I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since I was in early elementary school. The teachers I had during those years were often positive, uplifting, caring, and kind. However, I also had teachers who weren’t as kind or supportive, and it was those experiences that helped be decide to become a teacher. I want to be the kind of teacher who gives students the kindness and compassion that I wasn't always given in school. When my father passed away during my elementary years, my teachers became an essential part of my support system. They kept their doors open to me, always ready to listen if I needed someone to talk to. They were patient and understanding when I missed school, struggled to complete assignments, or had difficulty focusing in class. Rather than dismissing my grief or becoming frustrated, they showed empathy and care. They helped me catch up on my work without judgment, and when I was absent, they asked if I was okay—not just why I had missed class. Most of all, they made sure I knew I wasn’t alone. These moments left a lasting impact on me and shaped the kind of educator I aspire to become. I want to be a teacher who recognizes that students bring their whole lives into the classroom—joys, struggles, and everything in between. I want to create a classroom environment where all children feel safe, valued, and understood—especially when life outside of school feels overwhelming. I am just one of many students who have experienced the loss of a parent, and I believe my experience will help me relate to and support students facing similar challenges. My goal is to provide them with the same understanding, compassion, and encouragement that meant so much to me. I want to be someone they can turn to, someone who listens, and someone who helps them through, just as my teachers did for me. Losing my father was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but it has become a driving force behind my motivation to pursue a career in teaching. His love and unwavering support continue to inspire me every day, reminding me not to give up and to keep working toward this goal. I want to make him proud by doing what I love: helping children grow, learn, and feel supported, no matter what they’re going through. Teaching is not just a career for me—it’s a calling, a purpose, and a way to honor both my father’s memory and the incredible teachers who helped me through one of the hardest times in my life.

My father was one of the most important people in my life. He had an incredible ability to make people laugh, often with just a single word or a silly gesture. His sense of humor was contagious, and no matter how tough life got, he could always find a way to make us smile. Despite working two jobs, he always made time for his family. He taught my sister and me how to play softball, ride bikes, and always helped us with our math homework since our mother wasn’t the best at math. He always showed up to our school and sporting events, until he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2015. At that time, I was 9 years old, and my sister was 7. Once he started his treatments, he would still try to attend events but often had to miss them because of doctor's appointments or treatments. In March of 2016, my dad passed away from cancer. The loss of him shifted my world, especially since I was only 10 years old. The grief that came with his passing was unlike anything I had ever felt before. I had to learn how to navigate life without him by my side, and doing so felt impossible at times. Going through important events without him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. School dances, being inducted into the National Honor Society in high school, graduating high school and attending college—making these big decisions and doing these things without him was extremely hard. Even in his absence, my dad’s influence never left me. His lessons, his encouragement, his belief in me—they continue to shape every decision I make. Everything I’ve done since his passing, I’ve done with him in mind. I know that if he were still here, he would be proud of everything I’ve accomplished. His love and support continue to fuel my determination to succeed and honor his memory in everything I do. Grief is like a rollercoaster, a constant mix of highs and lows, especially when you're trying to process it at such a young age. There are days when I feel like I’m okay, and then there are days when it feels like it all comes crashing down. Through it all, I carry the memory of my dad with me. And I know that as I continue to grow, accomplish new things, and face the challenges life throws my way, I am doing it for him, in honor of the amazing father he was.