also like to help support students K-8 through school if required, including paying tuition, meals, school supplies, clothes, and free tutoring. I believe no student should struggle to get an education. In the future, I would like to teach English, math, science, and teamwork, all while encouraging students to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding of how children develop mentally—allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I also would like to push and help young children be successful in the future, all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teaching, pros, and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how other kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have difficulty expressing themselves and may need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be constructive but may not be as helpful compared to one-on-one learning for some students. There are many learning techniques, and one I am very interested in is hands-on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands-on learning to be fun. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have more fun while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way, it can help teach them some responsibility and help them become more independent. I would allow students to help each other when facing an issue. This will improve their problem-solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional educator. I have learned that not every student learns the same, and this is because some of my siblings have learning disabilities. I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently. I don't want to have any of my students feel left out or uncomfortable. That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an educator, for it is what I have wanted to be from a very young age.

I have always been interested in teaching simply because we start learning at a young age. If you think about it, teachers play a significant role in a child's life. This is because most kids go to school from Monday- Friday for approximately 8 hours a day. Teachers are not just there physically but mentally for their students. As a future educator, I want to make my students feel accepted, unique, and successful. I want to incorporate different styles of teaching since everyone learns differently. I am interested in getting a bachelor's degree in Education, maybe even a Ph.D. In the future, I hope to travel abroad and teach in different countries. I would also like to obtain knowledge of different cultures, religions, foods, and teaching standards .I want to advance my education, maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, and teach our future generation. In the future, I would also like to support future educators in high school or college. This would help to pay for their classes, books, and internships, all to help them get on the path needed to start their careers. I would also like to help support students K-8 through school if required, including paying tuition, meals, school supplies, clothes, and free tutoring. I believe no student should struggle to get an education. In the future, I would like to teach English, math, science, and teamwork, all while encouraging students to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding of how children develop mentally—allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I also would like to push and help young children be successful in the future, all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teaching, pros, and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how other kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have difficulty expressing themselves and may need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be constructive but may not be as helpful compared to one-on-one learning for some students. There are many learning techniques, and one I am very interested in is hands-on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands-on learning to be fun. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have more fun while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way, it can help teach them some responsibility and help them become more independent. I would allow students to help each other when facing an issue. This will improve their problem-solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional educator. I have learned that not every student learns the same, and this is because some of my siblings have learning disabilities. I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently. I don't want to have any of my students feel left out or uncomfortable. That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an educator, for it is what I have wanted to be from a very young age.

I have always been interested in teaching simply because we start learning at a young age. If you think about it, teachers play a significant role in a child's life. This is because most kids go to school from Monday- Friday for approximately 8 hours a day. Teachers are not just there physically but mentally for their students. As a future educator, I want to make my students feel accepted, unique, and successful. I want to incorporate different styles of teaching since everyone learns differently. I am interested in getting a bachelor's degree in Education, maybe even a Ph.D. In the future, I hope to travel abroad and teach in different countries. I would also like to obtain knowledge of different cultures, religions, foods, and teaching standards .I want to advance my education, maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, and teach our future generation. In the future, I would also like to support future educators in high school or college. This would help to pay for their classes, books, and internships, all to help them get on the path needed to start their careers. I would also like to help support students K-8 through school if required, including paying tuition, meals, school supplies, clothes, and free tutoring. I believe no student should struggle to get an education. In the future, I would like to teach English, math, science, and teamwork, all while encouraging students to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding of how children develop mentally—allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I also would like to push and help young children be successful in the future, all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teaching, pros, and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how other kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have difficulty expressing themselves and may need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be constructive but may not be as helpful compared to one-on-one learning for some students. There are many learning techniques, and one I am very interested in is hands-on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands-on learning to be fun. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have more fun while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way, it can help teach them some responsibility and help them become more independent. I would allow students to help each other when facing an issue. This will improve their problem-solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional educator. I have learned that not every student learns the same, and this is because some of my siblings have learning disabilities. I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently. I don't want to have any of my students feel left out or uncomfortable. That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an educator, for it is what I have wanted to be from a very young age.

I have always been interested in teaching simply because we start learning at a young age. If you think about it, teachers play a significant role in a child's life. This is because most kids go to school from Monday- Friday for approximately 8 hours a day. Teachers are not just there physically but mentally for their students. As a future educator, I want to make my students feel accepted, unique, and successful. I want to incorporate different styles of teaching since everyone learns differently. I am interested in getting a bachelor's degree in Education, maybe even a Ph.D. In the future, I hope to travel abroad and teach in different countries. I would also like to obtain knowledge of different cultures, religions, foods, and teaching standards .I want to advance my education, maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, and teach our future generation. In the future, I would also like to support future educators in high school or college. This would help to pay for their classes, books, and internships, all to help them get on the path needed to start their careers. I would also like to help support students K-8 through school if required, including paying tuition, meals, school supplies, clothes, and free tutoring. I believe no student should struggle to get an education. In the future, I would like to teach English, math, science, and teamwork, all while encouraging students to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding of how children develop mentally—allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I also would like to push and help young children be successful in the future, all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teaching, pros, and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how other kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have difficulty expressing themselves and may need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be constructive but may not be as helpful compared to one-on-one learning for some students. There are many learning techniques, and one I am very interested in is hands-on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands-on learning to be fun. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have more fun while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way, it can help teach them some responsibility and help them become more independent. I would allow students to help each other when facing an issue. This will improve their problem-solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional educator. I have learned that not every student learns the same, and this is because some of my siblings have learning disabilities. I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently. I don't want to have any of my students feel left out or uncomfortable. That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an educator, for it is what I have wanted to be from a very young age.

I have always been interested in teaching simply because we start learning at a young age. If you think about it, teachers play a significant role in a child's life. This is because most kids go to school from Monday- Friday for approximately 8 hours a day. Teachers are not just there physically but mentally for their students. As a future educator, I want to support and help students advance in their dreams, as well as push my students to success. I want to incorporate different styles of teaching since everyone learns differently. I am interested in getting a bachelor's degree in Education, maybe even a Ph.D. In the future, I hope to travel abroad and teach in different countries. I would also like to obtain knowledge of different cultures, religions, foods, and teaching standards. I want to advance my education, maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, and teach our future generation. In the future, I would also like to support future educators in high school or college. This would help to pay for their classes, books, and internships, all to help them get on the path needed to start their careers. I would also like to help support students K-8 through school if required, including paying tuition, meals, school supplies, clothes, and free tutoring. I believe no student should struggle to get an education. In the future, I would like to teach young children the basics of learning. This includes introducing words, simple math, science, and teamwork, all while encouraging them to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding of how children develop mentally—allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I also would like to push and help young children be successful in the future, all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teaching, pros, and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how other kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have difficulty expressing themselves and may need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be constructive but may not be as helpful compared to one-on-one learning for some students. There are many learning techniques, and one I am very interested in is hands-on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands-on learning to be fun. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have more fun while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way, it can help teach them some responsibility and help them become more independent. I would allow students to help each other when facing an issue. This will improve their problem-solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional educator. I have learned that not every student learns the same, and this is because some of my siblings have learning disabilities. I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently.That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an educator, for it is what I have wanted to be from a very young age.

I have always been fascinated with teaching. All students have had good teachers who has inspired them or maybe even a bad teacher who made them feel different or bad. I have siblings with learning disabilities and they always got treated differently. It broke my heart to see them being labeled by teachers. That is something I would never want to put on a child. Including making them feel any differently because they learn differently. I want to inspire the youth in my career by pushing them to want to learn and helping them see that learning is fun. I would like to incorporate different styles of teaching for my students so they can grasp of to what I am teaching. This is due to the fact that not all students learn the same. I want to teach my students independence, teamwork, problem solving skills, communication, etc. I want to inspire them and inform them about future careers they are interested in. While helping to set them up for real world problems. I would have my students look up research on what responsibilities come with the career path they are choosing to go down. I would inspire and create lessons connected to what they want to be. There is so much that goes into a child's education. I hope to one day help support children who are fighting to get an education.

Children are the future and as future educator I would like to help children all over the world.I am very passionate on early childhood education because I believe that being able to help children learn from a young age is important. In the future I would like to teach young children the basics of learning. This includes an introduction of words, simple math, science, teamwork, all while encouraging them to express themselves. I also hope to get a better understanding on how children develop mentally. Allowing me to fit different ways of teaching into my lessons. I have always found an interest in teaching because everyone learns at a young age. Whether that be talking, walking, writing, reading, etc. I also would like to push and help young children be successful for the future all while encouraging them to want to learn. I have done some research on different styles of teachings, pros and cons as an educator, how to help kids with their emotions, how different kids learn, how to understand children, and how to grow bonds with your students in a positive way. I have found that some children have a hard time expressing themselves and my need help being pushed out of their comfort zones slowly. I also read that group work can be very helpful but may not be as helpful compared to one on one learning for some students. There are many types of learning techniques and one I am very interested in is hands on learning. I believe a good majority of children find hands on learning to be fun. This can include games, outside activities, and small science projects. I hope that this will then encourage students to want to have fun more while learning. I also would like to have students work in small groups and give them different tasks. This way it can help teach them some responsibility and being able to be independent. I would allow other students to help each other out when running into an issue. This will improve their problem solving skills, communication, and learning how to work as a team. There is a lot more research I would like to do so that I can become an exceptional early childhood educator. This would include traveling and seeing how different countries teach their kids and what works best for young students. Then I can make different types of lessons in the future for my students because not everyone learns the same. I have learned this in my life because some of my siblings have learning disabilities and I want all my students to grow and not be treated differently because they learn differently. I don't want to have any of my students feel left out or uncomfortable. That is why I wanted to pursue education because I see the challenges my siblings had to face in the educational system and I hope to one day be able to change that. I am excited to be an early childhood educator for it is what I wanted to be from a very young age.

I've not only grown mentally but physically this year. This year I feel like I have pushed myself and I am glad where I am at currently but still hoping to progress as a person. What started my growth my previous job and graduating high school. I was stuck at a toxic job where I got made fun of because of my race. Simply for being Hispanic and what hurt most was being laughed at and called disgusting for eating Hispanic food and hearing my culture being seen as a bad thing. I decided I had enough and fought back for what I believed in because I am proud of who and what I am. I decided enough was enough and quit my job. It took me a while to get a job but I finally secured a job where I am accepted and loved. I even made new friends and started opening myself up to people. Earlier in the year as well I graduated high school a year earlier and I was super excited. My mom wanted to go to the college she went to and worked at but I had other plans. In my plans I wanted to spread my wings and experience college life. Since I didn't want to go to the college she went to and chose a career path she didn't approve of she decided not to help me apply for college. So I took matters into my own hands and decided I was going to do what was best for me. I applied to a college called Polk State College and I absolutely love it. It was the college my step dad used to go to but he dropped out due to work but I encouraged him to go back to school with me. So he is finishing up his Associates degree while I am just starting off. I am struggling to pay for my college because my financial aid is 800 dollars due to my parents income and they aren't helping me pay for classes. So I am having to pay almost 500 dollars towards my classes not including books. So I am having to work extra hours while also helping my parents pay for bills and groceries. I have plans on moving out soon but I can't save up what I need because I am helping my parents, taking care of my siblings, going to school full time, and working full time. Nor can I get a good paying job because I am not 18 yet. Thankfully I have obtained good grades in my classes and sit with a 4.0 weighted GPA. This year I have started to mature but I still remain who I always have been and I intend to stay true to me. I hope to one day make an impact on others in a positive way. I have learned to be open, carefree, independent, and happy. I have learned who I want to be as a person now and in the future and for this year I am so grateful and I can't wait to see what comes next.