I deserve this scholarship because I have demonstrated determination, perseverance, and a strong commitment to reaching my educational goals. As a Special Education major, my goal is to become an educator who advocates for students with disabilities and helps them recognize their own potential. My journey through college has not always been easy. I am a student with epilepsy and come from a low-income background, which has created challenges along the way. However, I have refused to allow those challenges to stop me from pursuing my degree. One of my proudest accomplishments is making the Dean’s List during Summer 2026. This achievement represents more than good grades to me—it represents the hard work, dedication, and determination I have put into continuing my education even when things have been difficult. My faith and commitment to the Lord have also been an important source of strength throughout my journey. My faith reminds me to keep believing, keep working, and not give up when I face obstacles. I believe that the challenges I have experienced have helped shape me into a more compassionate and determined person. What gives me an advantage over other applicants is not that my journey has been easier, but that I have continued moving forward despite my circumstances. I have learned to turn challenges into motivation and setbacks into opportunities to grow. Earning a place on the Dean’s List while managing the challenges in my life is proof to me that determination can make a difference. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to becoming a Special Education teacher. More importantly, it would support my goal of using my education and experiences to advocate for students with disabilities and encourage them to never give up on themselves. I am determined to finish what I started, and I hope to use my future career to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

One of the greatest blessings in my life has been having family and friends who believed in me during some of the most difficult seasons I have ever experienced. Over the years, I have endured the loss of several family members, and those losses brought grief that was difficult to overcome. At the same time, I have been living with epilepsy, and the seizures I experience have created physical, emotional, and academic challenges. There were moments when I questioned whether I would be able to continue pursuing my college degree. During those times, the encouragement and prayers of my family and friends reminded me that I was never facing my struggles alone. Their unwavering support strengthened my relationship with God in ways I had never experienced before. As a child, I believed in God, but it was through these hardships that my faith truly grew. My family and friends prayed with me, encouraged me to trust God's plan, and reminded me that He had a purpose for my life even when I could not understand why I was facing these challenges. Their faith inspired me to rely on God for strength, peace, and hope. I have learned that even in the midst of loss and uncertainty, God continues to provide comfort and guidance. These experiences have greatly shaped my educational journey. Despite the obstacles caused by my health and personal losses, I have remained committed to earning my degree in Special Education. I know firsthand how important it is to have people who believe in you when you feel discouraged. The encouragement I received has motivated me to persevere and continue working toward my dream of becoming a teacher who makes a positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities. As a future Special Education teacher, I want to create a classroom where every student feels valued, respected, and capable of success. I want to encourage students who may be struggling academically, emotionally, or personally by recognizing their strengths instead of focusing only on their challenges. I will build meaningful relationships with my students, celebrate their progress, and remind them that they each have unique, God-given gifts and abilities. Sheila Chau believed that every student matters, and I share that belief wholeheartedly. I hope to become the kind of educator who sees potential in every child, especially those who may feel overlooked or forgotten. Just as my family, friends, and faith helped me discover my own strength and purpose, I want to inspire my future students to believe in themselves, overcome adversity, and realize that they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined.

As the daughter of an Army veteran, I have always been proud of my family's commitment to service and sacrifice. Through my father's military service, VA educational benefits have made it possible for me to pursue my college education. Those benefits have helped pay for my tuition, books, and other educational expenses, allowing me to remain focused on achieving my goal of becoming a Special Education teacher. Unfortunately, my VA educational benefits have now been exhausted before I have completed my degree. At the same time, I have faced significant medical challenges. I have epilepsy, which causes seizures that have affected both my health and my academic performance. Managing my condition while attending college has been difficult, and these circumstances have contributed to my current 2.8 GPA. Despite these challenges, I have remained committed to my education and have continued working toward completing my degree. Receiving an extension of my educational benefits or additional financial assistance would allow me to finish my education without the overwhelming financial burden of paying for tuition, books, and required course materials on my own. My goal is to graduate and become a Special Education teacher, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with disabilities by providing them with the support, encouragement, and educational opportunities they deserve. I respectfully ask that my circumstances be considered. My family's military service, my medical condition, and my determination to complete my education demonstrate my commitment to overcoming adversity. An extension of my educational assistance would provide me with the opportunity to finish my degree and give back to my community through a career dedicated to serving others.

My goal is to earn my degree in Special Education and become a teacher who helps students with diverse learning needs succeed both academically and personally. Education has always been important to me because I have seen how a supportive teacher can make a lasting difference in a student's life. Through my experiences as a tutor, I have developed a passion for helping others learn, gain confidence, and overcome challenges. These experiences have reinforced my desire to become a Special Education teacher and advocate for students who need additional support. I am currently working toward graduating from college, and my original goal was to graduate in 2027. However, due to financial challenges, I may need to extend my studies and graduate in 2028 instead. While this has been discouraging at times, I remain committed to completing my degree and achieving my career goals. I understand that education is an investment in my future, and I am determined to continue moving forward despite the obstacles I face. In addition to financial difficulties, I have also experienced mental health challenges during my college journey. Balancing coursework, personal responsibilities, and financial concerns can be overwhelming, but these experiences have taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of seeking support when needed. Rather than allowing these challenges to define me, I have used them as motivation to continue pursuing my goals. They have also helped me develop greater empathy and understanding for others, qualities that I believe are essential for an effective Special Education teacher. Throughout my academic career, I have worked hard to maintain strong grades and remain focused on my future. I am an honor roll student with a 3.8 GPA, and I take pride in the effort and dedication I put into my education. I have also spent several years tutoring students, primarily in elementary grades, helping them improve their skills and confidence in subjects such as mathematics and reading. Watching students grow and succeed has confirmed that education is the field where I can make the greatest impact. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden that threatens to delay my graduation. The funds could be used for tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and other educational expenses. By reducing financial stress, this scholarship would allow me to focus more on my coursework, field experiences, and preparation for my future career. It would also help me stay on track toward completing my degree as efficiently as possible. My long-term goal is to create an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, respected, and capable of success. I want to be the teacher who encourages students to believe in themselves, even when they face obstacles. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving that goal. It would not only support my education but also help me continue my journey toward making a positive difference in the lives of future students. Through hard work, determination, and the support of opportunities like this scholarship, I am confident that I can overcome challenges and achieve my dream of becoming a Special Education teacher.

The Story of the Bridge-Builder Once upon a time, in a kingdom where learning was shaped like a single straight road, I lived as an observer at the edge of the village school. The road was narrow and fast, and most children were expected to walk it at the same pace, without stopping, without wandering. Many could. But some could not—not because they lacked ability, but because the road was never built for them. These children were called different. Some heard the world too loudly. Some understood it more slowly. Some spoke with their hands, their eyes, or their drawings instead of their voices. Each time they stumbled, the road moved on without them. Watching this stirred something deep inside me, and that is where my passion for becoming a special education teacher was born. I noticed one child in particular standing at the edge of the road, unsure whether to step forward. The child was present in body but absent in spirit, as if unsure they belonged in the world around them. When I knelt beside them and waited—truly waited—the child’s posture shifted. They looked up, not with answers, but with recognition. In that moment, I understood what the kingdom had forgotten: before a child can learn, they must feel their own presence. In this land, presence was rarely spoken of. Yet I came to define it as the inner knowing that I exist, I matter, and I have a place here. For many children with special needs, this sense of presence had been quietly taken from them—eroded by constant correction, comparison, and misunderstanding. I became passionate about special education because I wanted to restore what had been lost, not by force, but by guidance. So I chose a different role. I became a Bridge-Builder. Instead of repairing the narrow road, I built bridges—bridges made of patience, understanding, and belief. Each bridge was different because each child was different. Some bridges were wide and steady, built with routine and structure. Some were flexible, allowing movement, breaks, and alternative ways to express understanding. Every bridge led to the same place: belonging. As a Bridge-Builder, my mission was clear. I would guide special needs students toward experiencing a sense of their own presence by first ensuring they were seen as whole individuals, not problems to be solved. I spoke to them directly, never over them. I celebrated small victories that others overlooked. I allowed mistakes to exist without shame. Slowly, the children began to stand taller on their bridges. One child believed they were invisible because words would not come easily to them. I gave them pictures, gestures, and time. When they communicated successfully for the first time, the bridge beneath them glowed. They were present—not perfect, but confident. Another child feared their emotions, which came crashing like waves. Instead of building walls, I taught them how to read the tides. Together, we named feelings, practiced calm, and learned recovery. The child discovered that emotions did not erase their presence; they confirmed it. This is why I am passionate about the special education teacher profession. It is the work of building bridges where none existed. It is the belief that independence grows best when supported, and that strength appears when students are taught through what they can do, not what they cannot. Special education requires creativity, empathy, and advocacy, and I am drawn to it because it aligns with my purpose: helping students recognize themselves as capable, valuable, and present. The village slowly changed. Other teachers noticed that children who once stood at the edge were now crossing bridges with confidence. They asked how this was done. I answered simply, “You do not pull children forward. You walk beside them until they believe they can walk on their own.” In time, the road was no longer the only way. Bridges stretched across the land, each one honoring a different journey. The children carried themselves differently now. They spoke up. They asked for help. They knew who they were. And I remained a Bridge-Builder, passionate and committed, because special education is not about changing children to fit the world. It is about changing the world so children can recognize their own presence within it. The fairy tale ends not with a crown or applause, but with something far more powerful: a classroom full of students who know, without doubt— I am here. I am valued. And I belong.

My career of choice is Special Education, and I am passionate about it because my life experiences have shown me how deeply people can be impacted by compassion, patience, and understanding. Throughout my journey, I have lived through grief, depression, and epilepsy—challenges that have shaped the way I view education and the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities. I want to be the kind of educator who sees the value in every student and helps them reach their potential, no matter their circumstances. My passion comes not only from my personal experiences, but also from a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of students who often need an extra hand, a kind word, or someone who believes in them. The sacrifices I have made on the path to my educational goals began with the losses within my own family. In 2012, I lost my baby brother Andrew to trisomy 18. That same year, I was baptized at Old Elam Baptist Church, where my faith became a source of strength. I watched my mother walk faithfully with God, and her example has guided me through many difficult moments. In 2020, I lost my older brother Antoine to cancer. He was not just a sibling—he was my best friend. His passing changed my life, and the emotional weight contributed to challenges that eventually led to my epilepsy diagnosis. Living with epilepsy has required enormous sacrifice. I have not driven in five years, which has limited my independence and opportunities. While my friends gained freedoms that accompany adulthood, I learned to rely on my family for transportation and support. Although I am grateful for them, losing the ability to drive has been one of the most difficult adjustments in my life. My educational path also required unexpected change. I entered college as a nursing major, but false accusations led to health complications and financial issues that forced me to leave the program. While this setback was painful, it ultimately revealed my true calling. After prayer, reflection, and rebuilding my confidence, I committed myself to Special Education—a field where I can make real, lasting impact. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my resilience and deepened my empathy. These experiences have prepared me to become an educator who understands struggle, values every student, and believes in their ability to succeed. I am pursuing this career not only for myself, but for every child who deserves a champion in their corner.

My experiences with mental health have shaped every part of who I am—my goals, my relationships, and the way I understand the world. Losing two of my brothers changed me in ways I am still learning to understand. In 2012, my baby brother Andrew passed away from trisomy 18. I was young, and the grief was overwhelming, but I pushed my emotions aside and focused on school because it felt like the only part of my life I could control. That same year, I joined Old Elam Baptist Church and was baptized. My faith became one of the first places I turned to when I broke down emotionally and needed help. I am especially grateful for my mother, who walks faithfully with God and has been a constant example of strength, love, and perseverance. The loss of my older brother Antoine in 2020 was even harder. He wasn’t just my brother; he was my best friend among my seven brothers. His death felt like a punch to the heart. After losing him, my mental health declined, and the stress contributed to complications that led to my epilepsy. The seizures changed my entire sense of independence, especially when I lost my ability to drive—a freedom I haven’t had in five years. Seeing my friends do things I could not do made my depression deeper, but I am thankful for my family for driving me wherever I needed to go. Still, I dream of the day I can safely put my hands on the wheel again. Despite these challenges, I have continued to work hard and move forward. I graduated from Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School with honors in 2019, was involved in robotics, and served as a TSA State Officer. I initially entered college as a nursing student, but false accusations affected both my health and financial aid, forcing me to rethink my path. Through prayer, reflection, and healing, I realized that Special Education was where my heart truly belonged. Choosing this major has brought me joy and purpose. Every student with disabilities deserves a helping hand, someone who understands that learning differences do not limit a person’s value or potential. My own experiences with grief, depression, and epilepsy help me connect with others who face challenges of their own. These events have reshaped my goals by teaching me that success is not just about achievements—it is about becoming whole, compassionate, and resilient. My relationships have grown stronger because I cherish the people who support me, love me, and walk with me through both the good and the painful seasons. And my faith has deepened, reminding me that even in moments when I felt broken, God was still holding me together. Ultimately, my mental health journey has taught me that life can be incredibly hard, but it can also grow a person’s heart, empathy, and purpose. Losing two brothers, managing epilepsy, and facing setbacks have shown me how fragile life is—and how important it is to support others with kindness, patience, and understanding. These experiences continue to shape the teacher, sister, daughter, and woman I am becoming.