Human connection has shaped every part of my life, from my childhood to the person I am becoming today. It has influenced how I view relationships, how I raise my children, and how I plan to impact others in the future. Because of my experiences, I understand that strong, healthy relationships are not just important, they are life-changing. I grew up in a single-parent household after my parents divorced. My father struggled with mental health, which led to alcoholism and eventually drug use. His choices created instability in my life and damaged our relationship. Over time, he became emotionally and physically absent. Watching that happen at a young age affected me deeply and shaped how I understood connection, trust, and love. While my relationship with my father was strained, my mother has always been my foundation. She worked hard to provide for me and my siblings despite the challenges she faced. She showed me what resilience looks like and taught me that your circumstances do not have to define your future. One of the most important lessons she gave me was the value of education. She believed that pursuing higher education was the key to creating a better life, and she lived that example every day. Watching her push forward, even when things were difficult, inspired me to do the same. Becoming a mother at a young age changed my perspective on relationships even more. I was pregnant at 19 and raising two children by 22. As a single parent, I quickly realized how important it is to create a stable, loving environment. I knew I wanted something different for my children than what I experienced growing up. I wanted them to feel supported, valued, and secure. My past has not always made relationships easy for me. I have struggled with trust and understanding what healthy connections should look like. However, those challenges have also pushed me to grow. I have become more intentional about the relationships I build and maintain. I have learned that communication, consistency, and emotional presence are essential in any strong relationship. As a mother, I prioritize building a strong bond with my children. Everything I do is for them. I want to be a parent they can look up to no matter what. I want them to feel safe coming to me, to know they are loved unconditionally, and to understand the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Creating that kind of environment requires effort, patience, and self-awareness, but it is something I am committed to every day. My experiences have also shaped my goals for the future. I plan to continue my career as a special education teacher, and human connection will be at the center of my work. I want to build meaningful relationships with my students, especially those who may feel overlooked or unsupported. I understand how much of a difference it can make when someone truly sees you and believes in you. I want to be that person for my students. In the classroom, I will focus not only on education but also on connection. I want to create a space where students feel comfortable, heard, and encouraged. Strong relationships between teachers and students can change how students see themselves and their potential. I believe that when students feel connected, they are more likely to succeed. Looking ahead, I believe the future of human connection depends on our willingness to be present, understanding, and intentional with one another. In a world where people can easily feel disconnected, building genuine relationships matters more than ever. My life has taught me both the impact of broken connections and the power of strong ones. Because of that, I am committed to building relationships that uplift, support, and inspire. Human connection is not just something I value, it is something I live every day. It has shaped my past, guides my present, and will continue to influence my future as I work to create a better life for my children and a positive impact on those around me.

My journey with mental health is deeply connected to my childhood and my relationship with my father. Growing up, I watched him struggle with his own mental health, but at the time, I did not have the understanding to fully grasp what he was going through. What I did see clearly was how it affected our lives. His struggles led to my parents divorce, alcoholism, and over time, that alcoholism became worse and turned into drug use. As I got older, his decisions became more reckless and dangerous. There were multiple DUIs, evictions, and unstable living situations that pushed me further away from him. Eventually, I moved away with my mother, but even before that, my father was not emotionally present in my life. I did not have the support or protection that a child should receive from a parent. That absence stayed with me. It shaped how I saw myself, how I viewed relationships, and how I processed my emotions. For years, I struggled with anxiety and depression, carrying the weight of things I did not know how to express. This led to me acting out in many ways, including self-harm as a young teen. When I became pregnant at 19, I was met with blame. My father got drunk and high during a time when I needed guidance the most. Not long after, he left and moved back to the island where he was born. He never returned and has never met my children. That abandonment added another layer of pain, and for a long time, I had to process what it meant to move forward without closure. My experiences with my father had a strong impact on my relationships. I struggled with trust and with understanding what a healthy relationship looked like. There were times where the emotional weight of my past showed up in ways I did not fully understand at the time. However, those experiences also forced me to become more self-aware. I began to recognize patterns, confront my emotions, and slowly work toward healing. Becoming a mother changed everything for me. It gave me a reason to face the parts of myself I had been avoiding. I knew I did not want my children to grow up in the same environment I experienced. I wanted to create stability, love, and safety for them. That meant I had to take responsibility for my own healing. I had to work through my anxiety, my depression, and the pain I carried from my childhood. Over time, my beliefs about mental health have shifted. I no longer see it as something to hide or ignore. I understand how important it is to acknowledge struggles instead of suppressing them. Silence can make things worse, and I have seen firsthand how untreated mental health issues can affect not just one person, but an entire family. Because of that, I believe in being open about mental health and creating space for honest conversations, especially in communities where it is often overlooked. My journey has also shaped my aspirations. I want to be someone who breaks cycles, not just for my children, but for others as well. I want to show that even when you come from difficult situations, you can choose a different path. My past does not define me, but it has given me strength, empathy, and a deeper understanding of what others may be going through. Today, I am still growing and learning, but I am proud of how far I have come. I have taken pain and used it as motivation to become a better person, a better mother, and someone who values mental health and emotional well-being. My journey has taught me that healing is not easy, but getting there is possible.

Becoming a teacher is personal for me. It is not just something I chose as a career, it is something that comes from my life, my struggles, and the future I want to create for my children. My why is rooted in my sons and in my desire to build a better life for them while also making a difference in the lives of other children. I became a mother at a young age. I was pregnant at 19, had my first son at 20, and then my second at 22. Becoming a single mother so early came with a lot of challenges. I had to deal with financial struggles, emotional stress, and trying to figure life out while raising two children at the same time. There were moments where everything felt overwhelming, but I knew I could not let those struggles define me. I wanted more for my life and more for my kids. My sons are the reason I kept going. They gave me purpose when I needed it the most. I knew I wanted to break certain cycles and create a different future for them. I wanted them to see that no matter where you start, you can grow and become something greater. That is what pushed me to go back to school and pursue a career that actually means something to me. Becoming a teacher was not just about finding a job, it was about finding purpose. I truly believe education can change lives. It opens doors and gives people opportunities they may not have thought were possible. I know what it feels like to struggle and to question yourself, and because of that, I want to be the kind of teacher who supports students through those moments. What inspired me to become a teacher is my own journey and also the reality that so many kids go through hard situations every day. Some come from low income families, some do not have strong support systems, and some feel like nobody really sees them. I want to be the teacher who sees those students and reminds them that they matter. I want to be someone who encourages them and helps them believe in themselves. My experiences have taught me patience, strength, and understanding. I know how important it is to have someone in your corner, and that is what I plan to be for my students. I want my classroom to be a safe space where students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to learn. I want them to know it is okay to make mistakes and that they are capable of growing. I also plan to use my story to inspire others. I want my students to see that their situation does not have to limit them. Just because life starts off hard does not mean it has to stay that way. I want them to see someone who has been through challenges and still chose to keep going. I believe that connection matters, and when students feel understood, they are more likely to succeed. Teaching is more than just lessons and assignments to me. It is about building relationships and helping shape the future. I want to guide my students, support them, and be someone they can trust. Even outside the classroom, I want to make a positive impact in their lives. This path means a lot to me because it allows me to turn everything I have been through into something meaningful. I am not just doing this for myself, I am doing it for my children and for every student who needs someone to believe in them. My sons inspire me every day to keep going, and I want to give that same motivation to my students. At the end of the day, I want to be a teacher who makes a difference. I want to help students see their potential and understand that they can create a better future for themselves. That is my purpose and the reason I chose this path.

I have always believed that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. Too often, students with special needs are overlooked or misunderstood. Students with disabilities are no less capable than their peers; they simply learn in ways that require patience, creativity, and understanding. This belief has shaped both my passion and my career goals. I plan to pursue continue my career working with the special needs community because I want to be part of the change that makes education more inclusive and accessible. The current system, while improving, still falls short in many ways. There is a shortage of trained special education teachers, limited access to appropriate learning resources, and insufficient funding for programs that support students with diverse needs. These gaps can leave students feeling excluded or underestimated, which directly impacts their confidence and future opportunities. I’d like the to a part of the change to help bridge the gaps. My goal is to help create learning environments where students with special needs feel valued and empowered. I want to provide individualized support that recognizes each student’s strengths rather than focusing only on their challenges. Whether through specialized instruction, adaptive technologies, or simply offering encouragement and patience, I aim to ensure that every student I work with has the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, I also hope to advocate for systemic change. Education should not be limited by budget constraints or a lack of awareness. I want to work with schools, families, and communities to push for better funding, improved teacher training, and more inclusive policies. Advocacy is essential in breaking down the barriers that prevent students with disabilities from receiving the quality education they deserve. Empathy and resilience are at the center of everything. Supporting students with special needs requires not only knowledge but also a genuine commitment to understanding their experiences. I am prepared to face challenges, whether it be navigating limited resources or addressing misconceptions about disabilities. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting social impact by helping students with special needs build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. I want them to leave the classroom not only with academic skills but with the belief that they are capable of achieving their goals in every day life. By dedicating my career to this field, I hope to contribute to a future where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception. The special needs community deserves passionate individuals who are willing to stand up, speak out, and take action. I am committed to being one of those individuals. Someone who not only teaches but also uplifts, advocates, and inspires change.

“I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence.” This statement speaks to helping students recognize their value, identity, and voice in the world. A “sense of their own presence” means that a student understands that they matter, that their thoughts, feelings, and abilities are important and worthy of being expressed. It goes beyond academics; it is about building confidence, self-awareness, and a belief in one’s own potential. This idea is especially meaningful in special education, where students are often overlooked, underestimated, or misunderstood. My passion for special education comes from a deep belief that every child deserves access to learning, respect, and the opportunity to be heard. Students with disabilities are one of the most underrepresented groups, and too often, expectations for them are unfairly limited. As an educator, I have witnessed moments where others speak for students or assume what they are capable of, and I have never accepted those limitations. My mission as a special education teacher is to create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of growth. I want my students to develop confidence in who they are and how they learn. This means meeting them where they are, understanding that learning looks different for every individual, and embracing those differences as strengths rather than barriers. Whether a student communicates verbally, through assistive technology, gestures, sign language, or other forms of expression, I am committed to helping them find and use their voice. Guiding students to a sense of their own presence begins with building trust and creating a safe, inclusive classroom. I strive to foster a love for learning by making education meaningful and accessible, allowing students to engage in ways that work best for them. When students begin to see that their ideas matter and that they can succeed, they gain confidence not only academically but personally. Ultimately, my goal is to open doors for my students. Doors to communication, independence, and self-advocacy. I want them to leave my classroom knowing they are capable, deserving, and empowered to take up space in the world. Teaching, to me, is not just about delivering content; it is about helping students recognize their own worth and guiding them toward becoming confident individuals who understand that their presence matters. In a small, colorful village, every child spoke a different language. Some used their voices, some signed with their hands, some pointed to pictures, and others used special devices that spoke for them. At first, the village felt divided, many did not understand one another, and some children were left out of games and conversations. One day, a teacher arrived who believed every voice mattered, no matter how it was expressed. She began teaching the children how to listen, not just with their ears, but with their eyes and their hearts. The children learned to recognize hand signs, to wait patiently for devices to speak, and to understand gestures and expressions. Slowly, the village changed. Laughter grew louder, friendships formed, and every child found a way to be heard. No one voice was more important than another, and each child discovered that they belonged. The village became a place where differences were not barriers, but bridges. Like that village, my classroom is a place where every student’s voice is valued. My role is to help build those bridges, so that each child can experience their own presence and know they truly matter.

Returning to school as a young mother came with significant challenges that tested my resilience, discipline, and determination. After having my first son at 19, I made the decision to continue my education while working as a paraprofessional. However, balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, work, and school proved to be overwhelming. Between the ages of 19 and 22, I struggled to maintain consistency in my education, often having to step away and later return due to financial strain, childcare responsibilities, and the demands of daily life. One of the greatest challenges I faced was time management. As a primary caregiver, my schedule was never truly my own. I had to prioritize my children’s needs over my academic goals, which meant studying late at night, completing assignments during limited free time, and pushing through exhaustion. When I had my second child at 22, those challenges intensified. Managing two young children while continuing my education required a level of discipline and sacrifice that pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. Financial responsibility was another major obstacle. While I received some support, I largely carried the burden of providing for my household. This meant working while attending school, ensuring that bills were paid, and maintaining stability for my family. There were moments when continuing my education felt uncertain, but I remained committed to finishing what I started. Despite these challenges, I developed valuable skills that have shaped who I am today. I learned how to manage my time effectively, stay focused under pressure, and remain persistent even when progress felt slow. These experiences strengthened my work ethic and taught me the importance of long-term goals over short-term comfort. Overcoming these obstacles ultimately led me to earn my bachelor’s degree at 23, a milestone that represents years of perseverance and dedication. That achievement not only opened the door for me to become a teacher under a provisional certification, but it also reinforced my belief in my ability to succeed despite difficult circumstances. Returning to school was not a linear journey, but it was a transformative one. The challenges I faced pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, and they continue to influence how I approach my goals today. As I now work toward full certification and a master’s degree, I carry those lessons with me, confident in my ability to overcome obstacles and continue building a better future for myself and my family.

My journey as a single mother pursuing education has been filled with both challenges and growth. I became pregnant with my first son at 19, which shifted my priorities. I was determined to provide for him and began working as a paraprofessional while attempting to continue my education. However, balancing school, work, and motherhood became overwhelming. Between the ages of 19 and 22, I struggled with consistency, often dropping out and re-enrolling as I tried to find stability. At 22, I gave birth to my second son. While this brought even greater responsibility, it also strengthened my determination to build a better future for my children. I refused to give up on my goals. Shortly after turning 23, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As the primary parent, I carry the majority of the financial and emotional responsibility for my household. While I receive minimal support from my children’s fathers, I am responsible for maintaining my own home, paying rent and bills, and ensuring my children’s needs are met. I have worked hard to build stability, including paying off my vehicle last year, maintaining a career, and supporting my sons in sports. Managing these responsibilities while advancing my career has not been easy, and there have been many moments of exhaustion, lack of money, and doubt. Despite these challenges, my journey has also been deeply fulfilling. Becoming a teacher through a provisional certification has allowed me to turn my experiences into purpose. I am passionate about working with students and often see reflections of my own struggles in them. This perspective allows me to connect with my students on a deeper level and support them not only academically, but emotionally as well. Pursuing further education is the next step in creating long-term stability for my family. I am currently working toward full certification and plan to earn my master’s degree to increase my salary. Advancing my education will not only improve my financial situation, but also allow me to grow as an educator and better serve my students. Most importantly, I want to be a role model for my children. I want them to see that even when life presents obstacles, it is possible to persevere and achieve your goals through hard work and dedication. My journey has taught me resilience. Through further education, I hope to uplift my family by creating a more secure and stable future. I am committed to continuing my growth, both personally and professionally, and to showing my children that their circumstances do not define their potential.