Cancer became a part of my story at a young age, though I didn’t fully understand its weight until I was older. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia around the ages of four or five. While I have only fragments of memory from the chemotherapy and hospital visits, the emotional echoes of that time stayed with my family, and with me. I’ve grown up knowing what it means to fight for your life, to rely on the strength of others, and to find hope in the most uncertain moments. More recently, cancer returned to our lives when my father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His experience has been far more vivid and painful for me to witness. What began as difficulty swallowing turned into a diagnosis that changed everything. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and for a brief time, we were told he was in remission. Then came the setback: he needed surgery, but a heart stress test revealed three serious blockages. Before he could fight the cancer again, he had to fight to make his body strong enough for surgery. Watching him go through this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Through all of this, I’ve learned that cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, it impacts the entire family. It creates emotional and physical strain, adds financial stress, and forces everyone to live in a state of uncertainty. But it also brings clarity. I’ve learned to value time in a new way. I’ve learned that sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who don’t show how much they’re hurting. I’ve learned to speak up for the people I love, to advocate for better care, and to ask hard questions when it counts. Most of all, I’ve learned that love and support are just as critical to healing as medicine. These experiences have shaped how I approach life and my career. As a teacher, I bring empathy into my classroom because I know that many of my students carry invisible burdens. As a future public policy advocate, I’m even more driven to work toward a healthcare system and education system that support people during their most difficult times. Cancer has reminded me why I fight for something better, not just for myself, but for my family, my students, and everyone who finds themselves facing the unthinkable. If my dad’s health allows, I hope he’ll be there when I walk the stage for my master’s degree, something he missed at my undergraduate graduation. That hope keeps me moving forward, even on the hard days. Cancer may have shaken our world, but it has never broken our spirit.

Balancing full-time work and caregiving while pursuing my education has been one of the most demanding yet defining aspects of my life. As a mother of two, a full-time high school English teacher, and a current student earning my teaching certification from East Carolina University, I’ve had to learn how to juggle competing priorities with grace and grit. These experiences haven’t just shaped my resilience, they’ve clarified my purpose and reshaped my long-term goals. My journey began after I had my first child. While staying home with my daughter, my husband, my greatest supporter, encouraged me to go back to school. I took his advice to heart, motivated by a desire to show my daughter that no matter your circumstances, you can always strive to reach your goals. Not long after, I had my son while still pursuing my degree. Despite the challenges of raising young children, managing coursework, and working, I graduated from Arizona State University with a 3.6 GPA. It was during this time that a few elective courses sparked an interest in teaching. I started as a substitute teacher and quickly realized the classroom was where I belonged. I'm now in my third year of teaching high school English. Teaching brings me joy, but it also brings frustration as I witness the daily struggles of students and fellow educators operating within a strained and underfunded system. These experiences have pushed me beyond the classroom and into advocacy. Being both a parent and a teacher gives me a unique perspective. I see my students through the lens of a mother and recognize how much more they need than what our current system provides. I see my colleagues stretched thin, often sacrificing their well-being to meet unrealistic expectations. And I see my own children growing up in a world where education is too often undervalued. This dual role has sharpened my focus and clarified my path. I plan to pursue a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy, with the goal of working in education policy and reform. I want to advocate for better pay for teachers and support staff, reduce administrative burdens, and introduce policies that ensure administrators remain connected to the classroom experience. I also believe substitute teaching should be treated as a civic responsibility, akin to jury duty, to promote public understanding of what our schools truly need. Balancing work and caregiving hasn’t been easy. But every late night, every missed event, and every moment of exhaustion has brought me closer to my purpose. It’s made me more empathetic, more determined, and more aware of how public policy directly affects real families. And it's that awareness I hope to bring to the policy table, because families like mine deserve a better system, and I intend to help build it.

Education has the power to transform lives, not just for individuals but for entire communities. I know this firsthand because my own journey has been shaped by perseverance, the pursuit of knowledge, and the belief that education should be accessible, equitable, and empowering. As a high school English teacher in North Carolina, currently earning my teaching certification through East Carolina University, I have witnessed the struggles of both students and educators in a system that often fails them. My ultimate goal is not only to continue shaping young minds in the classroom but also to influence the policies that govern education. Once I achieve my goal of earning my degree and advancing my education further, I intend to advocate for necessary changes in the public education system. My vision is clear: I want to ensure that every student, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, has access to a quality education. I want teachers to receive the pay, resources, and respect they deserve. I want policies to be shaped by those who truly understand the needs of students and educators, not just by lawmakers who have never stepped foot in a classroom. With a master’s degree in public administration focused on educational policy, I hope to take my firsthand experience as a teacher and turn it into meaningful reform. While I am deeply passionate about teaching, my long-term career aspirations extend beyond the classroom. I plan to transition into the field of educational policy, working at the state or federal level to address the systemic issues that hinder student success and teacher retention. Education is the backbone of society, yet it is often undervalued in the political sphere. I want to change that by advocating for policies that prioritize teacher pay, classroom resources, and curriculum improvements. One of my primary goals is to push for policies that require administrators to have direct classroom experience. Too often, decisions about education are made by individuals who have never faced the daily challenges of teaching. I believe that requiring administrators to teach at least once a year would bridge the gap between policymakers and educators, ensuring that reforms are based on real classroom experiences rather than theoretical assumptions. Additionally, I hope to address the nationwide teacher shortage by advocating for better working conditions and incentives for educators. Many talented individuals avoid the profession due to low pay and high demands. By working on policies that increase teacher salaries, provide student loan forgiveness, and improve classroom conditions, I aim to make teaching a more viable and respected career choice. Beyond policy changes, I also want to work on programs that improve access to higher education. As someone who returned to school after having my first child, I understand the barriers many students face when trying to pursue a degree. I want to support initiatives that offer financial aid, mentorship programs, and career guidance to students from underserved communities, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous support in my academic and professional journey. Pursuing a degree while working full-time and raising a family is no easy feat, and financial constraints often add another layer of difficulty. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies without the constant worry of tuition costs, enabling me to perform at my best academically. Furthermore, this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden on my family. My husband has been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to return to school and pursue my dreams. While we have managed to balance our responsibilities, the cost of higher education remains a significant challenge. This financial support would not only ease that burden but also set an example for my children, showing them that perseverance and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities. Additionally, by alleviating financial stress, this scholarship would allow me to engage more deeply in research and advocacy work related to educational policy. I want to use my time in graduate school to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing public education, collaborate with educators and policymakers, and develop strategies that can be implemented at a larger scale. Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to transition into a leadership role where I can influence educational policy on a broad scale. Whether working with the Department of Education, a nonprofit organization, or a policy think tank, I want to be in the rooms where decisions about education are made. My experiences as a teacher have given me unique insights into the struggles of students and educators, and I believe that those experiences should inform policy at every level. One of my key future projects is to advocate for a "substitute duty" system similar to jury duty, where professionals from various fields are required to spend a certain number of days in the classroom as substitute teachers. This initiative would not only help address teacher shortages but also give the general public a better understanding of the realities of education. By increasing public involvement in schools, I hope to foster a greater appreciation for teachers and the challenges they face. Another long-term initiative I want to pursue is the expansion of community-based education programs that connect students with real-world career opportunities. Many students struggle to see the relevance of their education in their future careers. By establishing stronger partnerships between schools, local businesses, and higher education institutions, we can create programs that provide students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and clear pathways to success. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. It would not only support my education but also validate the importance of the work I am striving to do. It would be an investment in someone who is committed to making a lasting difference in education. Beyond my professional aspirations, my personal motivation for success is deeply tied to my family. My father, who has always been my biggest champion, is currently battling esophageal cancer. His health struggles have added another layer of urgency to my goals. I want him to see me walk across the stage when I earn my master’s degree, something he missed when I received my bachelor’s. I want him to know that his belief in me was well-founded, that I am working toward something greater than myself. For me, success is not measured by personal accolades but by the impact I leave behind. I want to ensure that future generations of students have better educational opportunities than I did. I want to create policies that make teaching a sustainable, respected profession. I want to be part of the movement that transforms education into what it should be, an accessible, equitable, and empowering force for all. This scholarship is more than financial assistance; it is a stepping stone toward that vision. With this support, I will be able to continue my education, refine my advocacy efforts, and work toward lasting change in the education system. Education has the power to shape lives, and I am committed to ensuring that it does so in the most positive, effective way possible. With my degree, I plan to transition from the classroom to the policy arena, advocating for the changes that students and teachers desperately need. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my education without financial barriers, enabling me to focus on research, advocacy, and building the skills necessary to make a real difference. My journey is far from over, but every step I take brings me closer to my goal of transforming education for the better. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to making that vision a reality, not just for myself, but for the countless students and teachers whose futures depend on a stronger, fairer education system.

Success is often defined by wealth, power, or prestige, but for me, success is about impact. It is about using my experiences, education, and determination to make a meaningful difference in the world, particularly in the field of education. As a high school English teacher in North Carolina, I see firsthand the challenges students and teachers face daily. From underfunded schools to policies that fail to reflect the realities of the classroom, I know that the education system is deeply flawed. My vision of success is not just about excelling in my career, but about becoming a catalyst for change, ensuring that both educators and students receive the support they need to thrive. My journey to this point has not been easy, but it has shaped my understanding of success. After having my first child, I made the decision to return to school, earning my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. That experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of setting an example for my children. Now, as I teach while earning my certification through East Carolina University, I continue to push forward, working toward my long-term goal of improving the education system at a policy level. Success, for me, is seeing tangible improvements in the way education functions in this country. It means advocating for better pay and working conditions for teachers, ensuring that administrators remain connected to the classroom, and creating policies that truly serve students rather than just meeting bureaucratic requirements. My next step toward achieving this vision is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on educational policy. This scholarship will be a crucial part of that journey, allowing me to further my education without placing additional financial strain on my family. With this opportunity, I will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition from the classroom into a policy-making role. My experiences as a teacher will provide the foundation for my advocacy, ensuring that the voices of educators are represented in decision-making processes. I want to be in the room where policies are created, bringing firsthand knowledge of what teachers and students need to succeed. Beyond my professional aspirations, success also means personal fulfillment. It means knowing that I have done everything in my power to create a better future for my children, my students, and future generations. One of my deepest personal motivations is my father, who has always been my biggest supporter. He is currently battling esophageal cancer, and while his health struggles have added another layer of challenge to my life, they have also strengthened my resolve. I want him to see me walk across the stage when I earn my master’s degree, something he missed when I received my bachelor’s. I want him to see that his unwavering belief in me was not in vain. Ultimately, this scholarship is not just financial assistance; it is an investment in someone who is committed to making a difference. With this support, I will be able to take the next step in my journey toward meaningful educational reform. Success for me is not about personal gain, it is about leaving the education system better than I found it. This opportunity will help me do just that.

One of my greatest achievements to date has been returning to school and earning my bachelor’s degree while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. When I had my first child, I knew I wanted to set an example of perseverance and dedication. I went back to school, determined to prove that no obstacle, whether financial, personal, or societal, should stand in the way of achieving one’s goals. It wasn’t easy; I had to juggle coursework, parenting, and life’s everyday demands. But through hard work, late nights, and the unwavering support of my husband, I graduated from Arizona State University with a 3.6 GPA. That experience taught me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. It showed me the power of persistence and the importance of believing in myself, even when the journey feels impossible. It also reinforced my passion for education, not just as a student, but as someone who wanted to make a difference in the field. I realized that education is not just about personal success; it’s about lifting others up and creating opportunities for those who may not believe they have a path forward. Now, as a high school English teacher in North Carolina, I take that lesson into my classroom every day. I strive to show my students that they are capable of achieving great things, no matter what obstacles they face. I want them to see that hard work, resilience, and a willingness to keep pushing forward can open doors they never thought possible. Looking ahead, my goal is to make an even bigger impact beyond my own classroom. I am currently earning my teaching certification through East Carolina University, and I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on educational policy. My ultimate goal is to help fix the broken education system by advocating for policies that support teachers and students. I believe that educators should have a greater voice in decision-making, that teachers and school staff deserve better pay, and that systemic reforms are needed to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education. More than anything, I want to create meaningful change. Whether it’s through my work in the classroom or through future roles in education policy, I hope to leave a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the broader education system. My journey so far has shown me that no challenge is insurmountable, and I plan to use that mindset to continue fighting for a better future in education.

My journey has been shaped by perseverance, passion, and the belief that education has the power to change lives. I am a high school English teacher in North Carolina, currently earning my teaching certification through East Carolina University. My path to education was not traditional, but it has been deeply meaningful. I returned to school to complete my degree after having my first child, determined to show my children that no dream is out of reach with hard work and dedication. That experience fueled my commitment to education, leading me to the classroom where I now strive to make a lasting impact on my students. Teaching is more than just a job for me, it is a mission. Every day, I work to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. I want them to see literature as more than just words on a page, but as a way to understand the world and their place in it. I want them to develop critical thinking skills, confidence in their writing, and the ability to express themselves in ways that matter. More importantly, I want them to leave my classroom knowing they have the potential to shape their own futures. Beyond my work in the classroom, I am deeply invested in the future of education as a whole. I recognize the challenges that teachers and students face, overcrowded classrooms, underfunded schools, and policies that often fail to serve those who need support the most. That is why I am pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on educational policy. I want to take my firsthand experience as a teacher and use it to advocate for meaningful reform. I believe that educators should have a stronger voice in shaping the policies that affect their classrooms. Teachers, assistants, and paraprofessionals deserve better pay and working conditions, and students deserve an education system that prioritizes their success. My goal is to make a lasting impact by improving the education system from within. In the next five to ten years, I hope to transition into educational policy and advocacy, working to implement changes that benefit both educators and students. Whether through policy reform, increased funding, or ensuring that decision-makers truly understand the realities of the classroom, I am committed to fighting for a better future for education. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to make a difference. Whether in my classroom, my community, or on a broader scale, I want to be a force for positive change. Education transformed my life, and I want to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the same opportunity to succeed.

Teaching was not my original career path, but looking back, I can see that education has always been a part of who I am. I have always believed in the power of learning, in the way a good teacher can change a student’s life, and in the importance of ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. That belief led me to where I am today, teaching high school English in North Carolina while earning my teaching certification through East Carolina University. My journey into teaching was shaped by my own experiences as a student and later as a parent. After having my first child, I returned to school to finish my degree, determined to show my children that perseverance matters. During that time, I took elective courses that ignited my interest in education and made me think deeply about the role teachers play in shaping young minds. After graduation, I worked as a substitute teacher and quickly realized how much I loved the classroom. I enjoyed building relationships with students, guiding them through challenging material, and seeing the excitement when a lesson truly resonated. I knew then that teaching was where I was meant to be. Throughout my life, I have had many teachers who inspired me, but one stands out in particular. In high school, I had a 10th grade English teacher who not only made literature come alive but also believed in me at a time when I struggled to believe in myself. She challenged me to think critically, to push beyond my comfort zone, and to find my own voice as a writer. More importantly, she showed me that great teachers do more than teach, they listen, they encourage, and they help students see their own potential. Her influence stayed with me, and now, as an English teacher myself, I strive to provide that same kind of support and inspiration to my students. It almost seems like fate that I now teach 10th grade English myself. Teaching is more than a job to me, it is a calling. Every day, I step into my classroom knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference. I want my students to leave my class not just with stronger reading and writing skills, but with confidence in their abilities and an understanding of the power of education. As I continue my journey, earning my teaching certification and growing as an educator, I remain committed to being the kind of teacher who challenges, supports, and inspires.

Becoming a teacher was not always my plan, but in many ways, it feels like teaching found me. My journey into education was shaped by my experiences as a student, my time as a substitute teacher, and my deep belief in the power of learning. It was not one singular moment or person that inspired me, but rather a series of experiences that made it clear that education was where I was meant to be. After having my first child, I returned to school to complete my degree. It was important to me to show my children that goals are worth pursuing, no matter the challenges. During that time, I took a variety of elective courses that sparked my interest in education. I became fascinated by the ways students engage with literature, the impact of strong teachers, and the reality that education could be a force for change. After earning my degree, I stepped into the classroom as a substitute teacher and quickly realized that I loved the environment, the students, and the challenges that came with the job. Teaching was not just a job, it was a calling. Now, as a high school English teacher, I see the importance of my role every day. My students come from different backgrounds, with unique challenges and strengths, and I strive to make my classroom a place where they feel valued and capable. I want them to see that education is not just about passing tests but about expanding their perspectives, finding their voices, and preparing for their futures. My own experiences, returning to school as a parent, working through the struggles of balancing life and education, and fighting for my own success, allow me to relate to students who may feel that their own dreams are out of reach. However, my passion for education does not stop at the classroom. I see the flaws in our system, overworked teachers, underfunded schools, and students who fall through the cracks due to systemic failures. This is why I am pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on educational policy. I want to take my firsthand experience as a teacher and use it to advocate for meaningful reform. Teachers, assistants, and paraprofessionals deserve better pay and respect. School administrators should be required to teach at least once a year to stay connected to the realities of the classroom. Substituting should be treated like jury duty to increase public understanding of what educators face. These are the kinds of changes I hope to push for, and I want my students to see that one person can make a difference. I hope to inspire my students not just through the lessons I teach, but through the example I set. I want them to see that perseverance matters, that education can be a powerful tool for change, and that their voices and experiences have value. Whether they choose to become teachers, writers, policymakers, or something entirely different, I hope they leave my classroom knowing they have the power to shape their own futures, just as I have worked to shape mine.

My dad has always been my rock and my person. He and I are very similar for people that don't share blood; we are a good case study for nature versus nurture. He adopted me after he and my mom met and got married. He has been my dad for my whole life. I have always joked that he chose me but he had to keep my younger siblings. When he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, our whole family’s world changed. A large tumor blocked his esophagus, making it impossible for him to eat solid foods. We watched him endure chemotherapy and radiation with incredible strength, which brought up my own memories and trauma from when I went through chemotherapy because of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as a child. I don't know how he handled when I was diagnosed, but he was a source of strength for everyone then too. When the doctors said he was in remission, we felt an overwhelming sense of relief. But cancer is unpredictable. A follow-up appointment revealed something concerning, and just when we thought surgery would be the next step, he failed his heart stress test. Three blockages in his heart put everything on hold. Now, we wait, hoping, praying, and trusting his doctors to find the best path forward. I am an adult with children of my own, but I am still, and will always be, a daddy’s girl. The thought of losing him is unbearable. Through this journey, I’ve developed an even deeper respect for the nurses who care for him. They are my pink-collar sisters and brothers, the ones who bring comfort in the hardest moments. While nursing is not my calling, I see and admire the impact they have. I am a teacher, and my passion is education. I am pursuing my master’s in public administration with a focus on educational policy because I believe our school system needs real change. Much like nurses are the backbone of the medical field, teachers are the backbone of the educational field, and both deserve much better treatment and pay than they receive. Without both, neither field would continue to function. I want my dad to see me succeed, to watch me walk across the stage at graduation, something he missed when I earned my bachelor’s degree. More than anything, I want him to see that his example, strength, and love have shaped me into someone who fights for what matters.

I’ve always believed that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges, it’s about turning them into purpose. My journey began in Kane County, Illinois, where I grew up until the age of 14 when my dad’s job transfer moved our family to North Carolina. But the move wasn’t the biggest challenge I faced. Around the ages of four and five, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and underwent rounds of chemotherapy. Facing that kind of adversity so early in life shaped how I view challenges, not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow stronger. After high school, my path wasn’t straightforward. I had always dreamed of becoming an author. As a child, I wrote and illustrated a story about fairies changing the seasons and loved my English and creative writing classes. But my 12th-grade English teacher, who seemed determined to crush any enthusiasm, made me doubt myself. I lost confidence in my ability to write and, for a time, my love for English faded. It wasn’t until my husband, my biggest advocate and supporter, encouraged me to go back to school while I was home with our daughter that I found my way back to it. Returning to school wasn’t just about career advancement; it was about showing my daughter, and later my son, that you can always work toward your goals, no matter the circumstances. I worked hard, earning my degree from Arizona State University with a 3.6 GPA while raising my family. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for teaching through some elective courses. That interest led me to substitute teaching, which ultimately transitioned into a full-time role as a high school English teacher. I am now in my third year of teaching, and while the actual teaching brings me joy, the systemic challenges in education have opened my eyes to how much needs to change. Balancing motherhood, teaching, and pursuing my teaching certification from East Carolina University, where I hold a 3.8 GPA, has been difficult, but I thrive under pressure. My students and my own children deserve better, and that’s why I’m determined to push for meaningful change. I plan to earn my master’s in public administration with a focus on public policy, so I can work to improve the education system from within. Teachers, assistants, and paras deserve better pay, administrators should be required to teach at least once a year to stay grounded, and subbing should be treated like jury duty to give the public a better understanding of the classroom experience. In 5–10 years, I see myself in politics, working on education policies to strengthen our public schools and make higher education more accessible without a lifetime of debt. Our country has the resources to build the best education system in the world, but we need to realign our priorities. My goal is to help make that happen, not just for my students and my children, but for future generations.

Becoming a parent reshaped my life- and my sense of purpose. When I had my first child, I knew I wanted to set an example for her. I wanted her to understand that no matter the challenges you face, you can always work toward your goals. That determination led me back to school, where I earned my degree from Arizona State University with a 3.6 GPA. Balancing the demands of school and motherhood wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, focus, and the power of persistence. My journey through higher education became even more complex when I had my second child while still in school. Instead of discouraging me, it reinforced my commitment to succeed. I wanted both of my children to grow up knowing that hard work and perseverance could overcome even the toughest circumstances. Managing coursework, parenting, and the responsibilities of daily life required careful planning and sacrifice- late nights studying after putting my kids to bed, early mornings preparing for classes, and countless moments of self-doubt that I had to push through. It was during my time at Arizona State that I discovered my passion for teaching. While taking some elective courses, I realized how much I enjoyed working with students and helping them grow. After graduating, I became a high school English teacher- a career path that has been both rewarding and eye-opening. Teaching has shown me the challenges students face, the pressures placed on educators, and the need for meaningful change within the education system. Being a parent has shaped my approach to teaching in profound ways. I understand the importance of patience, empathy, and flexibility because I practice those skills daily with my own children. My experience as both a parent and a teacher has fueled my growing interest in education policy. I see firsthand how systemic challenges affect students and teachers alike, and I’m determined to advocate for better resources, fairer expectations, and greater support within the classroom. Currently, I’m working full time as a teacher while pursuing my teaching certification from East Carolina University, where I hold a 3.8 GPA. Balancing work, school, and motherhood is demanding, but it’s also deeply motivating. I want my children to see that success comes not from avoiding challenges but from meeting them head-on. Parenthood has given me a sense of purpose and strength that I didn’t have before. It’s shaped not only the path I’ve taken but also the values I hold- resilience, dedication, and a commitment to improving the future for my children and my students alike. Being a parent hasn’t made my journey through higher education easier- but it’s made it more meaningful.

When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an author. I would spend hours writing stories, creating characters, and imagining worlds. Writing gave me a sense of freedom and creativity, and I was certain that I would one day see my name on the cover of a book. While I’m still passionate about writing and hope to pursue it more seriously in the future, my career goals have shifted in ways I couldn’t have predicted when I was younger. Life has a way of reshaping our dreams, and for me, that turning point came after I had my first child. I wanted to show my daughter that no matter the circumstances, you can always work toward your goals. That determination led me back to school, where I earned my degree from Arizona State University with a 3.6 GPA. While taking some elective courses, I discovered an unexpected passion for teaching. The more I learned about the challenges within our education system, the more I felt drawn to making a difference in the classroom. My journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. While still in school full-time, I had my second child, and had to balance a newborn, a toddler, and college. After graduating, I became a high school English teacher- a role that has been both challenging and rewarding. With that I made the decision to pursue my teaching certification from East Carolina University. Balancing motherhood, work, and school has required discipline and resilience, but it’s strengthened my sense of purpose. I currently maintain a 3.8 GPA while managing the demands of my career and raising two children. Teaching has opened my eyes to the struggles that both students and educators face. I see firsthand how far behind many students are and how much pressure is placed on teachers to meet growing expectations without adequate support. This reality has deepened my interest in education policy and inspired me to push for better resources, fairer testing standards, and greater support for both students and teachers. I’ve realized that my impact can extend beyond my classroom- that by influencing policy, I can help create a stronger, more equitable education system for future generations. While writing is no longer my primary career goal, the desire to create and make an impact through my words has taken on new meaning. Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, advocating for policy change, or writing to inspire others, the core motivation remains the same: to create a better future for my students, my children, and the generations to come. My childhood dream of being an author helped shape the communicator and advocate I am today- and while my career path has shifted, the drive to make a difference has remained constant.

I wanted to show my daughter that no matter the circumstances, you can always work toward your goals. That belief is what inspired me to return to school after having my first child. I knew that pursuing my education would not only open doors for me professionally but also set an example for my daughter about perseverance and the importance of education. Balancing motherhood and school was not easy, and was full of a lot of late nights with little sleep, but it made me more determined to succeed. While completing my degree at Arizona State University, I discovered a passion for teaching through some elective courses. This interest became a calling, and after graduating with a 3.6 GPA, I began my career as a high school English teacher. Teaching has been incredibly rewarding, but it has also opened my eyes to the challenges within our education system- the lack of resources, the pressure placed on both students and teachers, and the need for meaningful policy change. My path hasn’t been without challenges. I had my second child, my son, while still in school, and instead of discouraging me, it strengthened my resolve to succeed. With two little sets of eyes on me, I wanted both of my children to see that hard work and determination can overcome even the toughest circumstances. Now, I am balancing full-time teaching, motherhood, and working toward my teaching certification from East Carolina University, where I currently hold a 3.8 GPA. Managing all of these roles requires careful planning, time management, and the ability to stay focused on my long-term goals. Balancing work, school, and family life has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a love for good cold brew. I’ve learned how to prioritize, how to ask for help when needed, and how to push through difficult moments without losing sight of why I’m doing this. My children and my students are my motivation. I want my students to know that education can be a pathway to opportunity, and I want my children to grow up knowing that success comes not from avoiding challenges, but from meeting them head-on. Continuing my education has shaped not only my career but also my perspective on life. It’s shown me the power of perseverance and the importance of working toward something bigger than myself. I’m committed to using my experience to make a meaningful difference in education- not just for my students, but for future generations of students and teachers alike. That is why I wish to continue my education even further and get my master's in political science or education policy so that I can use my firsthand knowledge to bridge the gaps between policy and what is actually needed in education and our classrooms. As a mom, I want to best opportunities for not just my children, but every mother's child.

"Education is the foundation of our future- but right now, that foundation is crumbling." As a high school English teacher, I see firsthand how far behind our students are and how much teachers are struggling to meet the growing expectations placed on them. Every day, I witness talented, hardworking colleagues facing burnout and students falling through the cracks of a system that demands more than it supports. This reality has fueled my growing interest in politics and my determination to fight for meaningful change in education policy. Teaching has given me a front-row seat to both the challenges and the potential within our schools. I’ve worked with students who are capable of incredible things- if only they had the resources and support to thrive. I’ve watched fellow teachers stretch themselves thin to meet the needs of their students, often sacrificing their own well-being in the process. These experiences have shown me that the problem isn’t a lack of dedication or talent- it’s a system that sets students and teachers up to fail. My goal is to bridge the gap between education and policy, using my firsthand experience as a teacher to advocate for reforms that truly reflect the needs of students and educators. I plan to pursue a career in education policy, where I can work to secure better funding, reduce unrealistic testing pressures, and ensure that teachers have the tools and support they need to succeed. I believe that real sustainable change requires more than just recognizing the problems- it requires action at the legislative level to create a system where students and teachers are set up to thrive, not to struggle. Advocating for change won’t be easy, but teaching has taught me the value of persistence and adaptability. I’ve learned that true progress happens when you listen to those on the front lines and work collaboratively to create solutions. By combining my teaching experience with political engagement, I aim to give a voice to the challenges faced in classrooms and push for policies that empower both students and educators. I also believe that improving education extends beyond the classroom- it strengthens communities, reduces inequality, and opens doors to opportunity. When students feel supported and teachers are equipped to succeed, the ripple effect can transform society as a whole. Receiving this scholarship would give me the opportunity to further my education and sharpen my ability to influence policy, ultimately allowing me to fight for a stronger, more equitable education system. I am committed to ensuring that the next generation of students and teachers inherit a system that values their potential and supports their success. Our schools should be a place where both students, including my own children, and teachers can thrive- and I am determined to help make that vision a reality.