Teachers have the power to shape not only what students learn but also who they become. As I begin my journey at California State University, Dominguez Hills this fall where I will be majoring in English Education, I am excited to pursue a career where I can make that same difference in the lives of future students. My goal is to become a high school English teacher who creates a classroom where every student feels supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential. One of the biggest reasons I chose this career path is because of my Drill Team Coach and Math Teacher, Ms. Finley. She showed me that being a teacher is about much more than teaching lessons. Every day she taught math classes, and after school she dedicated countless hours to coaching our Drill/Dance Team. No matter how busy or tired she was, she always gave her best and encouraged every student to do the same. Watching her balance both responsibilities with patience, kindness, and dedication showed me the impact that a passionate teacher can have. Being on Drill Team taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Practices were often long and physically demanding, but Ms. Finley never let us give up on ourselves. She constantly reminded us that growth comes from hard work and that we were capable of more than we believed. Her confidence in me helped me develop confidence in myself, and that mindset carried over into my education. Because of her encouragement, I challenged myself academically, stayed involved in leadership, and remained focused on my goal of attending college. What impacted me the most was the way Ms. Finley cared for her students beyond the classroom. During my senior year, I realized I could no longer afford my prom ticket. I was heartbroken because I thought I would miss such an important milestone with my classmates/friends. When Ms. Finley found out, she paid for my ticket herself so I could attend. Her generosity reminded me that great teachers do not just educate students. They care about them as individuals. That act of kindness made me feel supported during a difficult time and showed me the lasting difference a teacher can make in a student’s life. Experiences like these shaped the kind of educator I hope to become. I want to create a classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, expressing themselves, and believing in their own potential. As an English teacher, I hope to help students strengthen not only their reading and writing skills but also their confidence, critical thinking, and love of learning. I want every student to know that someone believes in them, just as Ms. Finley believed in me. Marie Humphries believed that passionate teachers could make a lasting impact on future generations, and I share that belief. As I begin my college education, I am committed to preparing myself to become the kind of teacher who inspires, supports, and advocates for every student who walks into my classroom. I hope to give my future students the same encouragement and compassion that Ms. Finley gave me.

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.