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Janie Gestautas

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Knitting
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Music
  • Reading
  • Cleaning
  • Cosplay
  • Dungeons And Dragons

Reading

  • Academic
  • Literary Fiction
  • History
  • historical fiction
  • Adventure
  • Young Adult
  • manga
  • comic books
  • poems

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

My life goals are to become not just a good teacher but I am determined to be one that my students will look up to and will be able to confide in me. I am a great candidate because I have done tons of service to my community and do not plan on stopping! I am a determined, hardworking, and loyal individual who loves to help others whenever and where ever I can. Being granted a scholarship would mean the world to me. If there is any possible chance I have to apply for scholarships I’ll take them! I think that applying for these is important because it will help lower the cost of my tuition. I would really appreciate the opportunity so I will not have the financial burden later in life. I plan to further my education so I can be the best at my future career as a teacher for General Education or Special Education. I also am interested in working towards a Middle Grades (5-8) Education license and hoped to be endorsed in Social Sciences and English/Reading. I am ready for the hard work ahead of me in the years to come! I am also a First Generation student, meaning my parents did not have the opportunity to go to a 4 years college or university. For what it’s worth, some fun facts about me is that I am a Virgo and my Hogwarts house is Gryffindor!

Education

Eureka College

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2023

Majors:
  • Education, General
  • Special Education and Teaching
GPA3.5 GPA

Moraine Valley Community College

Associate's degree program

2019 – 2021

Majors:
  • Education, General
GPA3.4 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Governors State University, Illinois Central College
Majors of interest:
Teaching Assistants/Aides, Religion/Religious Studies, Special Education and Teaching
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Lawn care billing and field worker

    public works · Village of Calumet Park

    Jan 2018 – Present

  • Sales associate

    Consumer Services · Hallmark

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2020

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Principal, I plan to give back to those who may need help, American Sigh Language certified, Masters in Library Sciences
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
First-Generation Educators Scholarship
Lets look back to 4th grade. We were doing a play on the book "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and I tried out for a few parts but wasn't casted as anything. Later on in the day I see that there is a part for pianist. I was excited because I know the piano, so I went to my teacher and played the song for her. She was impressed and I got the part! This is only one example on how she was positively impacted my life. An educator that has giving me the most positive impact and school experience was my 4th and 5th grade teacher, Mrs. O. I had Mrs. O for two grades and summer school and once I got used to her I started to love school even more. My favorite part of the day was reading and English and my teach made it even more enjoyable. She helped me to love and appreciate language arts like no other teacher and to this day I still have an affinity for the subjects. If it had not been for her I do not think that I would be in my chosen field, Elementary Education and Special Education. As a first generation student what drove me to go to college is the fact that I felt not only the want, but the need to further my education. I believe that I can make a difference in a student's life like how Mrs. O made a difference in mine. I want the opportunity to teach to lead future students to be humble, kind, and proud of their accomplishments and downfalls.
Studyist Education Equity Scholarship
I think that this is something that we should stand for because of how much it costs families to give their children a good education. I know from experience that not having all the money in the world can really be the hardest feat a parent can face. Watching my mother and father struggle to make it to the bills was hard for me. My only wish is to fill out as many scholarships as I possibly can to help out with the cost of my tuition for college. Not only does educational inequity mean financial troubles it also means there is less school funding, qualified and experienced teachers, books, and technologies that the students could be using. I think that it is clear that we need to think of the well fare of the children and their future. Having not just good, but instead, the best educational experience can make the world of a difference to a child in an oppressed or disadvantaged area.
Bold Great Books Scholarship
My favorite book is named “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. The first book in the series of seven is the perfect way to start a love for fantasy. This Fantasy Fiction Novel has the perfect amount of creativity and fantasy. It is also realism because we as readers can relate to it almost all the time. We may not all be wizards and witches but we can understand the struggle of having a difficult family and completing hard school work. This novel captivated me in the first chapter. The witty way it is written makes me feel like I’m sitting next to the author and they are telling me a story. Not all books seem that intimate to me but J.K. Rowling’s first novel in this series reaches at my heartstrings. My favorite thing about the novel is that it opens a whole new world to me. Not only the grammar or phrases because it’s from “across the pond” but it’s the topic that fascinates me. It’s specific enough for you to understand what your reading but it’s also open minded reading to where t’s open for interpretation.
Bold Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
Personally, I don’t think that there is just “one practical solution”. I believe that everyone is different and has their own way to deal with things going on in their lives. Whether that be medication, therapy, or other ways the person finds. But for arguments sake I would say that communication with either like minded people or those who have empathy is a great way for mental health strugglers to cope with everyday life. One practical solution would be to make sure that those who are suffering know they are not alone. Having a friend that you are able to vent to occasionally is a great way for people who struggle with mental health to let loose. It is important to keep yourself in check but having the option to have a sounding board to talk to is always beneficial. Humans are social creatures and I think it’s crucial that we are able to communicate, in any form, with our friends and family. Having opportunities like these are imperative to social development and can reduce built up stress that one struggling with mental health might have. The good part about communication is that it doe not need to be completely verbal. Some people rather have a physical presence and little to no talking to make them feel better. Others may just like to call or text on the phone. I would like to see more people helping others to navigate communication skills. Many who are suffering think that if they communicate what is bothering them that they are a burden. That is simply not true. Talking about what is bother you is a way to heal. There will always be someone out there that would be glad to help mental health strugglers. I am one of them!
Janie Gestautas Student Profile | Bold.org