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Gracie Wendt

1,255

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Finalist

Bio

My life goal is to be the best advocate for students who struggle with disabilities of any kind. I wish to be an educator for young children and those with disabilities because I believe every person should have the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual and defy the odds that society set for them.

Education

Angelo State University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Education, General
  • Minors:
    • Special Education and Teaching

Central High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Special Education and Teaching
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Avalanche Crew Member

      Bahama Bucks
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    mascot

    Varsity
    2022 – Present2 years

    Awards

    • NCA State

    Research

    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other

      FCCLA — President
      2022 – Present

    Arts

    • Student Council

      Computer Art
      Safe Driving, Homecoming, Spirit Week, Red Ribbon Week
      2019 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Community Actions Teams — member
      2019 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Shays Scholarship
    I am a middle sister to two brothers and I live with both my parents. My parents have been key role models for my success so far. I have seen them in their best and worst moments and witnessed all the sacrifices they have made for my family. They are both very determined and that trait has rubbed off well on me. I have been maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and continuing this academic excellence in college has been a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. It has been a journey filled with late nights, countless hours of studying, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As I reflect on my achievements, I am proud to say that I have completed 21 credit hours during high school, and I am currently working towards obtaining a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary degree in early childhood through sixth-grade general and all-level special education certification. The decision to pursue a career in early childhood and special education was not one that I made lightly. It was born out of a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. From a young age, I have always been drawn to the innocence, curiosity, and unique perspectives that young children possess. Their ability to see the world through fresh eyes and their unwavering belief in the power of imagination has always inspired me. Furthermore, my experiences with individuals with special needs have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusive education and the need for specialized support. Witnessing their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and understanding. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. By pursuing a career in early childhood and special education, I hope to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. I want to be the teacher who ignites a love for learning in my students, who encourages them to embrace their unique strengths, and who helps them overcome any obstacles they may face. I want to be the advocate who ensures that every child's individual needs are met, and that they have access to the resources and support necessary for their success. Moreover, I am driven by the belief that early intervention and support are crucial in shaping a child's future. By working with young children, I hope to lay a strong foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. I want to foster a love for learning, promote critical thinking skills, and instill a sense of confidence and self-belief in each child. By providing early intervention and specialized support for children with special needs, I aim to empower them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. In conclusion, my journey toward a career in early childhood and special education has been fueled by my unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. My commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my desire to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments, has driven me to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth-grade general and all-level special education certification. I am excited to continue my educational journey, knowing that it will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I teach.
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and continuing this academic excellence in college has been a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. It has been a journey filled with late nights, countless hours of studying, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As I reflect on my achievements, I am proud to say that I have completed 21 credit hours during high school, and I am currently working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. The decision to pursue a career in early childhood and special education was not one that I made lightly. It was born out of a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. From a young age, I have always been drawn to the innocence, curiosity, and unique perspectives that young children possess. Their ability to see the world through fresh eyes and their unwavering belief in the power of imagination have always inspired me. Furthermore, my experiences with individuals with special needs have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusive education and the need for specialized support. Witnessing their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and understanding. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. By pursuing a career in early childhood and special education, I hope to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. I want to be the teacher who ignites a love for learning in my students, who encourages them to embrace their unique strengths, and who helps them overcome any obstacles they may face. I want to be the advocate who ensures that every child's individual needs are met, and that they have access to the resources and support necessary for their success. Moreover, I am driven by the belief that early intervention and support are crucial in shaping a child's future. By working with young children, I hope to lay a strong foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. I want to foster a love for learning, promote critical thinking skills, and instill a sense of confidence and self-belief in each child. By providing early intervention and specialized support for children with special needs, I aim to empower them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. In conclusion, my journey towards a career in early childhood and special education has been fueled by my unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. My commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my desire to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments, has driven me to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. I am excited to continue my educational journey, knowing that it will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I teach. This scholarship will help me reach my academic goals by being able to stress less about having to pay for my further education. With these funds, I will have the ability to focus more on my education and achieve the goals I have set for myself instead of worrying about the cost and the amount of hours I will need to work to achieve my academic goals.
    Beatrice Diaz Memorial Scholarship
    I am a middle sister to two brothers and I live with both my parents. My parents have been key role models for my success so far. I have seen them in their best and worst moments and witnessed all the sacrifices they have made for my family. They are both very determined and that trait has rubbed off well on me. I have been maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and continuing this academic excellence in college has been a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. It has been a journey filled with late nights, countless hours of studying, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As I reflect on my achievements, I am proud to say that I have completed 21 credit hours during high school, and I am currently working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. The decision to pursue a career in early childhood and special education was not one that I made lightly. It was born out of a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. From a young age, I have always been drawn to the innocence, curiosity, and unique perspectives that young children possess. Their ability to see the world through fresh eyes and their unwavering belief in the power of imagination have always inspired me. Furthermore, my experiences with individuals with special needs have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusive education and the need for specialized support. Witnessing their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and understanding. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. By pursuing a career in early childhood and special education, I hope to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. I want to be the teacher who ignites a love for learning in my students, who encourages them to embrace their unique strengths, and who helps them overcome any obstacles they may face. I want to be the advocate who ensures that every child's individual needs are met, and that they have access to the resources and support necessary for their success. Moreover, I am driven by the belief that early intervention and support are crucial in shaping a child's future. By working with young children, I hope to lay a strong foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. I want to foster a love for learning, promote critical thinking skills, and instill a sense of confidence and self-belief in each child. By providing early intervention and specialized support for children with special needs, I aim to empower them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. In conclusion, my journey towards a career in early childhood and special education has been fueled by my unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. My commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my desire to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments, has driven me to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. I am excited to continue my educational journey, knowing that it will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I teach.
    Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship
    Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and continuing this academic excellence in college has been a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. It has been a journey filled with late nights, countless hours of studying, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As I reflect on my achievements, I am proud to say that I have completed 21 credit hours during high school, and I am currently working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. The decision to pursue a career in early childhood and special education was not one that I made lightly. It was born out of a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. From a young age, I have always been drawn to the innocence, curiosity, and unique perspectives that young children possess. Their ability to see the world through fresh eyes and their unwavering belief in the power of imagination have always inspired me. Furthermore, my experiences with individuals with special needs have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusive education and the need for specialized support. Witnessing their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and understanding. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. By pursuing a career in early childhood and special education, I hope to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. I want to be the teacher who ignites a love for learning in my students, who encourages them to embrace their unique strengths, and who helps them overcome any obstacles they may face. I want to be the advocate who ensures that every child's individual needs are met, and that they have access to the resources and support necessary for their success. Moreover, I am driven by the belief that early intervention and support are crucial in shaping a child's future. By working with young children, I hope to lay a strong foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. I want to foster a love for learning, promote critical thinking skills, and instill a sense of confidence and self-belief in each child. By providing early intervention and specialized support for children with special needs, I aim to empower them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. In conclusion, my journey towards a career in early childhood and special education has been fueled by my unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. My commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my desire to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments, has driven me to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood through sixth grade general and all-level special education certification. I am excited to continue my educational journey, knowing that it will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I teach.
    AHS Scholarship
    Ever since I was a child, I have always had a deep passion for working with young children and individuals with special needs. Their innocence, curiosity, and unique perspectives on the world have always fascinated me. As I grew older, my dream of becoming an early childhood and special education teacher only intensified, and I knew that pursuing a college education would be the key to unlocking the doors to this fulfilling career. College will undoubtedly play a crucial role in supporting my dream of becoming an early childhood and special education teacher. It will provide me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to excel in this field. Through coursework, I will gain a solid foundation in child development, educational psychology, and teaching strategies specifically tailored for young children and those with special needs. These classes will not only equip me with the theoretical understanding of how children learn and develop, but they will also provide me with practical strategies to effectively engage and support their unique needs. Furthermore, college will offer me invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience through field placements and internships. These experiences will allow me to observe and work alongside experienced teachers in real classroom settings, where I can apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired. I will have the chance to interact with diverse groups of children, each with their own strengths, challenges, and individual learning styles. This exposure will enable me to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique needs of each child, and how to tailor my teaching approach to meet those needs effectively. In addition to academic and practical experiences, college will also provide me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for early childhood and special education. Collaborating with fellow students who are also pursuing similar dreams will not only foster a sense of camaraderie, but it will also allow us to learn from one another's experiences and perspectives. Together, we can inspire and motivate each other to become the best educators we can be, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of early childhood and special education. Moreover, college will expose me to a wide range of resources and professional development opportunities. From attending conferences and workshops to joining professional organizations, I will have access to the latest research, best practices, and innovative teaching techniques. These resources will enable me to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving field of early childhood and special education, ensuring that I am equipped with the most effective strategies to support my students' growth and development. Ultimately, my dream of becoming an early childhood and special education teacher is deeply rooted in my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and individuals with special needs. College will provide me with the necessary tools, experiences, and support to turn this dream into a reality. I am excited to embark on this educational journey, knowing that it will shape me into a compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective educator who can make a difference in the lives of those I teach.