To me, education is much more than a career. It's a calling and a dream that gets closer every single day. As a first-generation Black student, I view the classroom as a space of transformation, equity, and hope. My ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher who inspires young minds, builds inclusive learning environments, and serves as a pillar of support for children who come from all types of backgrounds. This pursuit is fueled not only by academic preparation, but also by a deep-rooted personal desire to uplift children who share similar background and life experiences. While my school work and leadership positions have helped me with critical practical skills, my deepest drive comes from growing up in a single-parent household. I know firsthand the emotional, social, and academic challenges that students face when they lack a steady male presence at home. In elementary school especially, children are actively forming their identities, discovering their self-worth, and looking for positive guidance. I am determined to step into the classroom to be a consistent male role model and a father figure to students with these exact same hurdles. By becoming an elementary school teacher, I can fill the gap for these kids, offering them the stability, mentorship, and encouragement they need to realize that no matter what they are not alone. My journey toward this dream has been shaped by my school’s Teaching as a Profession pathway. Over the past three years, this pathway has transformed my passion into true dedication for education. In my first year, I learned about educational philosophy, history, and the Georgia Code of ethics that guide great educators. My second year opened my eyes to how schools are governed and funded, teaching me the importance of creating a classroom where all students needs are met. In my third year, I got to student teach with 4th grade students at a local elementary school. Spending several hours every day in a real classroom engaging with students has solidified my calling. Whether I was organizing materials, guiding small groups, or leading full lessons under my host teacher's guidance, I was completely involved. Working directly alongside college student-teachers has given me a huge head start on my higher education journey. Beyond the classroom, leadership and collaboration have shaped my growth. Serving as the secretary for the Future Georgia Educators (FGE) club has allowed me to surround myself with peers who share my vision. Managing attendance, taking detailed meeting minutes, and posting the minutes on our teams has sharpened my organization skills and developed a deep professionalism in me. FGE has given me the confidence to stand tall in academic spaces and has taught me the true power of collaborative teamwork. Despite my absolute dedication, financial barriers remain a significant challenge in reaching my goals. Coming from a low-income family, the overwhelming costs of higher education—ranging from hidden fees and tuition to housing and food weigh heavily on my mind. These financial constraints have already forced me to make difficult personal sacrifices, such as missing out on joining the marching band and attending state competitions with my peers, and taking out loans. This scholarship would ease that financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and my future career without worrying about finances. Winning this scholarship would not only provide financial support but also serve as a powerful affirmation of my commitment to giving back. I am truly grateful for every step I have taken toward this goal, and I am excited for a future where I can make a lasting impact as an elementary school teacher.

I am Joshua Collins, a first-generation Black student with a deep passion for becoming an elementary school teacher. My motivation goes beyond a career choice, it is rooted in my personal experience growing up in a single-parent household. Growing up, I saw the struggles my mother went through just to afford a comfortable life. Unfortunately not every day was comfortable, because sometimes we had to walk in order to get around. Knowing this, I spent many days wondering if it would be the same if I had a father figure around. This initiated my goal of becoming a positive male role model and a father figure to children who face the same challenges I did as a kid. Many kids in similar situations lack a steady male presence in their lives, which I am determined to fill that gap through education and mentorship. My journey toward this dream has been shaped by former involvement in my high school’s Future Georgia Educators (FGE) club, where I served as secretary. This role has taught me valuable skills in organization, professionalism, and collaboration. Each meeting brings together students who share my passion for teaching, inspiring me further. Alongside FGE, I participated in the Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, where in the third year, I student taught at a local elementary school. This program has deepened my understanding of educational philosophies, ethics, and the governance of schools. Most importantly, my practicum experience places me in a real classroom for several hours each day, where I assist students, lead lessons under guidance, and work alongside student teachers from the college I plan to attend. These hands-on experiences have solidified my commitment to becoming an educator and becoming a positive male role model for everyone and has given me confidence in my ability to make a difference. Despite my dedication, financial barriers remain a significant challenge. Coming from a low-income family, the costs of college such as housing, food, and other expenses are overwhelming. I have missed out on many opportunities like joining the marching band and attending state competitions because of these financial constraints. This scholarship would ease the burden, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and teaching career without the constant worry of finances. Winning this scholarship would not only provide essential support but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community. I am eager to use my education to inspire and uplift children, especially those from single-parent homes like mine. I am truly grateful for every step I have taken toward this goal and excited for the future where I can make a lasting impact as a positive male figure in kids lives and as an elementary school teacher.

One lyric from the album Guts by Olivia Rodrigo that really hits home is "When am I gonna stop being wise beyond my years and just start being wise?" from the song Teenage Dream. This line perfectly explains the mental load of living with high expectations from others around you at such a young age. As the youngest of three kids, I have always been pressured to maintain my grades, pay attention, and be better. Growing up under that constant microscope made me try so hard to act "mature" that I actually ended up holding myself back. This pressure got worse as I got to high school back in 2022, when I moved to a school in a different county. I was forced to have a fresh start and instead of taking the mature route and maintaining those high standards, I froze, got quiet, and antisocial. Trying to fly under the radar to maintain my peace and self confidence. I thought it was me being wise, but I now realize I didn't grow and hid in a facade, while watching others be happy. Luckily I did make friends that year and opened up to a few people, including teachers who had high hopes for me. Because of those friends and teachers I became slightly more open during my sophomore year, making even more friends and joining FBLA and the Education as a Profession Pathway. A pathway designed for other students with hopes to become educators like me. This pathway reinstated my childhood dream of being a teacher, and getting me closer to the person I aim to be. My ultimate triumph came during my junior year, when I completely broke free from my fear and stopped holding myself back. At this point, I joined the club attached to the education pathway called Future Gerogia Educators, aka FGE. To me FGE was more than a club, it was a way to show the others around me what true maturity and wisdom is, to be yourself, grow and not to hide behind a facade. Doing so allowed me to gain even more friends, more than I could have ever imagined. Senior year, I didn't just maintain my grades, but I became an Honor Grad, finally stepped out of the shadow of expectations and built true, personal confidence. I know it wouldn't have been possible without those same high expectations that I thought hindered me, but instead they showed me that I am the only one holding myself back. I first got that when Guts came out back in 2023, my sophomore year, the year I started to change.

I am Joshua Collins, a first-generation black student pursuing a career in education. Coming from a single parent low-income family, I face significant financial barriers on my path to college. This financial barrier has an estimated cost of $124,844. The expenses include application fees, housing, food, and confirmation deposits, which are very overwhelming without financial assistance. This scholarship would provide crucial support, ease my financial burden, and allow me to fully focus on my studies as an aspiring 5th grade math teacher. A few of my personal financial experiences include the many nights I sat wondering why I am the only kid who can't have fun due to the prices that follow those experiences. These experiences include me not being able to join my high schools marching band, not being able to go to my districts FBLA state competition the year I qualified, and not being able to afford many senior memorabilia such as a grad ad for my schools yearbook, a letter man jacket or even my senior photos. Beyond these financial struggles, these experiences taught me the importance of financial education and planning. Navigating the costs of higher education has strengthened me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. Currently i am involved in many school activities and clubs, where I gain much needed skills and experience for the real world. I am currently a member and secretary of a club called Future Georgia Educations, aka FGE. In FGE, I have developed important skills such as organization, professionalism, collaboration, and classroom confidence. This club is attached to my school's Teaching as a Profession Pathway, which I have participated in for three consecutive years. Throughout my years I have learned foundational knowledge about education including educational philosophies, ethics, governance in education, and the funding that goes into schools. Which has expanded my understanding of how financial systems impact education on both sides of the system, strengthening my determination and passion for education. Currently, I spend 2-3 hours each day, excluding Wednesdays, in a classroom for the practicum portion of the pathway. During my time in the classroom, I engage with students by assisting them in lessons, small group interventions, and even leading a lesson in phonics under my host teacher's guidance. This hands-on experience, alongside working with student teachers from the college I plan to attend in the fall, prepares me for the realities of becoming an educator. To add to my belt, in April, I will take the Paraprofessional GACE exam, which will allow me to gain even more experience after graduation, where I can get payed to do what I have been doing these past 8 months. Winning this scholarship would not only lessen my financial stress but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community through education. The support would empower me to continue growing as a student and future education, inspiring and uplifting future generations. I am truly grateful for the experience education has provided me so far, and I am eager to build on them to create a better future for myself and others.

A college degree means a lot to me. It is more than just a piece of paper or a requirement to get a job. For me, it represents hope and a chance to change my life and the lives of my family. I am the first person in my family who will go to college, and I am also one of the first Black students in my family to do this. This means I am making my own path. By earning a college degree, I will open the door for future generations of my family to believe that education is possible and important. This degree will help me show my family and community that hard work and dedication can lead to success. I plan to attend Georgia College & State University and major in middle grade education, with the hopes to teach grades 4-7. After I finish college, I want to teach in an elementary school in Jones County, where I attend high school. I hope to work at Turner Woods Elementary because it is where I completed my student teaching for my Teaching/ Education as a Profession Pathway . Student teaching gave me a chance to work with real students and learn what it is like to be a teacher. I helped students with lessons and even taught some classes myself. This experience made me more confident that teaching is the right career for me. After I start teaching, I also plan to continue my education by earning a master’s degree and a specialist degree in teacher leadership through online classes at Georgia College. These degrees will help me become a better teacher and leader who can help schools and students succeed, while also being an active teacher. My passion is to help children, especially those who come from single-parent households like I did. Growing up, I did not have a strong male role model, and I want to be one for children who need that kind of support. I also want to be someone who encourages and guides them, not just with their schoolwork but also with their lives. To prepare for this, I joined a club called Future Georgia Educators. In this club, I learned how to work with others, stay organized, and be confident in a classroom. I have also spent many hours in classrooms helping teachers and students. I am even studying to pass the Paraprofessional GACE exam, which will allow me to work as a teaching assistant after I graduate. All of these experiences have helped me grow and prepare for my future career as a teacher. A college degree will change my life by giving me the knowledge and skills I need to become a teacher. It will also help me have a stable job and provide for myself and my family. But more than that, it will change the path of my family’s future. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, and I hope that my success will inspire younger family members to follow in my footsteps. This degree means that I can show them that education is worth the effort and that dreams can come true. In the end, my college degree will allow me to do what I love—teach and support children—and make a difference in my community. It will help me build a better future for myself, my family, and the students I will teach. I am excited about this journey and ready to work hard to reach my goals.

I am Joshua Collins, a first-generation black student with a deep passion for becoming an elementary school teacher. My motivation goes beyond a career choice, it is rooted in my personal experience growing up in a single-parent household. I want to be a positive male role model and father figure to children who face the same challenges I did. Many kids in similar situations lack a steady male presence in their lives, and I am determined to fill that gap through education and mentorship. My journey towards this dream has been shaped by my involvement in my schools Future Georgia Educators (FGE) club, where I serve as the secretary. This role has taught me valuable skills such as organization, professionalism, and collaboration. Each meeting brings students who share the same passion for teaching together allowing me to grow and inspiring me to carry on my dreams. Alongside FGE, I am in my third year of the Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway. This program has deepened my understanding of education as a whole, by teaching us educational philosophies, ethics and governance of schools. Most importantly, my Practicum experience places me in a real classroom for around two to three hours each day, where I assist students, lead lessons with assistance, and work alongside student teachers from the college I plan to attend. These hands-on experiences have solidified my commitment to becoming an educator and have given me confidence and a firm foundation in experience and my ability to make a difference. Despite my dedication, financial barriers remain a significant barrier in my way. Coming from a low-income family, the costs of college, application fees, housing, food and other expenses are overwhelming. I have missed out on many other opportunities such as attending state competitions and joining other school clubs and activities because of my financial situation. This scholarship would ease this burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and teaching career without the constant worry of finances. Winning this scholarship would not only provide essential support to my college career but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community. I am eager to use my education to inspire and uplift children, especially those from single-parent and low-income families like mine. I am truly grateful for every step I have taken toward this good and I am very excited for the future where I can make a long lasting impact as an elementary school teacher.

Throughout my high school career, I have met many educators, administrators and advisors who each left their own impact on my life, but no one has influenced me as much as Mrs. Jolynn Aubry. I first met Mrs. Aubry in August 2023, during my sophomore year, when I joined her Examining the Teaching Profession Class. From the very beginning, her motherly presence and genuine demeanor really stood out to me. She offers a lending ear when you need it and offers meaningful advice, just like a caring mother. Her kindness and support created a safe space where I could truly grow as both a student and person. Mrs. Aubry's dedication goes beyond teaching. She truly makes a genuine impact in every student's life. In my life alone she has supported me in my college journey by helping me make important connections and encouraging me to apply to Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Ga. When I got waitlisted on November 9th, she encouraged me to keep going and apply to Georgia College's Bridge Scholars Program, which is a program that waitlisted students interview for inorder to get a second chance into the college. I was luckily able to get into both the College on December 10th and into the program on December 19th. She also helped me, and her students in the Teaching As a Profession Practicum class, which I am a part of, get registered to take the GACE paraprofessional exam in April. This one action has given all of us a major leg-up into our future as educators, allowing us to get our initial certification once we graduate. Her commitment has opened doors for me and many others, building a strong foundation for our futures. Because of Mrs. Aubry, I have not only gained critical support for my educational goals but also a renewed perspective on life. She taught me the value of perseverance, encouragement, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Her influence has not only changed how I approach challenges, but has also inspired me to give back the same way she has. To me Mrs. Jolynn Aubry is more than a teacher; she is a mentor, role model and a second mother to me whose impact will stay with me forever. Her guidance has shaped who I am today and will continue to inspire me as I become a person just as strong, encouraging and astonishing as her.

I am Joshua Collins, a first gen black student who is pursuing a career in education. To me, education is more than a career; it is a dream that is in reach. Every single day I get closer to my dream. I participate in a club centered around future educators called FGE, which stands for Future Georgia Educators. As a member of FGE, I have gained a lot of valuable experience with the teaching profession. Each meeting is filled with kids who think similarly to me. As the Jones County FGE chapters secretary, I take attendance, take minute meetings and post those meetings to our FGE team. This helps me stay organized while maintaining my professionalism. This club also builds my collaborative skills through each meeting, and my confidence in the classroom. Along with FGE, I take my school's Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, and I am in the 3rd year. The first year built my knowledge on the foundation of education, educational philosophers, and the standards of ethics that teachers are held up to. My second year I learned how schools are governed and funded. This year is very important to me because i joined FGE, also it taught me the importance of the democratic classroom. With these two years alone, I feel deeper in love with education, and am ready to actually get into the classroom. This year I am in the Practicum, where i go out into a classroom for 2 to 3 hours a day engaging with students. In my placement (the place where i do my practicum), I make copies, help students in both small and large groups, and I even got to teach phonics a few times to the entire class, under my Host teachers' guidance. I'm involved with every lesson while I'm there. Also, in my placement class, there is a student teacher for a college. My host teacher, as amazing as she is, gives me more experience by treating me and the College intern the same, not sharing responsibilities, but having equal experience as the college student. Preparing me for my education career when I enter college. This experience is truly unforgettable and has solidified my decision to be an educator. To put me even more ahead, In April I will be taking the Paraprofessional exam. Once I pass the exam, I will be able to be hired as a Paraprofessional once I graduate, giving me even more experience. I am truly grateful for each and every experience that education has given me, and I am so excited for my future. This drive has come from not only a genuine passion for education, but also from my hopes of helping children of single parent households like me. Winning this scholarship would not only lessen my financial stress but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community through education. The support would empower me to continue growing as a student and future education, inspiring and uplifting future generations. I am truly grateful for the experience education has provided me so far, and I am eager to build on them to create a better future for myself and others.

I am Joshua Collins, a first-generation black student pursuing a career in education. Coming from a single parent low-income family, I face significant financial barriers on my path to college. This financial barrier has an estimated cost of $124,844. The expenses include application fees, housing, food, and confirmation deposits, which are very overwhelming without financial assistance. This scholarship would provide crucial support, ease my financial burden, and allow me to fully focus on my studies as an aspiring 5th grade math teacher. A few of my personal financial experiences include the many nights I sat wondering why I am the only kid who can't have fun due to the prices that follow those experiences. These experiences include me not being able to join my high schools marching band, not being able to go to my districts FBLA state competition the year I qualified, and not being able to afford many senior memorabilia such as a grad ad for my schools yearbook, a letter man jacket or even my senior photos. Beyond these financial struggles, these experiences taught me the importance of financial education and planning. Navigating the costs of higher education has strengthened me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. Currently i am involved in many school activities and clubs, where I gain much needed skills and experience for the real world. I am currently a member and secretary of a club called Future Georgia Educations, aka FGE. In FGE, I have developed important skills such as organization, professionalism, collaboration, and classroom confidence. This club is attached to my school's Teaching as a Profession Pathway, which I have participated in for three consecutive years. Throughout my years I have learned foundational knowledge about education including educational philosophies, ethics, governance in education, and the funding that goes into schools. Which has expanded my understanding of how financial systems impact education on both sides of the system, strengthening my determination and passion for education. Currently, I spend 2-3 hours each day, excluding Wednesdays, in a classroom for the practicum portion of the pathway. During my time in the classroom, I engage with students by assisting them in lessons, small group interventions, and even leading a lesson in phonics under my host teacher's guidance. This hands-on experience, alongside working with student teachers from the college I plan to attend in the fall, prepares me for the realities of becoming an educator. To add to my belt, in April, I will take the Paraprofessional GACE exam, which will allow me to gain even more experience after graduation, where I can get payed to do what I have been doing these past 8 months. Winning this scholarship would not only lessen my financial stress but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community through education. The support would empower me to continue growing as a student and future education, inspiring and uplifting future generations. I am truly grateful for the experience education has provided me so far, and I am eager to build on them to create a better future for myself and others.

I am Joshua Collins, a first-generation black student pursuing a career in education. Coming from a single parent low-income family, I face significant financial barriers on my path to college. This financial barrier has an estimated cost of $124,844. The expenses include application fees, housing, food, and confirmation deposits, which are very overwhelming without financial assistance. This scholarship would provide crucial support, ease my financial burden, and allow me to fully focus on my studies as an aspiring 5th grade math teacher. A few of my personal financial experiences include the many nights I sat wondering why I am the only kid who can't have fun due to the prices that follow those experiences. These experiences include me not being able to join my high schools marching band, not being able to go to my districts FBLA state competition the year I qualified, and not being able to afford many senior memorabilia such as a grad ad for my schools yearbook, a letter man jacket or even my senior photos. Beyond these financial struggles, these experiences taught me the importance of financial education and planning. Navigating the costs of higher education has strengthened me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. Currently I am involved in many school activities and clubs, where I gain much needed skills and experience for the real world. I am currently a member and secretary of a club called Future Georgia Educations, aka FGE. In FGE, I have developed important skills such as organization, professionalism, collaboration and classroom confidence. This club is attached to my school's Teaching as a Profession Pathway, which I have participated in for three consecutive years. Throughout my years I have learned foundational knowledge about education including educational philosophies, ethics, governance in education, and the funding that goes into schools. Which has expanded my understanding of how financial systems impact education on both sides of the system, strengthening my determination and passion for education. Currently, I spend 2-3 hours each day, excluding Wednesdays, in a classroom for the practicum portion of the pathway. During my time in the classroom, I engage with students by assisting them in lessons, small group interventions, and even leading a lesson in phonics under my host teacher's guidance. This hands-on experience, alongside working with student teachers from the college I plan to attend in the fall, prepares me for the realities of becoming an educator. To add to my belt, in April, I will take the Paraprofessional GACE exam, which will allow me to gain even more experience after graduation, where I can get payed to do what I have been doing these past 8 months. Winning this scholarship would not only lessen my financial stress but also affirm my commitment to giving back to my community through education. The support would empower me to continue growing as a student and future education, inspiring and uplifting future generations. I am truly grateful for the experience education has provided me so far, and I am eager to build on them to create a better future for myself and others.

I am Joshua Collins, a first gen black student who is pursuing a career in education. To me, education is more than a career; it is a dream that is in reach. Every single day I get closer to my dream. I participate in a club centered around future educators called FGE, which stands for Future Georgia Educators. As a member of FGE, I have gained a lot of valuable experience with the teaching profession. Each meeting is filled with kids who think similarly to me. As the Jones County FGE chapters secretary, I take attendance, take minute meetings and post those meetings to our FGE team. This helps me stay organized while maintaining my professionalism. This club also builds my collaborative skills through each meeting, and my confidence in the classroom. Along with FGE, I take my school's Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, and I am in the 3rd year. The first year built my knowledge on the foundation of education, educational philosophers, and the standards of ethics that teachers are held up to. My second year I learned how schools are governed and funded. This year is very important to me because i joined FGE, also it taught me the importance of the democratic classroom. With these two years alone, I feel deeper in love with education, and am ready to actually get into the classroom. This year I am in the Practicum, where i go out into a classroom for 2 to 3 hours a day engaging with students. In my placement (the place where i do my practicum), I make copies, help students in both small and large groups, and I even got to teach phonics a few times to the entire class, under my Host teachers' guidance. I'm involved with every lesson while I'm there. Also, in my placement class, there is a student teacher for a college. My host teacher, as amazing as she is, gives me more experience by treating me and the College intern the same, not sharing responsibilities, but having equal experience as the college student. Preparing me for my education career when I enter college. This experience is truly unforgettable and has solidified my decision to be an educator. To put me even more ahead, In April I will be taking the Paraprofessional exam. Once I pass the exam, I will be able to be hired as a Paraprofessional once I graduate, giving me even more experience. I am truly grateful for each and every experience that education has given me, and I am so excited for my future.

In my community I have served in many ways inside and outside of my academic life, engaging in volunteer work, and internships. My internship is a part of my academic class called Teaching Is a Profession Practicum, where every day except Wednesdays, I go out into a classroom and teach students. This shows that I have served the community by showing how I actively participate in building the foundation of youth. My placement isn't just a daily task or for a grade, to me it's the experience of doing what I plan to do in the future, teach. Each day I enter the class ready to make the students happy and proud of their work. By becoming a teacher, I aim to continue serving my community by empowering students not only academically but also as compassionate, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. Aside from my placement, I have engaged in many volunteering opportunities. These opportunities include going to a local Jones County elementary school during their curriculum Bingo Night and helping children who won pick out a book for their age level. Also, I volunteered at a local Jones County Middle school with the student organization I'm involved in. This Organization is known as FGE, Future Georgia Educators. Future Georgia Educators is a student organization where students who are interested in Education can attend a monthly meeting where we talk about our involvement in education. In FGE we attend FGE days where we can talk about education with chapters from other parts of the state and participate in Workshops to hone our education skills for the future. In the Jones County chapter of FGE, I serve as the secretary which I have for the school years of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. In the Jones County chapter, we have various ways to serve our community by doing things such as a Thanksgiving canned food drive, Christmas toy drive, making and selling paper roses for the school and also planning various events for school appreciation weeks such as teacher appreciation, counselor appreciation, and custodian appreciation. FGE has given me a lot of connection with the Jones County community, and because of it I have been able to build a firm foundation of compassion, understanding and patience, which I will be using when I enter the classroom. Throughout these diverse experiences, I have not only served my community but also cultivated the empathy, leadership, and dedication that I will bring into my future classroom to support and inspire my students. Ultimately, my goal is to show my students that being a leader means looking out for the people around you. By volunteering now, I’m not just helping out for the day; I’m setting an example for the next generation. I want my future students to see that they have the power to uplift their own community, just like I have. By teaching them to be both smart and kind, I’m helping build a future where they grow up to be responsible adults who keep that cycle of giving back alive in Jones County.

I am Joshua Collins, a first gen black student who is pursuing a career in education. To me, education is more than a career; it is a dream that is in reach. Every single day I get closer to my dream. I participate in a club centered around future educators called FGE, which stands for Future Georgia Educators. As a member of FGE, I have gained a lot of valuable experience with the teaching profession. Each meeting is filled with kids who think similarly to me. As the Jones County FGE chapters secretary, I take attendance, which helps me stay organized both professionally and personally. This club builds my collaborative skills through each meeting, and it builds my confidence in the classroom. Along with FGE, I take my school's Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, and I am in the 3rd year. The first year built my knowledge on the foundation of education, educational philosophers, and the standards of ethics that teachers are held up to. My second year I learned how schools are governed and funded. This year is very important to me because i joined FGE, also it taught me the importance of the democratic classroom. With these two years alone, I feel deeper in love with education, and am ready to actually get into the classroom. This year I am in the Practicum, where i go out into a classroom for 2 to 3 hours a day engaging with students. In my placement (the place where i do my practicum), I make copies, help students in both small and large groups, and I even got to teach phonics a few times to the entire class, under my Host teachers' guidance. I'm involved with every lesson while I'm there. Also, in my placement class, there is a student teacher for a college. My host teacher, as amazing as she is, gives me more experience by treating me and the College intern the same, not sharing responsibilities, but having equal experience as the college student. Preparing me for my education career when I enter college. This experience is truly unforgettable and has solidified my decision to be an educator. To put me even more ahead, In April I will be taking the Paraprofessional exam. Once I pass the exam, I will be able to be hired as a Paraprofessional once I graduate, giving me even more experience. I am truly grateful for each and every experience that education has given me, and I am so excited for my future. With this in mind I plan to become an educator that inspires students to be the very best that they can.

I am Joshua Collins, a first gen black student who is pursuing a career in education. To me, education is more than a career; it is a dream that is in reach. Every single day I get closer to my dream. I participate in a club centered around future educators called FGE, which stands for Future Georgia Educators. As a member of FGE, I have gained a lot of valuable experience with the teaching profession. Each meeting is filled with kids who think similarly to me. As the Jones County FGE chapters secretary, I take attendance, which helps me stay organized both professionally and personally. This club builds my collaborative skills through each meeting, and it builds my confidence in the classroom. Along with FGE, I take my school's Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, and I am in the 3rd year. The first year built my knowledge on the foundation of education, educational philosophers, and the standards of ethics that teachers are held up to. My second year I learned how schools are governed and funded. This year is very important to me because i joined FGE, also it taught me the importance of the democratic classroom. With these two years alone, I feel deeper in love with education, and am ready to actually get into the classroom. This year I am in the Practicum, where i go out into a classroom for 2 to 3 hours a day engaging with students. In my placement (the place where i do my practicum), I make copies, help students in both small and large groups, and I even got to teach phonics a few times to the entire class, under my Host teachers' guidance. I'm involved with every lesson while I'm there. Also, in my placement class, there is a student teacher for a college. My host teacher, as amazing as she is, gives me more experience by treating me and the College intern the same, not sharing responsibilities, but having equal experience as the college student. Preparing me for my education career when I enter college. This experience is truly unforgettable and has solidified my decision to be an educator. To put me even more ahead, In April I will be taking the Paraprofessional exam. Once I pass the exam, I will be able to be hired as a Paraprofessional once I graduate, giving me even more experience. I am truly grateful for each and every experience that education has given me, and I am so excited for my future.

I am Joshua Collins, a first gen black student who is pursuing a career in education. To me, education is more than a career; it is a dream that is in reach. Every single day I get closer to my dream. I participate in a club centered around future educators called FGE, which stands for Future Georgia Educators. As a member of FGE, I have gained a lot of valuable experience with the teaching profession. Each meeting is filled with kids who think similarly to me. As the Jones County FGE chapters secretary, I take attendance, which helps me stay organized both professionally and personally. This club builds my collaborative skills through each meeting, and it builds my confidence in the classroom. Along with FGE, I take my school's Teaching as a Profession Practicum pathway, and I am in the 3rd year. The first year built my knowledge on the foundation of education, educational philosophers, and the standards of ethics that teachers are held up to. My second year I learned how schools are governed and funded. This year is very important to me because i joined FGE, also it taught me the importance of the democratic classroom. With these two years alone, I feel deeper in love with education, and am ready to actually get into the classroom. This year I am in the Practicum, where i go out into a classroom for 2 to 3 hours a day engaging with students. In my placement (the place where i do my practicum), I make copies, help students in both small and large groups, and I even got to teach phonics a few times to the entire class, under my Host teachers' guidance. I'm involved with every lesson while I'm there. Also, in my placement class, there is a student teacher for a college. My host teacher, as amazing as she is, gives me more experience by treating me and the College intern the same, not sharing responsibilities, but having equal experience as the college student. Preparing me for my education career when I enter college. This experience is truly unforgettable and has solidified my decision to be an educator. To put me even more ahead, In April I will be taking the Paraprofessional exam. Once I pass the exam, I will be able to be hired as a Paraprofessional once I graduate, giving me even more experience. I am truly grateful for each and every experience that education has given me, and I am so excited for my future.

In my community I have served in many ways inside and outside of my academic life, engaging in volunteer work, and internships. My Internship is a part of my academic class called Teaching Is a Profession Practicum, where everyday except Wednesdays, I go out into a classroom and student teach. This shows I have served in the community by showing how I actively participate in building the foundation of the youth. My placement isn't just a daily task or for a grade, to me its the experience of doing what I plan to do in the future, teach. Each day I enter the class ready to make the students happy and proud of their work. By becoming a teacher, I aim to continue serving my community by empowering students not only academically but also as compassionate, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. Aside from my placement, I have engaged in many volunteering opportunities. These opportunities include going to a local Jones County elementary school during their cirriculum Bingo Night, and help children who won pick out a book for their age level. Also I volunteered at a local Jones County Middle school with the student organization i'm involved in. This Organization is known as FGE, Future Georgia Educators. Future Georgia Educators is a student organization where students who are interested in Education can attend a monthly meeting where we talk about our involvement in education. In FGE we attend FGE days where we can talk about education with chapters from other parts of the state, and participate in Workshops to hone our education skills for the future. In the Jones County chapter of FGE, I serve as the secretary which I have for the school years of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. In the Jones County chapter, we have various ways to serve our community by doing things such as a Thanksgiving canned food drive, Christmas toy drive, making and selling paper roses for the school and also planning various events for school appreciation weeks such as teacher appreciation, counselor appreciation, and custodian appreciation. FGE has given me a lot of connection with the Jones County community, and because of it I have been able to build a firm foundation of compassion, understanding and patience, which I will be using when I enter the classroom. Throughout these diverse experiences, I have not only served my community but also cultivated the empathy, leadership and dedication that I will bring into my future classroom to support and inspire my students.