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Gabrielle Hsieh

1x

Finalist

Bio

I want to pursue an education major because I want to be able to teach and take care of young children or early teens about the beautiful things about the world, while also allowing them to have fun. Some things about me are that I play the piano, which connects to how I'm feeling; I watch Chinese or Korean Dramas during my free time, I like to build Legos, I'm really active on social media, and I love hanging out with people I love.

Education

California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Master's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Education, General
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Glen A Wilson High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
    • Music
    • Education, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Behavior Therapist

      Kyo
      2025 – 20261 year
    • Junior Teacher

      Sparks Academy
      2026 – Present7 months
    • Office Assistant

      Learning Tree Walnut Education
      2025 – 2025
    • Teacher

      American Chinese School
      2021 – 20254 years
    • Teacher

      Learning Tree Walnut Education
      2025 – 2025

    Arts

    • Certificate of Merit

      Music
      N/A
      2011 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      American Chinese School — Teacher Assistant
      2021 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Philanthropy

    Special Needs Advocacy Inc. Kathleen Lehman Memorial Scholarship
    From a young age, I have been drawn to people who experience the world differently. I have always noticed how easily individuals with special needs are overlooked, misunderstood, or underestimated. While others sometimes focus on limitations, I find myself noticing strengths—creativity, honesty, resilience, and unique ways of thinking. These observations have shaped not only who I am, but who I hope to become. I am pursuing a career serving individuals with special needs because I believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to be fully seen. I consider myself patient, reflective, and deeply empathetic. I value listening before speaking and understanding before judging. Throughout my education, I have been especially inspired by environments where inclusion is not simply discussed, but practiced. I have seen how small acts—adjusting instruction, offering encouragement, providing extra time, or advocating during meetings—can dramatically influence a student’s confidence and growth. These experiences have affirmed my desire to dedicate my career to special education. In my future profession, I plan to make a positive social impact by fostering inclusion both inside and outside the classroom. First, I will create learning environments where students with special needs feel safe, capable, and valued. Too often, these students internalize messages that they are “behind” or “different” in negative ways. I want my classroom to be a space where differences are normalized and strengths are celebrated. By implementing individualized instruction, assistive technology, and differentiated strategies, I will ensure that each student can access the curriculum in a way that aligns with their learning style. Beyond academics, I am committed to teaching self-advocacy and independence. Empowerment is one of the most meaningful forms of social impact. When students learn to articulate their needs, set goals, and recognize their abilities, they gain tools that extend far beyond school. I will intentionally teach communication skills, decision-making strategies, and problem-solving techniques so that my students can confidently navigate future educational and professional environments. I also plan to advocate at the systemic level. Serving individuals with special needs requires collaboration with families, administrators, therapists, and community organizations. I will actively participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings with a focus on equity and high expectations. Additionally, I hope to contribute to professional development initiatives that promote inclusive practices among general education teachers. Inclusion should not be limited to one classroom; it should be embedded in school culture. Long term, I aspire to contribute to broader social awareness about disabilities. Misconceptions and stigma often create more barriers than the disabilities themselves. By engaging families and communities in open dialogue, I aim to promote understanding and compassion. Whether through workshops, mentorship programs, or partnerships with local organizations, I want to help build communities that recognize ability before limitation. At the heart of my career goals is a simple belief: every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Serving those with special needs is not just my chosen profession—it is my commitment to equity, respect, and meaningful change. Through compassion, advocacy, and inclusive education, I plan to create spaces where all students can thrive and contribute confidently to society.
    Kathleen L. Small Teaching Scholarship
    On the night before my first major exam in high school, I remember sitting at our kitchen table fighting back tears. My notes were scattered, my confidence was low, and I was convinced that no matter how hard I studied, I would never be “good enough.” My mother quietly walked into the room, sat beside me, and began reviewing flashcards with me. She did not have a background in the subject, and she had already worked a long day, but she refused to let me face that moment alone. When I apologized for not understanding everything, she gently reminded me that education is not about being perfect—it is about persistence. That night, I learned that the true power of education lies not only in knowledge, but in encouragement and belief. I am pursuing a career in education because I want to provide that same sense of belief to my future students. I have seen firsthand how transformative it can be when someone takes the time to invest in a child’s growth. Education is more than textbooks, lectures, and exams; it is a foundation for opportunity. For many students, school is the place where they first discover their strengths, develop their voice, and begin to imagine possibilities beyond their current environment. I want to create a classroom that feels safe, supportive, and motivating—a place where students are not afraid to ask questions, take risks, or challenge themselves. In today’s world, students face academic pressures, social challenges, and personal obstacles that can make learning feel overwhelming. I want to be an educator who recognizes those challenges and meets students with empathy. My goal is to foster critical thinking, resilience, and curiosity. Rather than simply teaching students what to think, I want to teach them how to think—how to analyze, question, and solve problems with confidence. Education should empower students to become independent learners and responsible citizens, capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. The person who inspires this passion most deeply is my mother. Although she did not always have access to the educational opportunities she dreamed of, she never allowed her circumstances to define her outlook on learning. She believed wholeheartedly in the value of education and instilled that belief in me from a young age. She celebrated my successes, but more importantly, she supported me through my failures. She taught me that setbacks are temporary and that growth comes from perseverance. Her sacrifices have shaped my understanding of what it means to serve others. She showed me that real support often happens behind the scenes—in the quiet moments of encouragement, in the late-night study sessions, and in the unwavering faith that someone else can succeed. I want to carry that same spirit into my career as an educator. By choosing this path, I am committing myself to guiding, inspiring, and advocating for students who may not yet see their own potential. Pursuing a career in education is not simply a professional choice for me; it is a personal mission rooted in gratitude and purpose. I want to honor my mother’s example by becoming the kind of teacher who changes lives—not only through lessons taught, but through confidence built and dreams encouraged. Through education, I hope to make a lasting impact, one student at a time.