I plan to use my college education to give back to my community by becoming a high school English teacher. Growing up, I learned that teachers can play a very important role in a student’s life. They do more than teach lessons. They encourage students, help them build confidence, and sometimes become the support system students need during difficult moments. Because of the impact teachers have had on me, I want to do the same for future students in my community. English has always been a subject that allows students to express themselves and share their ideas. Through reading and writing, students can learn about different perspectives and better understand the world around them. As a future teacher, I hope to create a classroom where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feel encouraged to participate. I want my classroom to be a place where students know their voices matter and where they feel motivated to continue learning. In many communities, students face challenges that can make school feel overwhelming at times. Having teachers who care and who truly believe in their students can make a huge difference. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only focuses on academics, but also supports students as individuals and helps them believe in their potential. My college education will give me the knowledge and preparation I need to become that kind of educator. By becoming a teacher, I hope to give back to my community by helping students grow academically, build confidence in themselves, and realize that they are capable of achieving their goals.

Some teachers do more than just teach a subject. They inspire their students, support them during difficult moments, and leave a lasting impact on their lives. One teacher who has had that kind of influence on me is my Drill Team Coach and Math Teacher, Ms. Finley. Being part of Drill Team has allowed me to see how much time, effort, and care she puts into her students every day. During the school day she teaches math classes, and after school she spends hours coaching our team, helping us prepare for performances, practices, and school events. Even when she has a long day, she still shows up ready to give her best and support her students. Watching how dedicated she is to both her classes and our team has shown me what true commitment looks like and it has motivated me to take my education seriously. Being on Drill Team requires discipline, teamwork, and a lot of effort. Practices can be long and challenging, and there are times when we feel tired or frustrated. During those moments, Ms. Finley always encourages us to keep going and reminds us why we started. She constantly tells us that we are capable of more than we think and that growth comes from hard work and determination. Her encouragement has helped me build confidence in myself and believe that I can accomplish my goals. Knowing that she believes in me has pushed me to work harder not only in Drill Team but also in my education. What makes Ms. Finley even more special is the way she cares about her students outside of practices and the classroom. She takes the time to understand what we are going through and supports us when we need it. One moment that meant a lot to me happened last year when she found out that I could no longer afford my prom ticket. I was disappointed because I thought I would miss the chance to attend such an important event with my senior friends. When Ms. Finley heard about my situation, she decided to pay for my ticket herself so that I could still go and enjoy the experience. That act of kindness meant more to me than she probably realized. In that moment I realized that she did not just see us as students on a team, but as people she genuinely cared about. It showed me that she truly wants her students to feel supported and valued. Having a teacher like Ms. Finley has changed the way I see my future. Her dedication and the way she supports her students have inspired me to pursue a career in education. I hope to become a high school English teacher one day so that I can create a classroom where students feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to learn. Ms. Finley has taught me lessons that go far beyond Drill Team or academics. She has shown me the importance of hard work, kindness, and believing in others. Because of her influence, I feel motivated to continue my education and work toward building a better future for myself and the students I hope to teach one day.