I am the second of four kids in my family. Being a part of a larger family and being involved in various activities have helped me develop a love for children and a desire to help them grow. With your support I will be able to further my education so that I can achieve my dream of being an educator. In high school, I spent the majority of my time participating in various activities, many involving kids. From working at a daycare after school to serving in my church on the weekends and in the summer, I was with little ones daily. One of the ways I loved connecting with kids the most was through dance. I was a part of the Knoxville Dance Team for all four years of high school, and I participated in studio dance for eight years. Being involved in a sport for that long helped me build strong connections with younger students who also love dance. I’ve been able to be a part of their growing process not only in dance but in their lives as well. In 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a mission trip to Abaco, where we helped rebuild and repair buildings that were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. I was also able to meet students and teachers while there. Due to the hurricane and the effects of COVID-19, students missed several years of school. I learned very quickly that not all students were able to receive a proper education. I was able to help a local teacher stock a library that would be used for students who are now falling behind in their classes or who never properly learned how to read. She talked to us about how these students are being thrown into school at a grade level they aren’t ready for. This is when my heart broke, seeing students who couldn’t properly receive the education they needed at the level they were at. This teacher was a part of a group that would be helping catch up all the students who needed help, and she was helping some of them learn to read. Being just a small part of helping the students’ education was so touching. Helping out in even such a small way is what truly helped me want to become that for students full time. After exploring different college programs and visiting their campuses, I knew Central College felt like home to me. As the child of two education major alumni, I know how incredible Central’s teaching program is, and I have loved my experience on campus so far. The opportunities and experiences that I’ll be able to have as a student here will prepare me to be a successful teacher in whatever district I’m blessed to work in. With your support, you are not only helping me but all of my future students. Thank you for your consideration!