My Latino heritage is an essential part of who I am. It influences how I view the world, how I value family and community, and how I approach challenges with strength and pride. Being Latino goes beyond just speaking Spanish or celebrating traditions; it involves carrying the experiences and sacrifices of those who came before me. It’s about holding on to my identity and using it as a source of strength in a world that might not always respect it. Growing up in a Latino household taught me the value of hard work, respect, and perseverance. I watched my family work hard—overcoming language barriers, financial struggles, and limited opportunities—to create a better life for the next generation. Their sacrifices lay the groundwork for my future, and I carry their dreams with me in everything I do. Our culture values unity, support, and determination, and I see college as a way to honor these values. I am excited about attending college to create opportunities for myself, my family, and my community. As a first-generation college student, I realize that earning a degree means more than personal success—it’s about breaking cycles, opening doors, and inspiring younger relatives and others in similar situations. I want to show them that our backgrounds can be a strength, not a barrier. College represents a chance to become the person I aspire to be: a confident leader who gives back to the community. I am particularly passionate about becoming a teacher, and going to college is the next step on this path. I want to work in schools where students like me—Latino, bilingual, and sometimes overlooked—can find role models among their teachers. I want them to know they are valued and that their stories matter. Education has always been a vital part of my family’s journey. Even with limited resources, my parents and grandparents believed in the power of learning. Now, I have the opportunity to turn that belief into action by pursuing a degree that will allow me to support others. My heritage inspires me to succeed, and college will provide the tools I need to make that success meaningful. Ultimately, my Latino heritage and my college ambitions are closely tied together. One gives me strength; the other guides my path. I carry both with pride as I move forward, eager to learn, grow, and give back to the community and culture that has shaped me.

Professor Harold Bloom’s thoughts on teaching perfectly explain why I want to become a special education teacher. To bring a student to a “sense of his or her own presence” means much more than just teaching facts or helping students pass tests. It’s about helping them realize who they are, believe in their worth, and embrace their place in the world. I aspire to be the kind of teacher who shows students their value, strength, and potential, especially those who have too often been overlooked or underestimated. As I look forward to a career in special education, I know that many students with special needs face challenges beyond academics. They often struggle with low self-esteem, social difficulties, and the feeling of being “different.” These challenges can make them feel unseen and shake their confidence. My goal as a special education teacher is to help these students feel truly recognized—not just as learners, but as whole individuals with unique talents and perspectives. When Professor Bloom talks about “presence,” I think about helping students understand that they matter. That their ideas are important. That their feelings are valid. I want to create a classroom where every student can explore their identity in a respectful, safe, and encouraging space. In my future classroom, I will support students for who they are, rather than define them by their struggles. To help students build this sense of presence, I plan to meet them at their level and grow alongside them. I want to discover how each student learns and expresses themselves best, whether through visuals, hands-on activities, discussions, or assistive technology. I believe that effective teaching in special education requires flexibility, creativity, patience, and a strong belief in each student’s potential. I also want to help students recognize their strengths. In special education, it’s easy to focus on what needs improvement. I aim to shine a light on what my students can do. Every student has something special to contribute, and I want to help them see and appreciate it. When students achieve success—even in small ways—they become more confident and engaged in their learning and their lives. Another key part of helping students find their presence is supporting their emotional and social development. Many students in special education need guidance in expressing their feelings, building relationships, and gaining self-understanding. I want to foster these skills by modeling empathy, encouraging communication, and celebrating progress—not just in academics but also in personal growth.As someone getting ready to become a teacher, I know there’s still a lot for me to learn. But I really care about this work. I’m dedicated to building strong connections with my students and their families, working with other teachers, and growing in my understanding of how to support all kinds of learners. I see being a special education teacher as more than just a job—it’s a chance to help, lift up, and empower others. Professor Bloom’s ideas remind me that teaching isn’t about making students fit into a mold. It’s about helping them recognize their own unique shapes and embracing who they are. I want to guide my students to feel confident in themselves and excited about their futures. That’s the kind of teacher I aspire to be. I want my future students to enter my classroom feeling accepted and leave believing they can achieve amazing things. Teaching special education means being an advocate, a guide, a listener, and a cheerleader. It’s about creating a space where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. It’s about helping students find their voices and passions and their place in the world. That’s why I’m so passionate about this field, and I eagerly await the day when I can help my students discover their own strengths, just like Professor Bloom described so beautifully.

I want to pursue a career in education because I believe teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting difference in the world. Education shapes not only minds but also futures. As a teacher, I will have the opportunity to help students discover their potential, overcome challenges, and become confident, capable individuals. Being a part of that journey is something I truly value, and it’s why I’m passionate about becoming an educator. One of the main reasons I want to enter the field of education is because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a positive learning environment can be. Throughout my school years, I had teachers who made a big impact on my life—not just by helping me succeed in the classroom, but by believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Their support and encouragement stayed with me and helped me push through difficult times. That experience taught me that teaching is about more than just delivering lessons—it’s about building relationships, offering guidance, and showing students they matter. I also want to teach because I genuinely enjoy helping others learn. Whether it’s explaining a new topic, answering questions, or finding new ways to approach a problem, I love the process of helping someone grow in their understanding. Watching a student go from confusion to confidence is incredibly rewarding. It’s that moment when a concept finally “clicks” that reminds me why I want to be in the classroom. In addition, I believe that education is a powerful tool for creating a more equal and compassionate society. Many students face barriers in their lives—whether it’s poverty, language, or lack of support at home—and I want to be someone who helps break down those barriers. As a teacher, I want to provide a safe, respectful, and encouraging space where every student feels they have a chance to succeed. I want my classroom to be a place where all students feel seen and supported, no matter their background. Education also gives me the chance to constantly grow and evolve. The world is always changing, and good teachers are lifelong learners. I’m excited about the opportunity to keep improving my teaching methods, learning from my students, and staying connected to a larger community of educators who share the same passion for making a difference. Most of all, I want to pursue a career in education because I care deeply about the next generation. I believe every child deserves someone who will believe in them, support them, and push them to be their best. I want to be that person. Becoming a teacher is not just a job—it’s a responsibility, a privilege, and a chance to have a lasting, positive impact on countless lives.

My drive to become a teacher comes from a combination of personal experiences, role models in my life, and a deep desire to help others. From a young age, I realized the power of education and how much of a difference a great teacher can make. The influence of a few incredible teachers, along with my own journey as a student, sparked my passion to follow in their footsteps and dedicate my life to teaching. Growing up, school was not always easy for me. There were times when I struggled with confidence, felt unsure of myself, or needed extra support. During those times, it was often a teacher who helped me stay on track. I still remember one of my elementary school teachers who always took time to check in with me and made sure I felt included and capable. She didn’t just care about my grades—she cared about me as a person. That feeling stuck with me. I saw how just one person believing in a student could completely change how that student sees themselves. As I got older, I began to notice how important teachers are, especially for students who face challenges outside of school. I saw classmates go through difficult situations—some didn’t have stable homes, others struggled emotionally or socially—and it was often a caring teacher who made the biggest difference in their lives. That made me realize that teaching isn’t just about academics; it’s about connection, support, and creating a safe space where students can grow. I’ve also always enjoyed helping others learn. Whether it was helping a younger sibling with homework or volunteering at school events, I found joy in breaking things down, explaining them, and seeing someone finally understand a new idea. That feeling of helping someone gain confidence and knowledge is incredibly rewarding. Over time, I began to see teaching as the perfect way to turn that joy into a career. In high school, I had opportunities to tutor and mentor younger students, and those experiences solidified my decision. I saw how patience, encouragement, and a little creativity could turn a struggling student into one who was excited to learn. Being part of that transformation was inspiring, and it confirmed that teaching is the path I want to follow. My drive to become a teacher is rooted in the belief that every child deserves someone in their corner—someone who sees their potential and won’t give up on them. I want to be that person. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves, take risks, and develop not just academically, but as people. Teaching is more than a job to me. It’s a calling—a chance to make a real difference every single day. My own experiences have shown me how powerful that difference can be, and that’s what continues to drive me to become the best teacher I can be.

I want to become a teacher because I believe education is one of the most powerful ways to make a positive impact on individuals and entire communities. Through teaching, I hope to inspire, guide, and support students as they grow—both academically and personally. My further education will play a key role in helping me achieve this goal by giving me the tools, knowledge, and experiences I need to be the best teacher I can be. Through my studies, I will learn how to design effective lessons, manage a classroom, and adapt my teaching to meet the diverse needs of students. Every student learns differently, and I want to be prepared to support all types of learners. Whether a student needs extra help, advanced challenges, or emotional support, I want to be able to meet them where they are and help them succeed. Courses in child development, educational psychology, and curriculum planning will give me the foundation I need to create a classroom where every student feels seen and supported. I also believe that being a teacher is about much more than academics. I want to be a mentor and a role model. Many students face challenges outside of school that can affect their ability to learn. A caring, consistent adult in their life—like a teacher—can make a huge difference. I want to be someone my students can trust, someone who encourages them, and someone who believes in their potential even when they might not believe in themselves. Furthering my education will also connect me with other future educators and mentors who share my passion. Being part of that community will help me grow, try new ideas, and stay inspired. I know that great teachers never stop learning, and I’m excited to keep improving throughout my career so I can always give my students the best of myself. In addition to helping individual students, I hope to have a positive impact on the broader community. Education shapes not just minds but also values. As a teacher, I can help students develop important life skills like empathy, teamwork, respect, and resilience—qualities that make communities stronger and more connected. I hope to be part of building a generation that cares about others and feels empowered to create change. Becoming a teacher is my way of giving back. I want to create a classroom that is more than just a place to learn—I want it to be a place where students feel safe, valued, and motivated. My education will help me build that kind of environment, and I’m excited for the journey ahead. I know that through teaching, I can make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of my students and the world around me.