My name is Jaylah, and I'm a college soccer player with dreams of becoming an English Second Language teacher. Education isn't just a career path to me, it's my way of giving back, of creating the kind of space I always wanted as a child. Like Kalia, I want to live with excellence, purpose, and heart on and off the field. Growing up, I often felt seen for all except who I really was. I excelled at school, sports, and music, and these things became labels rather than elements of my identity. Teachers praised me for being successful, but that praise often meant teasing and exclusion from other kids. I spent years trying to earn acceptance, seeking validation through performance. But in eighth grade, something changed. I became part of the staff of a club which hosted Japanese exchange students. Nervous about my broken Japanese, I was hesitant at first, but to my surprise, I connected with the students easily, not for what I could do, but for who I was. This experience sparked my love for language and human connection and later, passion for teaching English to non-native speakers. Since then, I’ve been tutoring younger children and rekindling my love for sports. Soccer, especially, has been a constant presence in my life. It’s taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to lead with compassion. My dream is to build a classroom that is inclusive, joyful, and deeply genuine. I truly wish to build space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter their background or ability. I want to support students in development, not just academically, but also emotionally and as a person, guided by the philosophy of belief in the potential for improvement, growth mindset, and cultural responsiveness. Behind everything I do is the man who helped me understand what it's like to wake up every day with purpose: my dad. He was the most hardworking individual I ever knew. To provide for our family, he had three jobs at the same time without ever complaining. He always put our family ahead of himself. When he passed away in 2021 from sepsis caused by COVID-19, my world was upended. His death was, and remains, devastating. But it also ignited a deeper fire within me. I promised myself that I would continue to work hard, and to honor him by living a life of purpose and service. Balancing school, soccer, and family obligations has been incredibly demanding, especially without the financial support my father used to provide. But I keep going because I know that’s what he would’ve wanted. My dream of becoming a teacher is rooted in that same desire to serve, uplift, and pour into others the way he poured into me. Kalia's story resonates with me on such deep level, not just because of her ambition, but because of her heart. Like my dad, Kalia showed up for others with dependability and compassion. To be considered for a scholarship in her name is an honor, and if I'm selected, I'll carry on her legacy by continuing to lead from the heart, working diligently, and making a lasting contribution. Thank you for listening to my story, and for providing students like myself the opportunity to keep moving forward.