Every Sunday, I dedicate 2 hours of my morning to volunteering at River Pointe Church with the children’s ministry, working with children from birth to five years old. While their parents attend service, I, along with a team of volunteers, take care of the kids and provide age-appropriate Bible lessons. Our role is not only to look after them and to keep them safe in that hour, but also to engage them in activities that encourage learning, creativity, and social interaction. Some activities during these 2 hours with the children include singing worship songs, reading Bible stories, and hands-on crafts that encourage them to use their thinking. Every moment with these kids is an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. Getting to be able to interact with these kids weekly has been incredibly fulfilling and has taught me valuable life skills. One of the most significant lessons that I have learned is patience. Working with children this young requires a great amount of understanding and attention. Each of the children have unique characteristics, emotions, and needs. Getting to communicate with these kids and build bonds with each of them has been so eye-opening on each of their individual personalities. Not one kid is the same, and each need different kinds of attention to feel loved and valued. Additionally, volunteering with these children has deepened my sense of empathy. I have come to understand that these children are little kids with big emotions, and it is so important that their feelings are validated. Whether it is helping a crying toddler or encouraging one of the shy kids to participate, I have realized that kind words and actions can have the biggest impact on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community that they are able to learn at a young age. Building relationships and strong connections with these children has given me a feel of what an educator could be like and has inspired me. This experience has given me insight into what my future aspirations of having a career in education might be like. Building relationships with these children and playing a role in their learning and development has shown me that I can continue to make a difference in young lives. Whether or not I pursue a career in education, I know that the life lessons these kids have taught me through this volunteer work will stay with me, shaping the way I show leadership and my involvement in my community later in the future.

To me, culture is more than simply the traditions that my family does every year, like a grito competition happening at every family party or going to my grandma’s house every Christmas. Culture is what ties past and future generations together. It has shaped who I am, my values, and my sense of belonging. For me, being apart of a Mexican family means growing up surrounded by strong traditions, close bonds, and stories that have been told for generations. One of the most important parts of my culture is family and the way we honor both those with us and those who have passed. My grandfather, who was the heart of the family, continues to influence me every day, even after his passing. My grandpa had a deep love for our heritage and always made sure we were proud of our Mexican heritage. At every one of our big family gatherings that were full of laughter, music, and food, he reminded us how important it was to remember where we come from. When he passed away, a hole was left in our hearts, especially for my dad. Watching my father grieve the loss of his own father was one of the hardest things I have ever witnessed. It was more than sadness, instead it was like losing a piece of ourselves. But even in that loss, my family found a way to keep his spirit alive. We began to celebrate his memory in small, meaningful ways. My dad and grandma often tell us stories about the kind of man my grandfather was. They talk about his strength, his love for his family, and his dedication to his roots. These stories are a way for me to know him and to carry his values forward. Being part of a Mexican-American family means I live at the crossroads of two cultures. I believe that understanding and respecting different cultures is the first step toward building real connections and friendship with people all across the world. That is why the mission of the Pan American Round Table means so much to me. By promoting education, cultural understanding, and unity among people, it reflects everything I have grown up believing. My grandfather may no longer be here physically, but through our culture, our traditions, and the love we continue to share as a family, he is still alive in all our hearts. He taught us to be proud of who we are and to always be accepting of those around us. That is how we build a better, more united world.

When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

Pursuing further education is important to me so that I can give back to the community. When I think about who has had the most impact on the person I am today and the goals I strive to achieve, two individuals immediately come to mind. The first being my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, and the second being my mom. Both have played significant roles in shaping my values, my love for learning, and my dream of becoming a teacher. Throughout my school career, I have been fortunate enough to have a few standout teachers, but Ms. Hlavaty had the earliest and most lasting impact. Even as a senior in high school, I often think about how she took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. Her classroom was a warm, welcoming place where we felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She’s now in her second year of teaching high school special education, and I witness daily how much passion and patience she brings to her classroom. The way she supports her students has shown me just how powerful a teacher believing in their students can be. Her dedication, empathy, and resilience are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. With the inspirations of both Ms. Hlavaty and my mom, I have chosen to major in early childhood education. I believe that the earliest years of learning are some of the most crucial, and I want to help lay the foundation for a child’s future, whether that be academically, emotionally, or socially. I value connection and community, and I believe that strong relationships are the heart of effective teaching. I want to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, just like the way I once felt in my kindergarten classroom and what my mom has demonstrated in hers. As I pursue my education and prepare for my future as a teacher, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from two of the most incredible role models. They have taught me that teaching can be more than a job. Teaching can be a way to make a lasting difference on each student in the classroom. The influence of my mom and Ms. Hlavaty has shaped who I am and who I hope to become. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life and strive to leave a part of my role models in everything I do.

Ranging from being the family babysitter, to volunteering at church on Sunday’s with little kids, I have always been a natural at communicating and bonding with the younger generation. As I further my education in the next four years, I have chosen to major in early education. Choosing this major stems from my passion for connecting with and positively shaping the minds of young children. I believe strongly that teachers in the earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. After 12 years and as a senior in high school, I still often think about my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, who took the time to bond with every student and even their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. I hope to provide that same kindness and care she showed each day to my future students. In addition, my mom has also had a significant impact on my life, larger than anyone else. She is currently in her second year of teaching high school special needs and won LCISD Rookie Teacher of the Year last year. Watching her show patience, empathy, and dedication in helping her students reach their greatest potential amazes me every day. Even after a rough day, week, or month, my mom would never give up on her students and shows 100% commitment to them daily. Her passion for making a difference as a teacher sparked my desire to enter the education field. In the past four years, I have gained many leadership skills through the extracurriculars and community service that I have been involved in. Throughout high school, I have demonstrated excellence in leadership and community service by consistently pursuing roles that allow me to positively impact others. One of these extracurriculars include my school's National Honor Society, where I participate in community service projects. Through this, I have strengthened my leadership, service, character, and scholarship by surrounding myself with a group holding similar values. I am also involved in the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) program which has further heightened my ability to serve as a mentor and guide to my peers. I help them navigate through personal challenges and learn the importance of building strong connections with others. Every Sunday, I volunteer at my church, working with children birth through five years old. This role has taught how to be patient, empathetic, and the significance of shaping our younger generation's minds through kindness and dedication. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community. Studying early childhood education will give me the tools and knowledge to create engaging and supportive learning environments. I want to foster a classroom that grows students’ knowledge but also invites curiosity and a love for learning. I am pursuing this major because I am passionate about creating a space where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to shape the students of the future generation into strong individuals and make a lasting difference in each child. I believe in the power of connection and bringing people together to create a sense of belonging. This belief has shaped my values and my aspirations, including my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I place a great value on building connections, so I understand the importance of fostering a sense of community in everything I do. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will continue to focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life.

Ranging from being the family babysitter, to volunteering at church on Sunday’s with little kids, I have always been a natural at communicating and bonding with the younger generation. As I further my education in the next four years, I have chosen to major in early education. Choosing this major stems from my passion for connecting with and positively shaping the minds of young children. I believe strongly that teachers in the earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. After 12 years and as a senior in high school, I still often think about my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, who took the time to bond with every student and even their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. I hope to provide that same kindness and care she showed each day to my future students. In addition, my mom has also had a significant impact on my life, larger than anyone else. She is currently in her second year of teaching high school special needs and won LCISD Rookie Teacher of the Year last year. Watching her show patience, empathy, and dedication in helping her students reach their greatest potential amazes me every day. Even after a rough day, week, or month, my mom would never give up on her students and shows 100% commitment to them daily. Her passion for making a difference as a teacher sparked my desire to enter the education field. In the past four years, I have gained many leadership skills through the extracurriculars and community service that I have been involved in. Throughout high school, I have demonstrated excellence in leadership and community service by consistently pursuing roles that allow me to positively impact others. One of these extracurriculars include my school's National Honor Society, where I participate in community service projects. Through this, I have strengthened my leadership, service, character, and scholarship by surrounding myself with a group holding similar values. I am also involved in the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) program which has further heightened my ability to serve as a mentor and guide to my peers. I help them navigate through personal challenges and learn the importance of building strong connections with others. Every Sunday, I volunteer at my church, working with children birth through five years old. This role has taught how to be patient, empathetic, and the significance of shaping our younger generation's minds through kindness and dedication. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community. Studying early childhood education will give me the tools and knowledge to create engaging and supportive learning environments. I want to foster a classroom that grows students’ knowledge but also invites curiosity and a love for learning. I am pursuing this major because I am passionate about creating a space where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to shape the students of the future generation into strong individuals and make a lasting difference in each child. I believe in the power of connection and bringing people together to create a sense of belonging. This belief has shaped my values and my aspirations, including my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I place a great value on building connections, so I understand the importance of fostering a sense of community in everything I do. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will continue to focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life.

Ranging from being the family babysitter, to volunteering at church on Sunday’s with little kids, I have always been a natural at communicating and bonding with the younger generation. As I further my education in the next four years, I have chosen to major in early education. Choosing this major stems from my passion for connecting with and positively shaping the minds of young children. I believe strongly that teachers in the earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. After 12 years and as a senior in high school, I still often think about my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, who took the time to bond with every student and even their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. I hope to provide that same kindness and care she showed each day to my future students. In addition, my mom has also had a significant impact on my life, larger than anyone else. She is currently in her second year of teaching high school special needs and won LCISD Rookie Teacher of the Year last year. Watching her show patience, empathy, and dedication in helping her students reach their greatest potential amazes me every day. Even after a rough day, week, or month, my mom would never give up on her students and shows 100% commitment to them daily. Her passion for making a difference as a teacher sparked my desire to enter the education field. In the past four years, I have gained many leadership skills through the extracurriculars and community service that I have been involved in. Throughout high school, I have demonstrated excellence in leadership and community service by consistently pursuing roles that allow me to positively impact others. One of these extracurriculars include my school's National Honor Society, where I participate in community service projects. Through this, I have strengthened my leadership, service, character, and scholarship by surrounding myself with a group holding similar values. I am also involved in the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) program which has further heightened my ability to serve as a mentor and guide to my peers. I help them navigate through personal challenges and learn the importance of building strong connections with others. Every Sunday, I volunteer at my church, working with children birth through five years old. This role has taught how to be patient, empathetic, and the significance of shaping our younger generation's minds through kindness and dedication. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community. Studying early childhood education will give me the tools and knowledge to create engaging and supportive learning environments. I want to foster a classroom that grows students’ knowledge but also invites curiosity and a love for learning. I am pursuing this major because I am passionate about creating a space where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to shape the students of the future generation into strong individuals and make a lasting difference in each child. I believe in the power of connection and bringing people together to create a sense of belonging. This belief has shaped my values and my aspirations, including my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I place a great value on building connections, so I understand the importance of fostering a sense of community in everything I do. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will continue to focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life.

Every Sunday, I dedicate 2 hours of my morning to volunteering at River Pointe Church with the children’s ministry, working with children from birth to five years old. While their parents attend service, I, along with a team of volunteers, take care of the kids and provide age-appropriate Bible lessons. Our role is not only to look after them and to keep them safe in that hour, but also to engage them in activities that encourage learning, creativity, and social interaction. Some activities during these 2 hours with the children include singing worship songs, reading Bible stories, and hands-on crafts that encourage them to use their thinking. Every moment with these kids is an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. Getting to be able to interact with these kids weekly has been incredibly fulfilling and has taught me valuable life skills. One of the most significant lessons that I have learned is patience. Working with children this young requires a great amount of understanding and attention. Each of the children have unique characteristics, emotions, and needs. Getting to communicate with these kids and build bonds with each of them has been so eye-opening on each of their individual personalities. Not one kid is the same, and each need different kinds of attention to feel loved and valued. Additionally, volunteering with these children has deepened my sense of empathy. I have come to understand that these children are little kids with big emotions, and it is so important that their feelings are validated. Whether it is helping a crying toddler or encouraging one of the shy kids to participate, I have realized that kind words and actions can have the biggest impact on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community that they are able to learn at a young age. Building relationships and strong connections with these children has given me a feel of what an educator could be like and has inspired me. This experience has given me insight into what my future aspirations of having a career in education might be like. Building relationships with these children and playing a role in their learning and development has shown me that I can continue to make a difference in young lives. Whether or not I pursue a career in education, I know that the life lessons these kids have taught me through this volunteer work will stay with me, shaping the way I show leadership and my involvement in my community later in the future.

Every Sunday, I dedicate 2 hours of my morning to volunteering at River Pointe Church with the children’s ministry, working with children from birth to five years old. While their parents attend service, I, along with a team of volunteers, take care of the kids and provide age-appropriate Bible lessons. Our role is not only to look after them and to keep them safe in that hour, but also to engage them in activities that encourage learning, creativity, and social interaction. Some activities during these 2 hours with the children include singing worship songs, reading Bible stories, and hands-on crafts that encourage them to use their thinking. Every moment with these kids is an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. Getting to be able to interact with these kids weekly has been incredibly fulfilling and has taught me valuable life skills. One of the most significant lessons that I have learned is patience. Working with children this young requires a great amount of understanding and attention. Each of the children have unique characteristics, emotions, and needs. Getting to communicate with these kids and build bonds with each of them has been so eye-opening on each of their individual personalities. Not one kid is the same, and each need different kinds of attention to feel loved and valued. Additionally, volunteering with these children has deepened my sense of empathy. I have come to understand that these children are little kids with big emotions, and it is so important that their feelings are validated. Whether it is helping a crying toddler or encouraging one of the shy kids to participate, I have realized that kind words and actions can have the biggest impact on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. Creating a nurturing environment for these children fosters a sense of community that they are able to learn at a young age. Building relationships and strong connections with these children has given me a feel of what an educator could be like and has inspired me. This experience has given me insight into what my future aspirations of having a career in education might be like. Building relationships with these children and playing a role in their learning and development has shown me that I can continue to make a difference in young lives. Whether or not I pursue a career in education, I know that the life lessons these kids have taught me through this volunteer work will stay with me, shaping the way I show leadership and my involvement in my community later in the future.

I was 15 when my world fell apart as I was diagnosed with a major anxiety disorder. Just before school was about to start, I found myself in an almost constant state of panic attacks, forcing me to ask for help. As I sobbed into my mom and grandma’s arms, trying to explain myself, relief filled my body as I let everything out. I soon found myself in a doctor’s office receiving my official diagnosis as anxiety disorder. There was comfort in having a reason for what I was feeling, but there was also a sense of fear knowing that this is something I would need patience and time to work through and overcome. I knew this was not a feeling I wanted to endure any longer, so I accepted help. Countless therapist visits and prayer sessions with my youth pastor filled the next year. I discovered resilience within myself, aided by the support of the people around me. A little over two years ago, I was terrified to reach out for help in fear of judgement and misunderstanding. Now, I have learned that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. I have discovered the value of community and leaning on others when life feels overwhelming. These past two years have been a journey with some low points, but many more highs. I have had countless people help me rebuild myself when I felt that my life had fallen apart. Through their support, I have created a new and improved version of myself, one that I am extremely proud of. As I further my education in the next four years, I have chosen to major in early education. Choosing this major stems from my passion for connecting with and shaping the minds of young children. I believe strongly that teachers in the earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. I aim to be a teacher that students feel comfortable coming to and can confide in. Studying early childhood education will give me the tools and knowledge to create engaging and supportive learning environments. I want to foster a classroom that grows students’ knowledge but also invites curiosity and a love for learning. I am pursuing this major because I am passionate about creating a space where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to shape the students of the future generation into strong individuals and make a lasting difference in each child. I believe in the power of connection and bringing people together to create a sense of belonging. This belief has shaped my values and my aspirations, including my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I place a great value on building connections, so I understand the importance of fostering a sense of community in everything I do. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will continue to focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life.

Choosing to major in Education stems from my passion for connecting with and shaping the minds of young children. As the oldest female grandchild in my extended family, I have always been the “family babysitter.” With a large family and many cousins, I have repeatedly had the opportunity to watch infants grow into elementary school graduates within the blink of an eye. Babysitting them allowed me to experience each of them develop their own unique personalities and see first-hand how children change as they get older. This experience sparked my interest in becoming an educator for elementary students. I believe strongly that teachers in the earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. As a senior in high school, I often think about my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hlavaty, who took the time to bond with every student and their families. She made each of us feel valued and created a nurturing environment where we were excited to come and learn at school. I hope to provide that same kindness and care she showed each day to my future students. Being the reason a child enjoys learning and showing up to school motivates me to pursue this field. My mom has also had a profound impact on my life, larger than any other. She is currently in her second year of teaching high school special needs. Watching her show patience, empathy, and dedication in helping these student's reach their greatest potential amazes me everyday. Her passion for making a difference as a teacher sparked my desire to enter the education field. I admire her ability to connect with each student and create an inclusive environment. Her example has shaped my view on how incredible teachers are and makes me eager to be a nurturing teacher for students one day. Studying Early Childhood Education will give me the tools and knowledge to create engaging and supportive learning environments. I want to foster a classroom that grows students’ knowledge but also invites curiosity and a love for learning. I am pursuing this major because I am passionate about creating a space where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to shape the students of the future generation into strong individuals and make a lasting difference in each child. I believe in the power of connection and bringing people together to create a sense of belonging. This belief has shaped my values and my aspirations, including my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I place a great value on building connections, so I understand the importance of fostering a sense of community in everything I do. As I begin my studies in college and begin my teaching career, I will continue to focus on creating meaningful connections in every aspect of my life.