![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/img7520fd22bc4a786b4264ad6927ce912d45fb.webp)
Hobbies and interests
African American Studies
Ceramics And Pottery
Education
History
Mental Health
Community Service And Volunteering
Faith Crumpler
485
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/img7520fd22bc4a786b4264ad6927ce912d45fb.webp)
Faith Crumpler
485
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hi, I'm Faith! I'm a first-generation senior at Hillside High School who is passionate about community service and mental health. I will attend university in the fall of 2024 majoring in history, my long-term career goal is to be a high school social studies teacher.
Education
Durham Technical Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Hillside High
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- History and Political Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Social Studies Teacher
Sports
Wrestling
Varsity2023 – 20241 year
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Mental Health Scholarship for Women
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Spaghetti and Butter Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. Currently, I'm a senior in high school at Hillside High School, dual-enrolled at Durham Tech in the Teacher preparation pathway; my goal is to prepare and start to form skills that I will use in my future classroom and also gain as many credits as I can before enrolling into a 4-year university. In the fall I plan to pursue my bachelor's with a major in history, with a minor in African American studies, hopefully finishing within two years, and following up with a master's in Secondary Education to teach high school social studies. From the grades 9th–12th, I have lived separately from both my parents, funding most of my education myself. I bought my college textbooks and school supplies and paid for club dues, graduation materials, etc on my own. To support my education and well-being, I run a small baking business, selling treats to my peers at school while also working a part-time job. While managing my education, I’ve suffered greatly from mental health barriers and unstable living conditions. I’ve been kicked out, switched schools mid-semester, and been admitted to psychiatric hospitals, just to name a few struggles. My home life has prevented me from succeeding as much as I know I’m capable of. My transcript has shown my grades to range from semesters with all A's to semesters filled with B’s and C’s. Because of this, my GPA isn’t as high as I’d like it to be. My high school experience has been a rollercoaster of hardships. But despite these challenges, I have persevered and remained dedicated to my education and personal growth. In the fall of this school year, I applied for a grant from the DPS Foundation. I received 5,000 dollars to plan a schoolwide wellness day to encourage overall happiness and provide mental health resources for my peers. The day was filled with yoga, art therapy, service dogs, counselors, and more. For me, planning this was a way for me to introduce students to coping mechanisms that have helped me. I am proud of the resilience I have shown in the face of adversity and am determined to continue striving for success in all aspects of my life.
Jeanne Kramme Fouke Scholarship for Future Teachers
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities.
With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning.
Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Marjorie Moriole Early Childhood Education Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Della Fleetwood-Sherrod Humanitarian Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Fred Rabasca Memorial Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required. The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.
Teaching Like Teri Scholarship
Growing up I would spend hours playing "school" with my siblings and cousins, eagerly taking on the role of the teacher. I’d line up chairs in my grandmother's living room and scrawl math problems on a dusty old whiteboard. My students listened attentively and played along as I gleefully taught them lessons and assigned spelling tests. Becoming a teacher has always been in the cards for me. I grew up in an unstable and unsupportive environment. My mother was a fretful woman and at the drop of a hat, we’d pack up and move towns. By age fifteen, I'd been the new kid eleven times. Each move being harder and scarier than the next. I never knew what my peers would think of me or if they hated how I talked or acted. So, out of fear, I stayed to myself, reluctant to pursue friendships. My anxiety snowballed into a flurry of a mess that followed me into middle and high school, and my ability to interact socially was nonexistent.
By my Freshman year, I'd developed an eating disorder. In my sophomore year, I dealt with two failed suicide attempts and a 2-week stay to the psych ward. Junior year was like a mirror of sophomore year, but the one thing that provided some solace for me was school and my extracurricular activities. With the lack of support from home, my teachers were my main 6supporters and motivators. They believed in me and pushed me to overcome obstacles, making me believe I could create change and become a leader in my community. In my junior year, I started Key Club, a community service club. It started as something meek, just me and a few friends doing small volunteer projects, but it very quickly began to grow. We gained new volunteers and new opportunities. My current teachers aided and encouraged our growth all the way. They helped us secure funding for larger projects and connected us with local organizations aligned with our mission. Their guidance and mentorship allowed the Key Club to thrive and taught me valuable leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my community involvement today. Before I knew it, Key Club consumed my every thought and free time. It wasn’t a responsibility to me, it was something that provided me with jubilance and purpose; and without even realizing it, by helping others I'd helped myself become a brighter and happier person. My goal became to extend the same happiness to others and to grant my peers the same sense of self-worth and meaning. Throughout my high school journey, I´ve watched my teachers jump through hoops and obstacles to give me and my peers the best education possible, extending beyond what's required.
The teachers at my current school are some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I´ve ever met. Their passion and drive to ensure their students succeed inspire me to do the same. Five years from now I see myself in the classroom, supporting my future students, educating and pushing them to pursue their dreams the same way my teachers have done for me. Leadership and confidence start in the classroom and teachers morph and shape the future generation into who they become and what they achieve.