Who or what is family to you? To some people, families are those who live in their house or their friends, or teammates, and to some, it’s the people they see at school. To me, family is the people who are in my life, love me, and support me no matter what. My family has made such a big impact on what makes me who I am today. I am the only child of two loving parents and together we make a very close, faith-centered family. One of the most challenging years in my life was 2022. During this year, I lost three family members in nine months: my great-aunt and two grandparents. I hadn’t experienced a loss in my family in thirteen years. The grief of losing a family member is one like no other. My great-aunt (my mom’s mom’s sister) passed away on March thirteenth, my Gma (my dad’s mom) passed away on June twenty-third, and my Papa (my mom’s stepdad) passed away on October first; all of which were pretty sudden. Grief is defined as deep sorrow, especially when caused by someone's death. Through this challenging time of grief, upsetness, and distress, my faith in God was tested the most. I have been a Christian since April thirteenth, 2015. After the loss of these family members, I became very angry with God. I questioned why this happened to me. Why, at such a crucial time in my life, was He taking away three of the people who loved and supported me? Why did He choose to take away people who still had so much life to live, and so much love to give? My anger and frustration with God consumed me and I began to stray away from him. In all honesty, I began to resent God for causing me so much pain. In all my resentment and frustration I started to allow the outside world’s thoughts to enter my head. After a conversation with my church youth group leader, I realized how many questions I had about the afterlife. What was it, where is it, when would I go? I soon realized I had doubted Heaven and all the promises God has made in his word. Through this difficult time of vulnerability, my faith grew in strength and love. God never promised that we, as Christians, wouldn’t go through hard times but he did promise us in Isiah 41 to “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. My family bond has been strengthened through the trials we faced. Although I still struggle with grief and doubt, I am grounded by the knowledge that I will one day be reunited with my loved ones. I hold on to all the memories I have with those who have passed. I do miss them very much, but it's comforting to know we will be reunited again one day. I only hope that they can look down on me and be proud of all the accomplishments I will make. The unexpectancy of the past has taught me to live in the moment and never take anything for granted. I live with the thought that today could be my last. This new outlook on life has led me to passionately go after my dreams, never dwell in the past but keep going forward, and ultimately do what makes me happy.

I believe I am truly meant to be a teacher. Ever since I was younger, I always had a love and passion for children. I want to make a difference in the lives of young children. I want to help them love school and be excited to learn. I want to provide a safe space for all children in their own individual ways. I want to provide and help with all different learning styles and make sure every kid feels and knows they are loved and supported. Teaching is not just a profession for me; it's a calling. The role of a teacher extends beyond textbooks and classrooms; it involves shaping the future of our society by nurturing the minds of the next generation. The impact a teacher can have on a child's life is immeasurable, and it goes far beyond academic achievements. Teachers are the architects of the future. They mold the minds of young learners, instilling knowledge, values, and a thirst for learning. A teacher's influence reaches beyond the classroom, shaping the character of students and preparing them for the challenges they will face in the world. It is a responsibility that requires dedication, empathy, and a genuine passion for education. One of the most crucial aspects of teaching is creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Every child is unique, with their own set of strengths and challenges. As a teacher, my goal is to recognize and celebrate these differences, fostering an environment where each student feels valued and supported. A safe and encouraging atmosphere is essential for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Moreover, I believe in catering to diverse learning styles. Not every child learns the same way, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not do justice to the individuality of each student. By incorporating various teaching methods and adapting to different learning styles, I aim to make education more accessible and engaging for every child. This ensures that no student is left behind and that each one has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Beyond academics, teachers play a pivotal role in the emotional development of students. Children spend a significant amount of their formative years in school, and teachers become influential figures in their lives. By offering guidance, support, and a caring presence, teachers contribute to the overall well-being of their students. This emotional support is equally important as the academic knowledge imparted in the classroom. The importance of teachers becomes even more evident when considering their role in shaping the values and attitudes of students. Teachers are not only educators but also mentors who help instill essential life skills and ethical principles. The lessons learned in the classroom extend far beyond the academic curriculum, influencing the way students approach challenges, solve problems, and interact with others. In conclusion, I believe that teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world. They hold the key to unlocking the potential within each child, guiding them toward a future of success and fulfillment. The impact of a dedicated and passionate teacher extends far beyond the academic realm, shaping the character and values of the next generation. As I embark on this journey to become a teacher, my commitment lies not only in imparting knowledge but in fostering a love for learning, creating a supportive environment, and inspiring each student to reach for the stars.

I believe I am truly meant to be a teacher. Ever since I was younger, I always had a love and passion for children. I want to make a difference in the lives of young children. I want to help them love school and be excited to learn. I want to provide a safe space for all children in their own individual ways. I want to provide and help with all different learning styles and make sure every kid feels and knows they are loved and supported. Teaching is not just a profession for me; it's a calling. The role of a teacher extends beyond textbooks and classrooms; it involves shaping the future of our society by nurturing the minds of the next generation. The impact a teacher can have on a child's life is immeasurable, and it goes far beyond academic achievements. Teachers are the architects of the future. They mold the minds of young learners, instilling knowledge, values, and a thirst for learning. A teacher's influence reaches beyond the classroom, shaping the character of students and preparing them for the challenges they will face in the world. It is a responsibility that requires dedication, empathy, and a genuine passion for education. One of the most crucial aspects of teaching is creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Every child is unique, with their own set of strengths and challenges. As a teacher, my goal is to recognize and celebrate these differences, fostering an environment where each student feels valued and supported. A safe and encouraging atmosphere is essential for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Moreover, I believe in catering to diverse learning styles. Not every child learns the same way, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not do justice to the individuality of each student. By incorporating various teaching methods and adapting to different learning styles, I aim to make education more accessible and engaging for every child. This ensures that no student is left behind and that each one has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Beyond academics, teachers play a pivotal role in the emotional development of students. Children spend a significant amount of their formative years in school, and teachers become influential figures in their lives. By offering guidance, support, and a caring presence, teachers contribute to the overall well-being of their students. This emotional support is equally important as the academic knowledge imparted in the classroom. The importance of teachers becomes even more evident when considering their role in shaping the values and attitudes of students. Teachers are not only educators but also mentors who help instill essential life skills and ethical principles. The lessons learned in the classroom extend far beyond the academic curriculum, influencing the way students approach challenges, solve problems, and interact with others. In conclusion, I believe that teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world. They hold the key to unlocking the potential within each child, guiding them toward a future of success and fulfillment. The impact of a dedicated and passionate teacher extends far beyond the academic realm, shaping the character and values of the next generation. As I embark on this journey to become a teacher, my commitment lies not only in imparting knowledge but in fostering a love for learning, creating a supportive environment, and inspiring each student to reach for the stars.