I would like to start by saying that I am extremely blessed to have grown up in the community of Sundance. Looking back, I can see how God has used this community and specific individuals in it to impact my life. Sports have been an important aspect of my life from a very young age. I am fortunate enough to have been provided with an opportunity to continue my athletic career in college at Chadron State College playing football and running track. Going to college has allowed me to grow athletically, socially, and spiritually more than I ever could have imagined. Outside of school, I enjoy doing anything and everything outdoors, especially with family and friends. It could be hiking, fishing, or working, it really doesn't matter to me. I just love being out in creation. When thinking about who has influenced me to choose education, it is difficult to narrow it down to just one person. I believe it was shaped by the influence of many individuals. In my educational career, I have had the privilege of being taught by some incredible teachers. My career choice in education stems directly from the powerful example set by teachers who demonstrated excellence in their classrooms. When I think about my most influential teacher, the first one that comes to mind is Ms. Needham. She was a great example of what it looks like to pour your whole heart into something. I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Needham as my fourth grade teacher as well as my DI coach for three years. Looking back, what stands out most isn't the specific content she taught but how she taught it. I remember her enthusiasm, the hands-on activities, and the unique traditions, like the gun-spinning birthday spankings, that made her class unforgettable. These were all the things that, in my mind, made Ms. Needham an awesome teacher. Through DI and Ms. Needham's class, I developed a genuine love for problem-solving and critical thinking, an interest that continues to benefit me today. I want to do for others what Ms. Needham did for me and so many students. I want to invest in young people and make a lasting impact, just as my teachers invested in me. Teachers like Ms. Inghram, Ms. Courtney, Mr. Dobesh, and Mr. Olson also influenced me deeply. They made it clear that they cared about me as an individual and wanted to see me succeed. My goal is to pass that same impact down to the next generation. Looking on to next year, my plans are to continue working towards my degree in Business Education 6-12. In addition to the education degree, I am also working towards a coaching endorsement. The goal is to be able to move back to Wyoming to teach and coach at the middle school or high school level. I really just wanted to be in a career where I would be able to make an impact on others' lives. After reflecting on my own life, I realized that some of the most influential people in my life were teachers and coaches. So for me, education isn't just a profession I've chosen, it's the most meaningful way I can pay forward the investment others made in my life.