I am an individual deeply committed to personal growth, social justice, and community empowerment. My journey has been shaped by a combination of experiences that have instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Having faced challenges related to my physical disability, I have developed resilience and empathy, which inform my perspective on life and drive my aspirations. These experiences have not only taught me the importance of perseverance but have also heightened my awareness of the barriers that many individuals face in society. This understanding fuels my passion for advocating for inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities. In terms of my career aspirations, I envision myself working in fields such as social work, public policy, or education. My goal is to leverage my skills and knowledge to create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Here are some specific ways I plan to make a positive impact: Advocacy for Inclusivity: I aim to advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusivity in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and employment. By working with organizations focused on social justice, I hope to influence systemic changes that ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. Community Engagement: I believe in the power of grassroots movements and community involvement. I plan to engage with local organizations and initiatives that support underrepresented groups. By collaborating with community members, I can help identify needs and develop programs that address those needs effectively. Education and Awareness: Education is a powerful tool for change. I aspire to develop educational programs that raise awareness about issues related to disability, diversity, and social equity. By fostering understanding and dialogue, I hope to challenge stereotypes and promote a culture of acceptance and respect. Mentorship and Support: I want to serve as a mentor for young people, particularly those facing similar challenges. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance, I hope to empower them to pursue their dreams and navigate obstacles with confidence. Building supportive relationships can significantly impact individuals’ lives and encourage them to strive for success. Research and Policy Development: I am interested in engaging in research that informs best practices and policies related to disability rights and social equity. By contributing to evidence-based solutions, I can help shape policies that improve the quality of life for individuals in marginalized communities. Creating Safe Spaces: I aspire to create safe and inclusive spaces where individuals can share their stories and experiences without fear of judgment. Whether through workshops, support groups, or community events, I want to foster environments that encourage open dialogue and healing. In summary, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through my career by advocating for inclusivity, engaging with communities, promoting education, mentoring others, conducting research, and creating safe spaces. My experiences have equipped me with the tools and insights necessary to contribute meaningfully to society, and I am excited about the journey ahead. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique paths and work together toward a more equitable and compassionate world.

Believing that I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve stems from a combination of self-awareness, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. Here are several reasons why I hold this belief: Unique Perspective: My experiences, particularly those shaped by my physical disability, have provided me with a unique perspective on life. This viewpoint allows me to understand challenges in ways that others may not. I believe that my insights can contribute positively to discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and social change. Resilience and Determination: Overcoming obstacles has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience. Each challenge I have faced has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. This determination fuels my ambition and reinforces my belief that I am capable of achieving my dreams, regardless of the hurdles that may arise. Commitment to Growth: I am dedicated to continuous learning and self-improvement. I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills, whether through formal education, workshops, or personal experiences. This commitment to growth not only enhances my capabilities but also prepares me to tackle future challenges effectively. Empathy and Advocacy: My journey has cultivated a deep sense of empathy for others facing their own struggles. I am passionate about advocating for those who may feel marginalized or unheard. This drive to support and uplift others is a fundamental part of who I am, and it motivates me to pursue dreams that align with creating positive change in society. Vision for Impact: I have a clear vision of how I want to use my aspirations to make a difference. Whether it’s through community service, policy advocacy, or educational initiatives, I aim to create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. This vision gives purpose to my dreams and reinforces my belief that they are worth pursuing. Support System: I recognize the importance of the relationships I have built along my journey. Friends, family, mentors, and peers have provided encouragement and guidance, reminding me of my potential. Their belief in me strengthens my conviction that I am worthy of pursuing my dreams and making them a reality. Inspiration to Others: I aspire to be a source of inspiration for others, particularly those who may face similar challenges. By pursuing my dreams and sharing my journey, I hope to demonstrate that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve one’s goals. This desire to inspire others reinforces my belief in my worthiness. Alignment with Values: My dreams are closely aligned with my core values of empathy, justice, and inclusivity. Pursuing these aspirations allows me to live authentically and contribute to causes that matter deeply to me. This alignment between my dreams and values further affirms my belief that I am deserving of achieving them. In conclusion, I believe I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because of my unique experiences, resilience, commitment to growth, and desire to make a positive impact. These qualities not only empower me to pursue my goals but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to the world around me. By embracing my worthiness, I am motivated to strive for excellence and inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment.

Education plays a crucial role in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) by fostering awareness, promoting healthy relationships, and equipping individuals with the skills to recognize and respond to abusive behaviors. Here are several ways education can contribute to this goal: Awareness and Understanding: Educational programs can raise awareness about what constitutes intimate partner violence, its signs, and its consequences. By educating individuals about the dynamics of abuse, they can better identify unhealthy relationship patterns in themselves and others. Promoting Healthy Relationships: Curriculum that focuses on communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence can help individuals build and maintain healthy relationships. Teaching respect, consent, and equality in relationships is essential for preventing IPV. Empowerment: Education empowers individuals by providing them with knowledge about their rights and available resources. This empowerment can encourage victims to seek help and support, as well as deter potential abusers from engaging in violent behavior. Critical Thinking Skills: Education encourages critical thinking, enabling individuals to question societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence. Challenging harmful beliefs about gender roles and power dynamics can lead to cultural shifts that reduce IPV. Community Engagement: Educational initiatives can foster community involvement and support networks. Programs that engage parents, schools, and local organizations can create a collective effort to address and prevent IPV. Training for Professionals: Educating professionals in fields such as healthcare, law enforcement, and social work about IPV can improve their ability to recognize and respond to cases effectively. Training can also promote trauma-informed care approaches. Regarding the second part of your question about using a degree and personal experiences to impact positive change, here are some strategies one might consider: Advocacy and Policy Change: Using knowledge gained through education to advocate for policies that protect victims of IPV and hold perpetrators accountable can lead to systemic changes. Engaging with lawmakers and participating in campaigns can amplify these efforts. Community Education Programs: Developing workshops or seminars that educate community members about IPV, its effects, and prevention strategies can create a more informed public. Sharing personal experiences can make these programs relatable and impactful. Support Services: Utilizing a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field to provide counseling or support services for survivors of IPV can directly help those affected. Personal experiences can enhance empathy and understanding in these roles. Research and Awareness Campaigns: Conducting research on IPV and disseminating findings through publications or presentations can contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject. Awareness campaigns can further educate the public and reduce stigma. Mentorship and Peer Support: Offering mentorship to individuals who have experienced IPV can provide guidance and encouragement. Sharing personal stories can inspire resilience and hope in others facing similar challenges. By combining education with personal experiences, individuals can create meaningful change in their communities and contribute to the broader effort of reducing intimate partner violence.Education plays a crucial role in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) by fostering awareness, promoting healthy relationships, and equipping individuals with the skills to recognize and respond to abusive behaviors.

The Unseen Curriculum: Caregiving, Growth, and the Promise of Education Caregiving, for me, has been an unseen curriculum, a parallel education woven into the fabric of my life. It has taught me lessons in empathy, resilience, and responsibility that no textbook could ever convey. It has shaped my understanding of the world, influenced my goals, and ultimately, defined who I am today. This essay will explore my caregiving journey, its profound impact on my life, and the transformative potential of this scholarship in enabling me to pursue my educational aspirations. My caregiving responsibilities center around my relationships to caring for others/g., suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, has a physical disability, is battling a chronic illness-condition necessitates a wide range of support, encompassing both practical and emotional needs. On a practical level, my days often revolve around ensuring] well-being and comfort. This includes assisting with daily tasks such as [Specific examples - e.g., bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, mobility assistance]. I also manage household chores like [Specific examples - e.g., cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping] to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. Furthermore, I coordinate and attend meetings acting as a liaison between and professionals, ensuring clear communication and advocating for needs. However, caregiving extends far beyond the realm of physical assistance. The emotional support I provide I spend time listening to stories, offering companionship, and providing reassurance during moments of anxiety or confusion. I try to create a sense of normalcy and joy in ] life, despite the challenges face. I celebrate small victories and offer unwavering encouragement during difficult times.]. Maintaining dignity and sense of self is paramount, and I strive to treat with respect, patience, and understanding at all times. This caregiving experience has profoundly shaped me in countless ways. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Witnessing struggles firsthand has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by individuals with condition and has fostered a desire to advocate for their rights and well-being. I have learned to appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Furthermore, caregiving has taught me invaluable life skills. I have become highly organized, resourceful, and adept at problem-solving. I have learned to manage my time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to unexpected situations. I have also developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, learning to listen actively, communicate clearly, and build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Receiving this scholarship would be transformative, alleviating the financial burden that currently threatens to derail my educational aspirations. The cost of tuition, books, and living expenses is a significant obstacle, particularly given the financial strain that caregiving places on my family. Without this scholarship, I would likely have to delay or abandon my pursuit of higher education, sacrificing my dreams and limiting my potential to contribute to society. This scholarship would not only provide financial relief but also serve as a powerful validation of my efforts and a source of motivation. It would demonstrate that my hard work and dedication are recognized and appreciated, inspiring me to persevere through the challenges of balancing academics and caregiving responsibilities. It would allow me to focus on my studies, immerse myself in the learning process, and excel in my chosen field. Moreover, this scholarship would enable me to pursue opportunities that would further enhance my education and prepare me for my future career. I would be able to participate in internships, attend conferences, and engage in research projects, gaining valuable experience and expanding my network of contacts. These experiences would not only strengthen my resume but also broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of the field. Ultimately, this scholarship would empower me to achieve my full potential and make a lasting contribution to society. By investing in my education, you would be investing in a future where I can use my skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others, particularly those in need of care and support. I am confident that I can honor the spirit of this scholarship by dedicating myself to academic excellence, pursuing a career that aligns with my values, and giving back to my community. In conclusion, caregiving has been a profound and transformative experience that has shaped my life, influenced my goals, and defined who I am today. This scholarship represents a beacon of hope, offering me the opportunity to pursue my educational aspirations and make a meaningful difference in the world. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered and am committed to honoring the legacy of this scholarship by dedicating myself to academic excellence, compassionate service, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and growth.

A Calling to Champion Potential: My Passion for Special Education The special education teacher profession is not merely a job; it is a calling. It is a vocation that demands not only specialized knowledge and skills but also an unwavering commitment to advocating for, empowering, and celebrating the unique potential of every child, regardless of their perceived limitations. My passion for this profession stems from a deep-seated belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, coupled with a profound understanding of the transformative power of education to unlock potential and create opportunities. The Foundation of My Passion: A Belief in Inherent Worth and Dignity At the heart of my passion for special education lies a fundamental belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. This belief transcends societal norms, preconceived notions, and perceived limitations. It recognizes that each individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, possesses unique talents, perspectives, and potential contributions to the world. This conviction is not merely an abstract philosophical concept; it is a deeply personal and lived experience. Growing up, I [Share a personal anecdote or experience that shaped your belief in the inherent worth of all individuals. This could be a relationship with a family member, a friend, or a volunteer experience. Focus on how this experience fostered empathy and understanding.]. This experience instilled in me a profound respect for diversity and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In the context of special education, this belief translates into a commitment to seeing beyond labels and diagnoses and recognizing the individual child with their unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. It means advocating for their rights, celebrating their achievements, and empowering them to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they may face. The Transformative Power of Education: Unlocking Potential and Creating Opportunities My passion for special education is also fueled by a profound understanding of the transformative power of education. I believe that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge and skills; it is a process of personal growth, empowerment, and liberation. It is a tool that can unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives. For students with disabilities, education can be particularly transformative. It can provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to overcome barriers, participate fully in society, and lead fulfilling lives. It can empower them to become self-advocates, to pursue their dreams, and to contribute their unique talents to the world. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of students with disabilities. [Share a specific example of how you have seen education make a positive difference in the life of a student with a disability. This could be from a volunteer experience, a classroom observation, or a personal interaction. Focus on the specific skills or knowledge the student gained and how it impacted their life.]. This experience solidified my belief in the importance of providing high-quality, individualized education to all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Special Education Teaching The special education teacher profession is not without its challenges. It requires a deep understanding of diverse learning needs, specialized instructional strategies, and legal and ethical considerations. It demands patience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. However, the rewards of this profession are immeasurable. There is no greater satisfaction than witnessing a student with disabilities overcome a challenge, achieve a goal, or discover their unique potential. The opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of these students is a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously. Specific Aspects of Special Education That Ignite My Passion: Beyond the overarching principles of inherent worth and the transformative power of education, several specific aspects of the special education teacher profession particularly ignite my passion: Individualized Instruction: I am fascinated by the process of tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. I believe that every child learns differently, and it is our responsibility as educators to identify their individual learning styles, strengths, and challenges and to develop instructional strategies that are effective for them. I am eager to learn and implement evidence-based practices such as differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and assistive technology to create inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students. Collaboration and Advocacy: Special education is inherently collaborative. It requires working closely with parents, families, therapists, administrators, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) that meet the needs of each student. I am passionate about building strong relationships with families and advocating for the rights and needs of my students. I believe that parents are essential partners in the education process, and I am committed to working collaboratively with them to ensure that their children receive the best possible education. Assistive Technology: The field of assistive technology is constantly evolving, and I am excited about the potential of technology to enhance the learning and independence of students with disabilities. I am eager to learn about and implement various assistive technology tools, such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, and adaptive keyboards, to help students access the curriculum, communicate effectively, and participate fully in the classroom. Social-Emotional Learning: I recognize the importance of addressing the social-emotional needs of students with disabilities. Many students with disabilities experience social isolation, bullying, and low self-esteem. I am committed to creating a classroom environment that is safe, supportive, and inclusive, where students feel valued, respected, and empowered. I plan to implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and strategies to help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and responsible decision-making. Transition Planning: I am passionate about helping students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. Transition planning is a critical component of special education, and I am committed to working with students and their families to develop individualized transition plans that address their post-secondary education, employment, and independent living goals. I believe that all students with disabilities have the potential to lead fulfilling and productive lives, and I am committed to helping them achieve their dreams. My Vision for the Future: A Champion for Inclusion and Equity My vision for the future is to become a highly effective and compassionate special education teacher who is a champion for inclusion and equity. I want to create a classroom where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. I want to be a role model for my students, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I also want to be an advocate for students with disabilities at the local, state, and national levels. I believe that it is our responsibility as educators to advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusion, equity, and access for all students. I plan to actively participate in professional organizations, attend conferences, and engage in research to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of special education and to advocate for the needs of my students. Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment My passion for the special education teacher profession is not a fleeting interest; it is a lifelong commitment. I am dedicated to continuing my education, honing my skills, and advocating for the rights and needs of students with disabilities. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of my students and their families. The challenges are significant, but the rewards – witnessing growth, fostering independence, and championing potential – are immeasurable and fuel my unwavering dedication to this vital profession.

Honoring the Legacy: Education, Innovation, and the Immigrant Experience Receiving this scholarship would be more than just financial assistance; it would be an affirmation of my potential and a responsibility to uphold the values and vision it represents. I understand this scholarship is rooted in a commitment to education and innovation, and I am deeply committed to honoring that legacy through my academic pursuits and future contributions to [mention your field]. My plan to leverage this opportunity for lasting impact begins with a dedication to excellence in my studies. I intend to immerse myself fully in the curriculum, actively participate in research opportunities, and seek out mentorship from leading experts in [your field]. My goal is not simply to acquire knowledge, but to synthesize it, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute to the advancement of the field through innovative research and practical application. Specifically, I am interested in [mention a specific area of research or innovation within your field that aligns with the scholarship’s values]. I believe that by focusing on this area, I can contribute to [explain the potential positive impact of your work on society or your field]. Beyond academic achievement, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within my academic community. I plan to actively participate in student organizations, attend conferences, and engage in outreach activities to share my knowledge and inspire others to pursue their passions. I believe that by creating a supportive and collaborative environment, we can collectively push the boundaries of knowledge and create solutions to the challenges facing our world. Furthermore, I intend to mentor younger students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to encourage them to pursue STEM fields and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed. My experience as a first-generation immigrant has profoundly shaped my educational journey and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. Growing up in [mention your home country/community], I witnessed firsthand the limitations imposed by [mention specific challenges, e.g., lack of access to quality education, limited opportunities, etc.]. My parents sacrificed everything to provide me with the opportunity to pursue my education in the United States, and their unwavering belief in me has been my constant source of motivation. Navigating a new culture and educational system presented numerous challenges. I had to learn a new language, adapt to different teaching styles, and overcome cultural barriers. However, these challenges also fostered resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of gratitude. I learned to embrace diversity, to appreciate different perspectives, and to persevere in the face of adversity. My immigrant experience has also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to give back to my community. I am committed to using my education to address the challenges facing [mention your community or a specific issue you care about]. I believe that by combining my academic knowledge with my lived experiences, I can make a meaningful contribution to creating a more just and equitable world. In conclusion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. If awarded, I will dedicate myself to honoring the values and vision behind it by pursuing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and contributing to the legacy of supporting education. My experience as a first-generation immigrant has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education, and I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on my field and contribute to a better future for for all. It is my wish to see those in my similar path succeed their own

My name is Jayla Bulow and I come from Wyoming, a place rich in culture but also facing many social and economic challenges. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the effects of having full access to all resources being available. From materials, teachers, to extra curricular. As a United States we never realize what it is like to not have the things we need…. No limited educational resources, which motivated me to strive for excellence despite the odds. One major obstacle I’ve had to overcome was the lack of access to advanced learning tools and opportunities in my community. I often relied on public libraries, online materials, and the support of a few dedicated mentors to pursue my academic interests. This recently led me to a journey where I was teaching English in Asia, a Third World country. While teaching in a country where there is one or two pencils for a group of 30 students, a chalk board and no curriculum. This is a shock! It is a way to take what you know and apply it to make a huge difference. In a world today, a little bit goes a long way. Being able to use your brain and think of exciting ways to motivate student students is what matters most. As well as the times when you can show up with a smile on your face in the very difficult times. My dream has always been to use education as a tool for change. Studying in Asia and in the United States not only opened my eyes to the difference in cultures and perspectives. It also offers me access to world-class education, diverse perspectives, and innovative technologies that will equip me to become a leader in my field. I plan to focus on education and students behavior needs. This is because with the goal of returning home to implement sustainable solutions to the challenges my community faces. By combining what I learn in Asia and in the U.S. with the resilience and resourcefulness I’ve gained from my experiences, I hope to empower others, especially youth, to believe in their ability to make a difference. I want to be a bridge between knowledge and impact—bringing ideas to life where they are needed most. Many of these experiences allowed me to see these obstacles as growth for myself and others while using education to do this. It was a very inspiring time in my life.

I have chosen to pursue higher education because I believe it is the key to unlocking new opportunities and creating a better future—not just for myself, but for my family and community as well. As a first-generation college student, I understand that this journey is about more than earning a degree. It’s about breaking generational cycles, overcoming barriers, and proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Growing up, I didn’t always have access to the same resources or guidance as some of my peers. My parents, though incredibly supportive, were unfamiliar with the college process. This meant I had to take initiative early on, learning to navigate unfamiliar territory on my own. I spent countless hours researching colleges, financial aid options, scholarships, and application requirements. I leaned heavily on my school counselors, mentors, and online resources to help guide me through each step. Academically, I challenged myself by enrolling in honors and AP courses, knowing that they would better prepare me for the rigor of college-level work. Outside the classroom, I participated in extracurricular activities that helped me grow as a leader and team player. I joined clubs, volunteered in my community, and took part in college readiness programs aimed at supporting first-generation students like me. These experiences helped me build confidence, develop my time management skills, and strengthen my sense of purpose. Emotionally and mentally, I’ve had to prepare myself as well. There were times when the journey felt overwhelming—moments of self-doubt, stress, and fear of the unknown. But through it all, I reminded myself of why I started: to honor my parents’ sacrifices, to reach my full potential, and to pave the way for those who come after me. I’ve learned to be resilient, to ask for help when I need it, and to never underestimate the power of perseverance. Being a first-generation student is not easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons in independence, determination, and self-advocacy. I’ve prepared myself not just academically, but holistically, understanding that college will be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I’m excited to step into this new chapter with an open mind, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I am very grateful for every opportunity that I have thus far that has helped me grow in my personal and professional life and career.

“I believe that education is the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives progress. I currently am on year 8 of teaching for LCSD1 in Wyoming. Year 14 of working (coaching, volunteering, mentoring), I am wanting to use this for paying off my never ending debt for school due to many degrees and continuing to get a PHd. I currently returned to the US from teaching in a third world country (Asia) teaching English to foreign language learners in January and now pilot a math program! Learning is a never ending journey even when we think we’re done…… I was inspired to become a teacher because I want to be a part of that transformative process. I want to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities they need to succeed in life and make a positive impact on the world. I plan to use my experiences to create a classroom and never ending learning experience where students feel empowered to use their voices and advocate for change. I will always encourage them to think critically about the world around them and to develop solutions to the challenges we face. I will use my experience to show them that they can make a difference in the world! I was fortunate my career path lead to a passion full of joy. Teaching is a daily reminder that I choose to make someone else’s life better. It is intentional, purposeful and meaningful. Starting from coaching, mentoring, volunteering, to teaching. One of the tricks is shifting mindset to find what brings yourself joy in order to fill others cup you have to fill your own. Having a growth and positive mindset is key. Remaining positive in difficult situations and being a solution and problem solver. As an educator, working in various environments inspired me to continue teaching even in very low moments and when stressed. It reminded me of my (why) (what) and (how) A TED TALK I saw years ago. My why is that my life purpose whether I try to ignore it, always finds me. That is to help others. My what is by showing them their light and why they shines, how is by giving them hope and helping them believe and see it in themselves. Many times others need love and to be reminded they are seen, valued, and heard. I feel my experiences are very unique in a sense that none of them have been necessarily “good” or easy. In fact, they have been deemingly hard. That is only the motivation to drive my purpose and not stop me or give me a road block in my path or purpose. In fact, many great success stories often have a critical point when they have to choose a path of giving up or continuing on and making something of what you started. That is what inspires me, it. is the terrifying idea of failure for myself and others. Jayla Bulow

Currently as an education teacher, technology is a huge part of the education world today.I am greatly inspired by the STEM world and how far science integration has came. Recently, I have been inspired by the lego robotics and the STEM technology kits. I have seen students dive into lego kits and learn about coding and creating new lego builds. I believe the STEM kits help students become engineers and future designers of this world.

Superfood are my main diet. I love superfoods because they overall help my mind, body, and general well-being. I feel better, think, and act better when I am eating superfood. There have been many times when I have ate foods that have decreased my energy, my happiness and mood, and my thought process. Some superfoods I love on a daily basis are Athletic Greens, a green drink that I drink everyday with my vitamins. I love this because it has essential nutritions and vitamins in it. I love broccoli, spinach, mini sweet peppers, carrots, and cucumbers so much! I will eat them with humus of any flavor! I love bananas, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, pineapple. I am such a fan of oats, chia seeds, and other add-ons to meals.

My challenges to pursuing a higher education involve being the first in my family to seek higher education. I had to navigate the financial means on my own and overcome barriers all on my own. This has been very challenging to not have people who can always point me in the right directions for general guidance, and financial guidance. I have had to overcome barrier such as family members not understanding what it means to me to obtain a degree and higher education. With it comes hard work, dedication, and many commitments like long hours and weekends doing work. I have overcome barrier of proving myself to colleagues and parents who took one look at me and did not believe in my work ethic or did not want to give me a chance or help me learn and grow. This has really driven me to pursue even higher education. I currently obtain one MD degree and would like to pursue another, financial means hold me back a bit. I do wish to pursue my Doctorate. With these degrees and knowledge, I hope to continue to give back to the community and help make significant changes for special education and low-income families. As for myself, I hope to change the way we mentor new teachers and I plan on being a part of that. I would say I am willing and proactive on taking steps to accomplish these changes.

As an educator I try to be the best role model in every day situations. As an active leader in the community, I try to lead by example. So, lately I see trash on the ground all the time! I think it is simple tasks that make a big difference. I am a leader who will stop and pick up trash almost 90% of the time. I lead by going the extra mile to help the elderly person put the cart away so they do not have to walk far. By holding a door, by sharing a smile, saying kind compliments, or a random act of service! There are a few small ways to be a leader when I am living day to day life. As I am teaching, I think the role of leadership extends beyond that. Leadership to me is being able to see the qualities in others and help them make that shine! Allowing all to feel celebrated and welcome/comfortable and acknowledged. It is important as a leader to be able to guide a group of people but also to be able to follow. There are many ways to actively lead as an educator!

I currently am a special education teacher in a high risk field. I work with children who are in our school system, but need the highest level of support. Students are on individual education plans, and have specific learning disibilities along with emotional behavior disabilities. Many students have functional behavior assessments before entering the school and it is a last resort situation. One student had previously been hospitalized due to significant behaviors at home (violent and threatening behaviors). This student came to school the next day and decided to leave the building, throw rocks at me immediately and leave campus. In his plan, it is written that communication is limited and distance was given. The student proceeded to an abandoned building where they entered illegally and started finding objects to throw and threaten. The worst part was this building was very old. The student then made the way up to the very top. The police who have interacted with the student many times came. The fire department was called and never showed up. This story I am telling is a reminder to me and impacts me because that student who is very young went home that same day when he was escorted down. Thinking about how we are now stuck with a repeated pattern and a parent who is unsure how to handle the situation.. It impacts me and the teaching I try to do everyday because someone has to do something to help the families and students. That was a horrifying day and I felt helpless. There may have been nothing I could have done more that day, but going forward connecting with the parent even more and pushing to get counseling, other outside services was even more important.

Recovery has affected my life in every way possible. Growing up I experienced addicted second hand. This has forced me at a very early age to recover myself from wounds and experiences I will never be able to unsee. My sister will never admit she is an addict, but if you have gone to any AA meeting or any meetings to seek help, even counseling, they will remind you that someone who is still an addict just won't. Addiction from a family member is something I can try to put into words, however, I have learned as an adult later in life that many people also struggle with these same addictions and it is just always going to be a challenge that the person is going to have to decide to overcome on their own. I have had addiction follow me, meaning, my significant other also struggled with addiction and I found out after a year or two being together. That is the ironic thing about addicts that I have learned after all this time, they are very good at hiding things, like addiction. I do believe that dealing with my sisters recovery process for her, my family, and myself helped me understand. It was a long battle, but in short having boundaries and staying true to my values and religion helped me remind him it was his journey not mine. His road to recovery is amazing and I am a large part of that journey. We are together still!

I believe the best scientific discovery is medical finding/healings. After this last year I am especially grateful for scientist and how far we have come in our medical field. I know many people and loved ones who have suffered and passed because of Covid, illness, or diseases. It is an ongoing and continuous problem, however I believe that scientist and doctors in the medical field have found many solutions to help people. This to me is the greatest finding and best to help all people.

Early on in life I realized that mental health is critical to living a healthy and happy everyday life. My personal experience helped shaped my mindset because I was fortunate to see other loved friends and family members suffer, yet overcome difficult times. To understand, there are many mental health difficulties such as depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders to name a few that I have personally seen. At an early age I was able to see people working through their problems first hand and see how these experiences and many difficult person challenges they faced either did one of two things. They either were able to face the mountain ahead of them and overcome the battle they were fighting, or they were not. It is hard to see people you love, not happy or okay. I believe this influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in an enormous way! I believe as a special education teacher, that wether or not you have a disability/disorder you have a right to helping yourself. As a teacher, it is an obligation to help those who are struggling, not cause more conflict or pain. When I am teaching or with friends and family, my core beliefs line up with my relationship building. I treat everyone the same and I am understanding of what everyone has gone through based on my experiences. Building healthy relationship is important, even if others may not be able to. It still is important to treat someone who is struggling with a mental illness as if they are just like everyone else. Mental health influence my career aspirations because I have empathy for children and adults who struggle day to day. I truly want to do the best work everyday I can. That includes expanding my knowledge on mental illness, going the extra mile, and doing the work. I work in a field with mental illness and sometimes it is patience, kindness, listening, and letting others know that you are there for them.

Health is very important to me. By doing daily acts to better your health it sets a mindset and framework for your lifestyle. I believe this is important in our world today because of a few things. First, it is crucial to be physically healthy. There are many health disease and risks. If you are not taking care of your body, there are scary roads that lead to a short life. Second, not only your physical health is important, but your mental health in the world today is important as well! There are so many things that can create "unhealthy" and risky lifestyle choices. It is important to know who you are and to do that by having a healthy life (however that looks for you). Things I do to have a healthy life: I enjoy the gym, walking, biking, outdoor activity as much as possible! Even 3-4 times a week. I like to practice eating healthy foods, occasionally eating foods that are tasty! It is more about having balance i my diet. Mentally to stay healthy, for myself i get plenty of good quality sleep, read, relax by doing things such as yoga, using a favorite candle, self reflecting on choices I make. Thanks!