As a (very proud) South African living in the United States as an international student, I have come to realize just how many people live in fear- myself included. People with so much potential, people who may actually be able to change the world (or even just a small part of it), people who will never be able to see themselves accomplish their dreams because of the fear of failure or the 'unknown' is too daunting. I have decided that I will most definitely NOT be one of those people. My first step in 'conquering my fears' was to apply to Texas State University's Graduate College and chase my dream of becoming the best elementary school teacher that I can be. My destiny if I can be so cliché. I am fortunate enough to have many educator role models in my family, one can say that being a teacher is in my blood (something I only realized AFTER my dreams of being a child psychology counselor slowly faded away with time). When I look back at my life and especially at my university days, I have a few regrets. I regret that I didn't work as hard as I should have with the opportunity that was given to me and not nearly as hard as I know now I can work. One of my favorite song lyrics says: 'The sun will rise and we will try again' and this has been my motto ever since. I am ready for this opportunity to show not only myself but my mother, friends, and family that yes! I can achieve the academic excellence that I now KNOW I am capable of. I have learned, loved, lost, and failed but by the grace of God, I am stronger and better than ever before. Having a passion for life, being driven, adaptable, and not giving up when the going gets tough are some of my favorite qualities about myself (if I do say so myself...). When I got on that plane at OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, I never in a million years thought that I would in the future have the opportunity to further my studies in a foreign country such as the US. God had other plans though and I do imagine Him sometimes having a little chuckle at my expense thinking: ‘Oh, child of mine, if you only knew the plans I have for you. The ways in which I am going to work through you to help and teach and love others. Just you wait and see.’ My eyes feel like it has a brand new sparkle of hope and outlook on my future. HERE I have the chance to make a difference in children’s lives, here, I feel needed. My mother, a 5-7th grade English teacher for 29 years, told me a story the other day about an old student of hers who sadly was sexually assaulted and ultimately lost the baby because of abuse at home. The student confided in my mom and told her that even though she lost the baby, the hospital required a name for the child in order for her to get a proper burial. She named the little baby girl after my mom- her role model and a teacher who made such an impact on her life. A teacher who rooted for her from the beginning, someone who helped her with her reading disability and never stopped believing in her and showed her love- a parental kind of love that this student didn’t really receive at home. This story inspired me even more, I want to be THAT kind of teacher, a teacher who never gives up on her students and who can make a difference in students' lives, who shows love and patience and helps grow a love for learning in their hearts and minds. A type of teacher who in her own way shows that a loving and gracious God exists in such a broken world. This story may be sad and tragic, but for me though, it’s a sign of hope and a motivating factor so I can strive to be the best teacher I can possibly be. I can’t wait to share my knowledge and culture with my students. I can’t wait to see them grow in a year’s time. I look forward to the challenges that teaching brings. The highs and lows, the tears and laughter, the look on a kid’s face when they FINALLY understand the work they’ve been struggling with. I am not naïve to think that it will always be moonshine and roses, but boy am I ready to tackle the challenges head on. I am ready to work hard at my graduate studies, to keep myself motivated and perform to the best of my abilities because for once in my life I have a clear, reachable goal and I will not stop until I achieve that goal. A desire that God placed in my heart for a reason. I am ready to make a real impact in the world, or maybe just my own small little part of it.