The aspect of my identity that I would love to capitalize on is being a young, female, African American pursuing medicine. My identity would tremendously positively affect the healthcare community. I would bring a diverse perspective in the way that I would care for and love on my patients. I have a passion for racial disparities in my community and I care to address them in the healthcare field. Healthcare disparities are when there is a clear difference or disadvantage when it pertains to socioeconomic groups, gender, and race. Discrimination often occurs in these groups when poor healthcare is provided, or patients are put at a greater health risk than those of other demographics. These issues are related to those that are unable to access proper care, are uninsured/underinsured, and have low health literacy. The lack of access to proper healthcare is highlighted to those who come from low-income backgrounds and those who live in rural or disadvantaged areas. Rural areas have lower healthcare providers and providers that specialize in areas that are needed for proper care. There are also issues with transportation in these areas. Not having access to the healthcare that every American deserves causes minority groups to suffer in large numbers. One of my long-term goals is to make those in lower-income and rural areas more comfortable and competent in the area of proper healthcare. For example, African American men are more likely to die from cancer than Caucasian men. While caucasian women are more likely to obtain breast cancer than African American women, African American women are more likely to die than their Caucasian peers. This is due to the lack of access to healthcare as well as the lack of education as it pertains to their health. The cost of healthcare directly corresponds to the quality of care you can obtain from healthcare providers. The cost of healthcare has impoverished many Americans and has left them bankrupt causing them to file for bankruptcy. Having the cost of healthcare unattainable allows those in impoverished areas to suffer. Those that are in poverty are unable to obtain insurance and are often uninsured so they are unable to get the care they need. Statistics show that one in five African Americans is uninsured. Increasing the amount of African Americans that are insured and teaching them the importance of insurance will allow more African Americans to take care of themselves. Taking preventative measures and going to the doctor regularly reduces the amount of disease and sickness in those communities. Low health literacy is a result of all of these issues combined. The elderly, non-native English speakers, limited education, and low-income individuals have a limit on what they understand regarding their health and the healthcare field. They are unable to fully understand how to take care of themselves in the way that the doctor explains. I desire to bridge these gaps with the education that I plan to obtain in my upcoming degree. I plan to use my education to increase the care of disadvantaged individuals and families. Throughout my life, I have had a great fascination for biological sciences, and have committed myself to advance the study. My goal through research and practical study is to implement intervention policies aimed at providing the population with direct access to health care services. Furthermore, I will hold health awareness workshops and other community events to educate men and women in underserved communities about nutrition and proper healthcare practices.

The most impactful way to combat climate change is through being self-aware and educating. Research shows how the earth was today, versus how it was 20 years ago. One of the easiest and most recent indications of climate change was the COVID-19 pandemic. When we all went on lock down the sky of the most polluted cities were getting clearer, the car emissions were at an all-time low, and animals were coming onto the busiest highways. These actions show that we as humans are polluting and damaging our ecosystem. Through education, we will be more aware of the effects of climate change and understand the harmful irreversible effects it has on our planet. We would stop littering, polluting our oceans and lakes, and reduce our carbon footprint. I have stopped littering completely, and any time I see someone littering I politely say "are you littering?" They always pick up their trash and dispose of it properly once they are held accountable. I reduce my carbon footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling. I have completely done away with using disposable plastic water bottles and purchased a sustainable water bottle that can be washed and reused daily. Another way that I have cared about climate change and reduced my carbon footprint is through composting. Composting is a natural biological process that uses insects, microorganisms, bacteria, and worms to break down organic materials such as leaves and kitchen scraps. The kitchen scraps that can be used are all green materials and things that come from out of the soil. Examples of these items are apple cores, vegetable scraps, and egg shells. Composting reduces the amount of trash that is put in landfills, protects the environment through soil erosion and runoff, promotes sustainable agriculture, and reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Composting directly benefits me because I use the soil that is broken down by my microorganisms and composting worms to directly re-pot my house plants and garden plants. Composting increases the nutrients in the soil organically. Using composting soil promotes the health, growth, and lifespan of my house plants and garden plants. A direct asset of composting is the promotion of my sustainable garden; my home garden thrives. I have successfully mastered having a mini ecosystem by having a compost bin. Another way that I have combat climate change through my everyday life is by buying investment pieces of clothing. Investment clothing items cost a little more but will last through multiple seasons and years. Most people chose to buy fast fashion because it is cheaper to purchase. The downfall to buying fast fashion is that it contributes to the plastic fibers that are polluting our oceans, toxic dyes, and the exploitation of underpaid workers. When I purchase clothing chose more sustainable materials that are derived from eco-friendly resources such as recycled materials and second-hand retail repaired and upcycled garments.

Coming from a low-income household has tremendously affected me. I was taught to persevere at a young age. I am the oldest of four so perseverance means a lot to me because I am a trailblazer and an example among my siblings. Unbeknownst to me, I have become an example and someone that my parents and siblings can look up to. I am a leader. I never make excuses, and I go beyond the call of duty to get any job done. Perseverance means to push through and to follow through no matter the obstacle that may arise. I feel like my life has been the perfect definition of that. My biggest goal has been dedicated to perseverance and resilience. I have been pursuing education my entire life. I have finally reached my lifelong goal. My lifelong goal is to become an dentist, and I have finally been accepted into Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Getting into dental school was a fight, but I am proud to say that I have arrived. Coming from a low income family, I could not rely on my parents to get me to this point. My parents told me that they would help me with my undergraduate degree, but after that, I was on my own. I have since then become a two time graduate from Tuskegee University. I received a bachelor of science in Biology/Pre-Med. I have also received my masters in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Drug Development. A lot of sleepless nights went into achieving both of those degrees, and I am elated to be starting my third and final degree. Perseverance taught me to not make excuses. If i didn’t have the money, I needed to find a way to make the money, so I can make my dreams come true. The story of strength, tenacity, resilience, and perseverance is the story of Jasmine Peyton. Saying my journey to dental school was easy, would be deceiving. Despite the challenges of acquiring a Doctorate in Dental Medicine, I am excited by the thought of achieving my dream and serving others. My previous coursework has established a solid foundation of knowledge from which I could seamlessly transition into Dental School. If I am blessed to receive this scholarship, you would find me to be a hardworking student that is dedicated, goal-driven, and anxious to prove it through tireless action. No matter the obstacle or adversity that may arise, I am committed to becoming a dentist. I realize and appreciate that patients will be counting on me to make a difference.

As cliche as it sounds, the Bible has transformed my life. It allows me to live more selflessly. I pride myself in sharing the good news and I have been so honored and privileged to be able to put my spiritual values into practice every Sunday. On Sundays, I go to Downtown Atlanta, Georgia and serve the homeless. I serve at the Evolution Center. The organization that I serve through is called Church Beyond Walls. Church Beyond Walls is more than a church organization, it is my extended family. Honestly, I would not even consider it church. When I think of church, I think of an extravagant choir service with an extended message from the pastor, but my church is a bit different. Yes, we bring a message, but we also bring food and clothes. The Evolution Center is the same place Martin Luther King Jr. was held when he was arrested after protesting in Atlanta. Since then, the Evolution Center has been transformed into a homeless shelter for men. The Evolution Center provides emotional and physical support for men who are experiencing homelessness through case management, motivational interviewing, and job-seeking opportunities to assist the men, whom I am humbled to serve, in transitioning out of homelessness. On Sundays, sometimes I am put on the spot by my pastor to sing, lead in prayer, or share my testimony. I never know what may arise, she keeps me on my toes, so I have to stay ready. I am overjoyed when I come every Sunday because one of the first men I ministered to is still there. I see many people come and go, but to be able to consistently pour into someone's life and pray for them brings warmth to my heart. I love being the hands and feet of Jesus, in our present day. We have a greeting filled with positive affirmations, the choir sings, a message is brought, then we fellowship over food. I am always the first one to get behind the table to prepare food for the men I serve. The plates we serve are not small. We serve three-course meals with desserts and drinks. When the men are finished eating, they can get toiletry bags filled with necessary hygiene items to get them through the week, accompanied by clothes and a pair of shoes. Being able to serve puts into perspective how blessed and fortunate I am. I am so blessed to never have been homeless. I always have food to eat, a roof over my head, and my family surrounding me; most of these men are in transition with nowhere to go. I am the youngest member of Church Beyond Walls. My paster has seen me stay consistent in volunteering and my heart to serve. My pastor, Pastor Chris Scott, has invited me on two mission trips for my faithfulness, and she has paid for both of them in full. I become overwhelmed when I think about the way I have been able to serve those in need in Atlanta, Costa Rica, and Guyana, South America.

The most impactful way to combat climate change is through being self-aware and educating. Research shows how the earth was today, versus how it was 20 years ago. One of the easiest and most recent indications of climate change was the COVID-19 pandemic. When we all went on lock down the sky of the most polluted cities were getting clearer, the car emissions were at an all-time low, and animals were coming onto the busiest highways. These actions show that we as humans are polluting and damaging our ecosystem. Through education, we will be more aware of the effects of climate change and understand the harmful irreversible effects it has on our planet. We would stop littering, polluting our oceans and lakes, and reduce our carbon footprint. I have stopped littering completely, and any time I see someone littering I politely say "are you littering?" They always pick up their trash and dispose of it properly once they are held accountable. I reduce my carbon footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling. I have completely done away with using disposable plastic water bottles and purchased a sustainable water bottle that can be washed and reused daily. Another way that I have cared about climate change and reduced my carbon footprint is through composting. Composting is a natural biological process that uses insects, microorganisms, bacteria, and worms to break down organic materials such as leaves and kitchen scraps. The kitchen scraps that can be used are all green materials and things that come from out of the soil. Examples of these items are apple cores, vegetable scraps, and egg shells. Composting reduces the amount of trash that is put in landfills, protects the environment through soil erosion and runoff, promotes sustainable agriculture, and reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Composting directly benefits me because I use the soil that is broken down by my microorganisms and composting worms to directly re-pot my house plants and garden plants. Composting increases the nutrients in the soil organically. Using composting soil promotes the health, growth, and lifespan of my house plants and garden plants. A direct asset of composting is the promotion of my sustainable garden; my home garden thrives. I have successfully mastered having a mini ecosystem by having a compost bin. Another way that I have combat climate change through my everyday life is by buying investment pieces of clothing. Investment clothing items cost a little more but will last through multiple seasons and years. Most people chose to buy fast fashion because it is cheaper to purchase. The downfall to buying fast fashion is that it contributes to the plastic fibers that are polluting our oceans, toxic dyes, and the exploitation of underpaid workers. When I purchase clothing chose more sustainable materials that are derived from eco-friendly resources such as recycled materials and second-hand retail repaired and upcycled garments.

Throughout my life, I have had a great fascination for biological sciences, and have committed myself to advancing the study. My goal through research and practical study is to implement intervention policies aimed at providing the population with direct access to health care services. Furthermore, I will hold health awareness workshops and other community events to educate men and women in underserved communities about nutrition and proper dental hygiene. These interests led me to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree in Biology from Tuskegee University. I am a first-generation master's student. I will soon be a first-generation dental student at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. My family and friends have always called me Dr. Peyton. My village's affirmations hold me accountable and give me an extra push to keep going when times get hard. I have learned so much about myself throughout my journey to dental school. I believe that I am at the right place, at the right time, and that I will be an asset to receiving this scholarship. I have grown tremendously since my last graduation in 2018. A pandemic happened, and I lost my dream job as an orthodontic assistant. This year is my first year back in the workforce as a full-time employee in the Henry County Public School System. I have become a first-time high school teacher at Stockbridge High School, located in Stockbridge, Georgia. Through my new job, I have had to learn to grow and adapt to the ever-changing lives of the next generation. I am so honored to be able to impact the future in such a major way. I am currently teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science to grow the minds of my students. I am also the Varsity Girl's Head Soccer Coach. Being an educator has shown me how important continuing my education and mentorship is. Through teaching, I have learned to be a more active listener, more patient, and not take life so seriously. In contrast, I have stayed the same through my passion to mentor and improve the minds of those in need. It warms my heart when my students from last semester peek their heads in my door to hug me or check on me. It gives me a sense of confidence that I am going above and beyond my call of duty. I have used my platform positively to reinforce to my students that they can aspire to be anything they want to be, as long as they put hard work and dedication behind it. What you put into the world, is also what you will get out of this world.

My name is Jasmine Peyton, and I am an excellent prospect for this scholarship. Throughout my life, I have had a great fascination for biological sciences, and have committed myself to advancing the study. My goal through research and practical study is to implement intervention policies aimed at providing the population with direct access to health care services. Furthermore, I will hold health awareness workshops and other community events to educate men and women in underserved communities about nutrition and proper dental hygiene. One of the earliest examples of my commitment to service was through my participation in feeding the homeless, since then, I have gone on mission trips. Helping those who are in need gives me a greater sense of purpose and opens my eyes to the needs of others. Observing the health disparities from which people suffer compels me to secure a position in the healthcare community where I can initiate change. It started in the sixth grade, Dr. Thomas Henderson, my childhood dentist, recommended that I get my teeth corrected by a gentleman named Dr. Brian Oliver. Dr. Henderson laid the foundation, but Dr. Oliver changed my life. I have always felt, in my heart, that the dentist office was such a special place. The staff was always friendly, I was always welcomed and respected, and the doctors were always nice and generous to me. Dr. Henderson and Dr. Oliver, both gave me my first unpaid internships. I spent a few of my summers and Christmas breaks standing over their shoulders, asking questions, and being fascinated with their work, when all I could do was take out the trash, sanitize, and set up each triage before a new patient came in. That didn't matter to me; all I wanted to do was be there and learn as much as I could because I knew that the dentist office brought me joy. I welcomed patients in and engaged in respectful conversation until it was my turn to ask the doctor questions. Since then, I have striven to focus my studies on the biological sciences. This interest led me to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree in Biology from Tuskegee University. I am a first-generation master's student. I will soon be a first-generation dental student at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. My family and friends have always called me Dr. Peyton. My village's affirmations hold me accountable and give me an extra push to keep going when times get hard. I have learned so much about myself throughout my journey to dental school. I believe that I am at the right place, at the right time, and that I will be an asset to receiving this scholarship. The story of strength, tenacity, resilience, and perseverance is the story of Jasmine Peyton. Saying my journey to dental school was easy, would be deceiving. Despite the challenges of acquiring a Doctorate in Dental Medicine, I am excited by the thought of achieving my dream and serving others. My previous coursework has established a solid foundation of knowledge from which I could seamlessly transition into Dental School. If I am blessed to receive this scholarship, you would find me to be a hardworking student that is dedicated, goal-driven, and anxious to prove it through tireless action. No matter the obstacle or adversity that may arise, I am committed to becoming a dentist. I realize and appreciate that patients will be counting on me to make a difference.

Generational wealth is tremendously important to me. It would ensure my family can obtain their goals without having to worry about any financial burdens or limitations. My family would be free to pursue their dreams without the thought of financially providing and sustaining themselves throughout their journey. Generational wealth is my essential motivator for working hard. I want my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be able to sustain themselves through the sacrifices I have made to create a better life for their generation and beyond. Finances are the key element in our everyday life. If we do not have finances, we are unable to have a roof over our heads, food on our tables, and money to pay tuition for our educational pursuits. The key element that we need to understand is how to budget and manage our finances. COVID showed many Americans that we are one check or one incident away from being financially bankrupt. Managing your finances allows you to plan for long-term and short-term expenses. It also allows you to see the bigger picture of your finances. Are you spending more than you are making? If so, there are steps you can take to eliminate excess spending. One step that allows me to gain control of my finances is to get clear and define my financial goals. When I know what I need to save, I can plan my daily and future expenses, such as retirement. One key factor that I have implemented in my financial planning is an emergency fund. Outside of my savings, an emergency fund is important to have money set aside for extreme circumstances that may arise beyond my control. I plan for my entertainment activities as well as my saving and investing accounts. Staying disciplined in my financial goals and understanding what I may need gives me comfort in knowing that I will not overspend and that I know exactly where my finances are going. These practices will ensure I stay within my means and work diligently towards generational wealth. I learned how to budget properly from my dad and grandad. I still use a pencil and paper to map out my projected expenses and what I bring home from each check. I make lines in my budget for my rent, car note, emergency fund, credit card, and more. Having a line for each direct expense allows me to have a clear indication of where each dollar of my check goes. This gives me confidence and a sense of clarity knowing that I can look back at my budgeting notebook and I know exactly where each dollar of my check went. Budgeting keeps me focused on my spending so that I will not spend more than what I have or go outside of my budgeting plan. Being taught by my father and grandfather ensures that I am on the correct path to generational wealth. Two generations are teaching me what they wish they would have known at my age. By having both of them in my life, I have the knowledge of two generations guiding me on my journey to financial success and generational wealth.

One of the earliest examples of my commitment to service was through my participation in feeding the homeless, since then, I have gone on mission trips around the world. Helping those who are in need gives me a greater sense of purpose and opens my eyes to the needs of others. Observing the health disparities from which people suffer compels me to secure a position in the healthcare community where I can initiate change. I have been so honored and privileged to be able to put my community service passion into practice every Sunday. On Sundays, I go to Downtown Atlanta, Georgia and serve the homeless. I serve at the Evolution Center. The organization that I serve through is called Church Beyond Walls. Church Beyond Walls is more than a church organization, it is my extended family. When I think of church, I think of an extravagant choir service with an extended message from the pastor, but my church is a bit different. Yes, we bring a message, but we also bring food and clothes. The Evolution Center is the same place Martin Luther King Jr. was held when he was arrested after protesting in Atlanta. Since then, the Evolution Center has been transformed into a homeless shelter for men. The Evolution Center provides emotional and physical support for men who are experiencing homelessness through case management, motivational interviewing, and job-seeking opportunities to assist the men, whom I am humbled to serve, in transitioning out of homelessness. On Sundays, sometimes I am put on the spot by my pastor to sing, lead in prayer, or share my testimony. I never know what may arise, she keeps me on my toes, so I have to stay ready. I am overjoyed when I come every Sunday because one of the first men I ministered to is still there. I see many people come and go, but to be able to consistently pour into someone's life and pray for them brings warmth to my heart. I love being the hands and feet of Jesus, in our present day. We have a greeting filled with positive affirmations, the choir sings, a message is brought, then we fellowship over food. I am always the first one to get behind the table to prepare food for the men I serve. The plates we serve are not small. We serve three-course meals with desserts and drinks. When the men are finished eating, they can get toiletry bags filled with necessary hygiene items to get them through the week, accompanied by clothes and a pair of shoes. Being able to serve puts into perspective how blessed and fortunate I am. I am so blessed to never have been homeless. I always have food to eat, a roof over my head, and my family surrounding me; most of these men are in transition with nowhere to go. I am the youngest member of Church Beyond Walls. My paster has seen me stay consistent in volunteering and my heart to serve. My pastor, Pastor Chris Scott, has invited me on two mission trips for my faithfulness, and she has paid for both of them in full. I become overwhelmed when I think about the way I have been able to serve those in need in Atlanta, Costa Rica, and Guyana, South America.

Throughout my life, I have had a great fascination for biological sciences, and have committed myself to advancing the study. My goal through research and practical study is to implement intervention policies aimed at providing the population with direct access to health care services. Furthermore, I will hold health awareness workshops and other community events to educate men and women in underserved communities about nutrition and proper dental hygiene. One of the earliest examples of my commitment to service was through my participation in feeding the homeless, since then, I have gone on mission trips. Helping those who are in need gives me a greater sense of purpose and opens my eyes to the needs of others. Observing the health disparities from which people suffer compels me to secure a position in the healthcare community where I can initiate change. Since then, I have striven to focus my studies on the biological sciences. This interest led me to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree in Biology from Tuskegee University. I am a first-generation master's student. I will soon be a first-generation dental student. My family and friends have always called me Dr. Peyton. My village's affirmations hold me accountable and give me an extra push to keep going when times get hard. I have learned so much about myself throughout my journey to dental school. I believe that I am at the right place, at the right time, and that I will be an asset to receiving this scholarship. The story of strength, tenacity, resilience and perseverance is the story of Jasmine Peyton. Saying my journey to dental school was easy, would be deceiving. Despite the challenges of acquiring a Doctorate in Dental Medicine, I am excited by the thought of achieving my dream and serving others. My previous coursework has established a solid foundation of knowledge from which I could seamlessly transition into Dental School. If I am blessed to receive this scholarship, you would find me to be a hardworking student that is dedicated, goal-driven, and anxious to prove it through tireless action. No matter the obstacle or adversity that may arise, I am committed to becoming a dentist. I realize and appreciate that patients will be counting on me to make a difference. Receiving this scholarship would elevate the financial burden of getting through my first year of dental school. This scholarship would provide me the opportunity to focus solely on my studies so that I can put my best foot forward in all of my classes, research, and extracurricular activities so that I can become the best well-rounded dentist that I can be. Being awarded this scholarship would give me a sense of purpose. It would also be a tremendous blessing to me, my family, and all the lives I plan to touch along my journey.

Finances are the key element in our everyday life. If we do not have finances, we are unable to have a roof over our heads, food on our tables, and money to pay tuition. The key element that we need to understand is how to budget and manage our finances. COVID showed many Americans that we are one check or one incident away from being financially bankrupt. Managing your finances allows you to plan for long-term and short-term expenses. It also allows you to see the bigger picture of your finances. Are you spending more than you are making? If so, there are steps you can take to eliminate excess spending. One step that can allow you to gain control of your finances is to get clear and define your financial goals. When you know what you need to save, you can plan your daily expenses and future expenses such as retirement. When planning, you can map out your student loans and previous debts so you are knowledgeable when taking out an additional loan to fund your education. When deciding to take out loans, planning is essential to ensure you are borrowing the correct amount to keep your debt in check. One key factor that I have implemented in my financial planning is an emergency fund. Outside of my savings, an emergency fund is important to have money set aside for extreme circumstances that may arise beyond my control. I plan for my entertainment activities as well as my saving and investing accounts. Staying disciplined in my financial goals and understanding what I may need for a loan, gives me comfort in knowing that I will not overspend and that I know exactly where my finances are going. I need to manage my finances as a professional student because it gives me a clear plan and goal on what I will need to continue my education. Budgeting keeps me focused on my spending so that I will not spend more than what I have or go outside of my budgeting plan. I can stay in control of my money to ensure that I do not run out in the middle of the school year. I can stay aware of exactly what I have and what I will need to finish the school year successfully. I learned how to budget properly from my dad and grandparents. I still use a pencil and paper to map out my projected expenses and what I bring home from each check. I make lines in my budget for my rent, car note, emergency fund, credit card, and more. Having a line for each direct expense allows me to have a clear indication of where each dollar of my check goes. This gives me confidence and a sense of clarity knowing that I can look back at my budgeting notebook and I know exactly where each dollar of my check went.

I have grown tremendously throughout this past year. This year I have become a first-time high school teacher at Stockbridge High School, located in Stockbridge, Georgia. Through my new job, I have had to learn to grow and adapt to the ever-changing lives of the next generation. I am so honored to be able to impact the future in such a major way. I am currently teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science to grow the minds of my students. My students are what we call "The COVID Generation." COVID has set the minds of my students back by two years, and it has also hindered their growth and progression. I am doing my due diligence to combat the effects of COVID and push my kids to grow through what we all have gone through. This is also my first job out of covid so I can relate to them on how they feel about coming back to school and getting back to business. My students always tell me that I am not like other teachers. I take time to listen to them, I am relatable, and I allow them to express themselves freely. Through teaching, I have grown to love my students more than the actual requirements of my job. They are my reason; they keep me laughing and up to date on the latest trends. By being a younger teacher, I am finding that my students positively gravitate toward me. They come to me as their confidant and safe space. My students constantly teach me patience and how to adapt to their lives. Each student is different and has their own needs, and I am thankful that I have been placed in their lives at this specific time in their journey to their next level of education. I have been able to stay flexible with each student based on their needs and be able to connect with them on a deeper level than just being their teacher. I am more than a teacher, I am also their friend. I have learned to be a more active listener, more patient, and not take life so seriously. In contrast, I have stayed the same through my passion to mentor the next generation. It warms my heart when my students from last semester peek their heads in my door to hug me or check on me. It gives me a sense of confidence that I am going above and beyond my call of duty. I have a soft spot for those younger than me. I have used my platform positively to reinforce to my students that they can aspire to be anything they want to be, as long as they put hard work and dedication behind it. What you put into the world, is also what you will get out of this world. My teachers have shown and instilled in me hard work, dedication, and perserverance. They have inspired me to achieve things that I may feel are impossible. They continue to push me beyond my own expectations. My teachers have shown me that it is important to give more than I recieve and teachers like me are needed to inspire the next generation.

I have grown tremendously throughout this past year. This year I have become a first-time high school teacher at Stockbridge High School, located in Stockbridge, Georgia. Through my new job, I have had to learn to grow and adapt to the ever-changing lives of the next generation. I am so honored to be able to impact the future in such a major way. I am currently teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science to grow the minds of my students. My students are what we call "The COVID Generation." COVID has set the minds of my students back by two years, and it has also hindered their growth and progression. I am doing my due diligence to combat the effects of COVID and push my kids to grow through what we all have gone through. This is also my first job out of covid so I can relate to them on how they feel about coming back to school and getting back to business. My students always tell me that I am not like other teachers. I take time to listen to them, I am relatable, and I allow them to express themselves freely. Through teaching, I have grown to love my students more than the actual requirements of my job. They are my reason; they keep me laughing and up to date on the latest trends. By being a younger teacher, I am finding that my students positively gravitate toward me. They come to me as their confidant and safe space. My students constantly teach me patience and how to adapt to their lives. Each student is different and has their own needs, and I am thankful that I have been placed in their lives at this specific time in their journey to their next level of education. I have been able to stay flexible with each student based on their needs and be able to connect with them on a deeper level than just being their teacher. I am more than a teacher, I am also their friend. I have learned to be a more active listener, more patient, and not take life so seriously. In contrast, I have stayed the same through my passion to mentor the next generation. It warms my heart when my students from last semester peek their heads in my door to hug me or check on me. It gives me a sense of confidence that I am going above and beyond my call of duty. I have a soft spot for those younger than me. I have used my platform positively to reinforce to my students that they can aspire to be anything they want to be, as long as they put hard work and dedication behind it. What you put into the world, is also what you will get out of this world.