Growing up, my mom's military service shaped nearly every part of my life. Because she worked so many hours and was deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait throughout my childhood, I was raised by my dad. Despite the distance, my mom remained one of the most influential people in my life. I watched her dedication to both her career and our family, and that example continues to inspire my education and dreams. No matter where we lived, my mom followed the same routine. Wake up, leave the house, and arrive at work before I get out of bed. Her discipline and consistency never changed, even when our lives did. Being a part of the military means having to move a lot. Before I turned fifteen, I had already lived in six different states, seven different houses, and eight different schools. Each move meant starting over, meeting new teachers, and rebuilding my social life. This was difficult for me, and for a few years, I didn't try to learn anything or make any friends because I knew it didn't matter what roots I tried to put down. Even when I did try, it was difficult to learn new curricula - trying to meet state requirements for whatever grade I was in - and all the new expectations. At times, I felt like a failure because I was so behind compared to my peers. However, those experiences also shaped who I am today. Moving so often forced me to become adaptable and resilient, just like my mom. I learned to ask for help, communicate with new people, and quickly adjust to unfamiliar environments. Instead of viewing obstacles as permanent barriers, I began to see them as problems that could be solved; I just had to try multiple ideas. The discipline and perseverance I saw in my mom's military career helped me develop the same qualities in my life. During COVID-19, I got the chance to see a new side of my mom when she began experimenting with infusing different flavors of vodka as a hobby. She enjoys mixing ingredients and creating unique combinations, often waiting weeks just to taste them. What began as a pastime quickly grew into something more. Friends, family members, and even coworkers began requesting specific flavors or new ideas for her to try. Over time, she expanded her tinctures from vodka to gin, tequila, rum, bourbon, brandy, and whisky. Her passion was contagious; her previous coworker helped her create a small brand called "Karla's Koncoctions". At first, she was afraid to start a small business, but after attending a Boots to Business course, she decided to pursue it. Now, while continuing in her demanding role as a colonel, she is also working towards obtaining the proper license to sell her "koncoctions". Watching her pursue something she loves, even after years of her military service, showed me that it is never too late to follow your passion and build something meaningful. My mom's discipline and entrepreneurial spirit have influenced my own ambitions. Her example has taught me the value of persistence, hard work, and pursuing goals that have a positive impact. Because of these lessons, I plan to pursue a master's degree in special education for elementary education and eventually earn a doctorate in behavioral therapy. My goal is to help students with learning and behavioral challenges and help them develop confidence in their abilities. My mom's service taught me resilience, and her entrepreneurship showed me the power of passion and initiative. Together, those experiences continue to guide my education and motivate me to pursue my goals with determination.

I'm 17 years old, and I’m graduating from high school in May 2026 with my Associates Degree in General Arts. I plan on getting a Masters Degree in Specialized Education as well as a Doctorate in Behavioral Therapy. I've lived in six states: IN, TX, CA, FL, NC, and CO because of my Mom’s job- Colonel in the Air Force. Since I moved around a lot, I’ve experienced many schools, teachers, and people. Unfortunately, I always had teachers who didn't care about their job or who clearly preferred one type of student over the other. These teachers never favored me because I was inherently different from the rest. I’ve been dealing with high-functioning autism my whole life, but there was a time before I knew that, and I didn't have the proper support; being ignored by my teachers didn't help me either. I never want another child to feel hopeless, out of place, or overwhelmed as I did. These experiences shaped my passion for special education. My goal as a teacher and in life is to create classrooms or spaces where anyone with disabilities feels seen, appreciated, understood, and valued. I want to build a flexible learning environment that honors different learning styles. I will guide students toward experiencing their own presence by helping them identify their strengths, teaching everyday skills that I struggled with, and showing the importance of progress rather than perfection. At a previous school, I worked with one of our special needs teachers, Ms. Shelly. During my free period i would go down to her office for an hour, for a month. During this month, I worked with some of the special needs kids at my school. We would make slime or other fidgets while using the “blurt method” to review things they were learning in their classes, and make sure they were remembering the key things for their grade. This experience helped me learn different ways kids remember things, think about things, and gave me ideas on how I could teach the ideas/ concepts. Pursing my Doctorate in Behavioral Therapy and working with people with special needs is another career goal of mine. I believe the more learning opportunities I have the more my future students will succeed. I hope to provide accessible, evidence-based behavioral support to students who often face barriers to the constant care and support they may need. I also want to be able to provide high quality education for cheaper amounts. Many families struggle to access quality services due to financial or systemic challenges. With advanced training, I would be able to create effective intervention plans, collaborate with schools, and advocate for resources so students can build confidence rather than feel defined by the things they're struggling with. Beyond direct therapy, I want to help improve school systems. I've noticed behavioral challenges are often misunderstood and met with discipline instead of support. I hope to promote positive behavior intervention strategies. Since ill have a Doctorate, I'll have the qualifications to train educators in inclusive practices, and encourage approaches that focus on understanding the root causes of behavior, since creating structured, compassionate environments can reduce stigma and improve long-term outcomes. Ultimately, pursuing a doctorate in behavioral therapy and a masters in specialized education is about more than my degrees. It is about advocating for inclusion, support systems, and helping students with special needs thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence.” — Harold Bloom To me, a “sense of one’s own presence” means helping a student recognize their own value, strengths, and individuality beyond labels or limitations. It is when a student understands that they are capable. They belong here. And their voice matters too. In special education, this mentality is so important because many students with disabilities are often defined by what they struggle with rather than what they contribute. For me, I've always struggled with math and making friends, and I was bullied a lot of it especially in elementary- middle school. I want teaching to become more than delivering content because, really, it’s guiding students toward self-awareness, confidence, and their ability to speak up for themselves. I’ve always had teachers who didn't care about their job or who clearly prefer one type of student over the other. These teachers never favored me because I was inherently different from the rest. I’ve been dealing with high functioning autism my whole life, but there was a time before I knew that, and I didn't have the proper support; being ignored by my teachers didn't help me either. I never want another child to feel hopeless, out of place, or overwhelmed like I did. I was so ready to give up and drop out, I was so tired of not understanding myself, being bullied, and not getting any support. Eventually I found a school that was right for me, Colorado Early Colleges, and I began to grow so much as a person. With the help of my teacher Mr. Wilson, another high functioning autistic person, he fostered my desire to know more, pursue higher education, and find some way to help people. These experiences shaped my passion for special education. My goal as a teacher and in life is to create classrooms or spaces where anyone with disabilities feels seen, appreciated, understood, and valued. I want to build a flexible learning environment that honors different learning styles. I will guide students toward experiencing their own presence by helping them identify their strengths, teaching everyday skills that I struggled with, and showing the importance of progress rather than perfection. I hope to be other kids "Mr. Wilson". Through patience, empathy, and compassion, I will ensure that every student leaves my classroom knowing not only what they have learned—but who they are and what they can become.