My family has always been about giving back to those in need. So growing up, I often dedicated my time to community outreach and giving to those in need. As a young adult, I give back by donations, volunteering at youth camps, mentoring, and spending time with elders in my community. As a young professional trying to make a name in my community, I will soon begin work at a non-profit organization to assist and advocate for families of children with special needs. My work will begin with public education and outreach, outfitting of classrooms for students with special needs, advocacy and education for parents and families, training and support training for teachers and administrators, and research and data collection of statistics for the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. One of my favorite persons, someone who I consider a mentor dedicated a lot of her life to working with the differently abled population in the Virgin Islands. Ms Lorna Dawson is the former program director of disability services. I had the opportunity to work with her while volunteering and working at the autism center while in high school. She was a great help to my family when my brother was attending the center and she helped to guide me to the correct path when it came to my academic choices outside of high school. She was never afraid to give me advice, motivate me, recommend me for positions, and always remind me of my capabilities. She also started in education and worked her way up. she has done everything I desire to and more, and she really is someone that I can think of to be the guiding light for me. As a future educator and mentor, I hope I am truly able to make a positive impact in my students' lives. I want to guide and mold them into the best versions of themself. I want to be their advocate, specifically being in special education, I understand how students can sometimes be placed in a box. I want to give them the option to live outside of the box and become their own person. I want to give students the wisdom and love that was given to me. I want to be the fun teacher, the one they enjoy coming to and ready to learn. I want to teach them in a way where it doesn't feel like painful learning. They would be doing something they can enjoy and remember. That way, they won't have a negative mindset towards learning. I want to give students a safe space, where they can grow and thrive. Where they can make mistakes and learn from them. Where they can be growing humans, finding their place in the world.

I've always had a passion for helping young children, even as a young child myself. When my younger brother was diagnosed with autism around the age of 3, my entire life changed. When deciding what to do in high school, I decided to start my career in special education. I went back and forth between therapeutic options and studying education, and I decided to get my education at Florida International University, studying exceptional student education. In my country, there aren’t a lot of trained personnel in this area and my work educating low-incidence children will benefit them tremendously. They will have someone who understands what they may be going through. The parents will understand me as I have been in their shoes advocating for someone that they love and care about. I don't desire to erase their disabilities or change who they are, I want to embrace their skills and improve where they lack. I want to embrace every piece of who they are because people with disabilities or no disabilities are amazing in their own way. I want to start with all the early interventions and work my way up into transitional services. I feel that we often forget to recognize that your disability doesn’t stop after 12 you can still be a teenager and an adult with a disability. I want to be able to provide services that truly help them gain the skills that they need for everyday life. I want to make sure they are academically, physically, spiritually, and mentally prepared for the world outside of school. As an older sister, I am helping my parents with that for my younger brother. We often don’t think about them graduating and getting jobs or living on their own, but they should be allowed to do the same things that Neurotypical people do. My Work in special education will be as an educator, an advocate, a therapist, and a shoulder to lean on. The work that I provide now will give them a stable and strong foundation to go off into their teenage life and the work that I will do in the future will provide the tools and necessary to help them in the world outside of education. I would love to see that we are able to adopt and accept different people and disabilities. I want to be able to be named as one of the pioneers of an exceptional special education program in the British Virgin Islands. If I am able to finish my education and all of my training that I desire to do through different master's programs and certificates, I will be able to do just so, and any scholarship and grab that I will be awarded would be extremely helpful and I’ll be extremely grateful for any opportunity given to me because I have a dream to create and shape an amazing special education for the world to see and utilize.

Safe playgrounds are crucial for the physical, social, and emotional development of children. They provide opportunities for exercise, imaginative play, and social interaction. Ensuring playground safety is paramount to prevent accidents, injuries, and potential long-term consequences for children's health and well-being. As a teacher, taking proactive steps to receive extensive training in playground safety and supervision is essential to creating a secure environment for children to thrive. Firstly, safe playgrounds promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles among children. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing childhood obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. By providing safe playground equipment and surfaces, children can engage in active play without the fear of injuries, encouraging them to be more physically active and develop lifelong habits of exercise. Secondly, playgrounds serve as valuable spaces for socialization and peer interaction. Children learn important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution through play. A safe playground environment fosters positive interactions among children, promoting teamwork and friendship. Without adequate safety measures, however, playgrounds can become sites of accidents and conflicts, hindering children's social development and causing emotional distress. To ensure playground safety, teachers must undergo comprehensive training in supervision and risk management. This training should encompass various aspects, including equipment maintenance, hazard identification, emergency procedures, and behavior management. Teachers need to be vigilant in monitoring children's activities, intervening when necessary to prevent accidents or conflicts, and providing guidance on safe play behaviors. Furthermore, teachers should collaborate with school administrators, maintenance staff, and parents to maintain playground safety standards. Regular inspections of playground equipment and surfaces should be conducted to identify any potential hazards or maintenance issues. Any concerns should be promptly addressed to ensure the ongoing safety of the playground environment. In addition to supervision, teachers can incorporate playground safety education into their curriculum. Teaching children about safe play practices, such as using equipment properly, taking turns, and respecting boundaries, empowers them to make informed decisions and minimize risks while playing. Interactive activities, role-playing scenarios, and discussions can be effective ways to impart safety knowledge in a child-friendly manner. Moreover, teachers should model safe behaviors and actively engage with children during outdoor playtime. By participating in activities and demonstrating proper use of equipment, teachers not only ensure safety but also strengthen their relationships with students and serve as positive role models. In conclusion, safe playgrounds are essential for children's physical health, social development, and overall well-being. As a teacher, receiving extensive training in playground safety and supervision is imperative to create a secure environment where children can play freely and thrive. By implementing proactive measures, collaborating with stakeholders, and educating children about safety practices, teachers play a crucial role in ensuring that playgrounds remain enjoyable and risk-free spaces for all.

Growing up, I was always surrounded by women strong women. I grew up with my mom, my grandmothers, my aunts, and my cousins, and they were all strong women, who, in their own right, have inspired me and supported me every step of the way. My mom has always been a working woman and she has always said to me that you have to work for what you want you have to work to support yourself you have to work to survive. My grandmother, her mother helped raise me. She babysat for many years while my mother worked. My aunt was also a big support and influence in my life. My grandmother was a housewife. She raised three children alongside my grandfather, and she is still here today, helping raise all of her grandkids. She has always been a confidant for me, and a pillar in my life. My father’s mother was also a strong influence in my life. She was an educator who raised two kids. Even when she had to go to university, she took her kids along with her so that she can be able to get an education to provide it better life for her kids. She was a librarian and an exam coordinator for the government of the Virgin Islands. my cousins and aunts all have their masters and some even their PhDs. They have proven to me that women can have families and education. A lot of the women in my family are educators. They have pushed me into this field of education. They have shown me what being a good teacher and leader can do for you your family and your community. A lot of my aunts and cousins are well-known in the community. They have been essential in building a better education system in the Virgin Islands and I too would like to contribute to that so this is why I am currently studying exceptional student education at Florida International University. The women in my family have inspired me to create my way to be a pioneer in my field no matter what I’m studying. They have allowed me to dream big, be exceptional, and be strong. I want to be remembered as, a pioneer in the education system in the Virgin Islands. One singular time I can think about the women supporting me, was when I called on my favorite cousin, to help me navigate what I wanted to study, and she was able to sit down with me and go through a list of pros and cons of different fields in education. Because of her, I was able to decide on my major. I was able to decide my career path and I decided to go for my master's and eventually my PhD. She has been very essential to my growth throughout life and she has been one of the women to teach me several things about myself and about being a woman. She has allowed me to see that I can make time for School and have a family she has allowed me to take deeply about family planning and my career life Has shown me that it’s OK to take care of your family but also yourself she has helped me out financially she has helped me out spiritually she’s helped me out physically and I can’t thank her enough. I am eternally grateful, but having such a supportive family and the women in my life have taken care of me, guided me, and molded me into the strong, independent young woman that I am today.

I have always been interested in helping others achieve their full potential. Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to people's stories, understanding their challenges, and offering them support and encouragement. I believe that everyone has something valuable to offer to the world and that by helping them discover and develop their strengths, I can make a positive difference in their lives. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have sought to improve my skills and knowledge in the field of human development. As a special education advocate, I strive to make education and the world a more accessible and worthwhile experience for everyone, but specifically the differently abled. I have spent a lot of my childhood volunteering, observing, and learning the best skills needed in the classroom and workplace to provide the best possible education and experience for students with disabilities. As an older sibling of a student with disabilities, I have seen the struggles my parents face with advocating for my brother and making sure he is given the right tools for success. I truly desire the best for people and the best experiences in life. Everyone deserves a shot at life. one of high quality. and providing a high-quality education, an education tailored to their skills and strengths is key in making sure that the student has the best possible outcome. I am now working towards learning the transitional skills to help provide insight and assistance to students who will be leaving secondary school. Making sure that they have the tools to survive outside of school and helping their families make the next best decision for them. I also develop skills by providing support to my parents in their daily life of supporting my brother. It's important to provide support to the families of people with disabilities because they too are struggling with the entire dynamic and being someone else's advocate and caretaker can be an exhausting life. especially thinking about their future and the things they need, you often forget about your mental health and their struggles in life. My purpose and passion is to help others be their best. I do this by providing them with guidance, feedback, resources, and motivation. I help them identify their goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. I help them create action plans and monitor their progress. I help them overcome obstacles and celebrate their achievements. I also help them develop a positive mindset and a growth attitude. I believe that by empowering others to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential, I am also enriching my own life and contributing to the common good.

The nature of our universe is a fascinating and complex subject that has intrigued humans for millennia. Understanding the origin, structure, evolution, and destiny of the cosmos is not only a scientific endeavor but also a philosophical and cultural one. It can help us answer fundamental questions about our existence, our place in the universe, and our relationship with other living beings. Moreover, it can inspire us to explore new frontiers of knowledge, technology, and creativity. To better understand the nature of our universe, we need to employ not only scientific ideas and concepts but also humanistic ones. We need to use both logic and intuition, as well as imagination and curiosity. We need to question our assumptions and challenge our biases, as well as respect other perspectives and opinions. We also need to collaborate with other people across disciplines and countries and communicate our findings to the public. It is important to do the inner work to understand why we operate the way that we do in the world. while the scientific and mechanical thinking of how the world operates is normal, i like to think about the human nature aspect. the condition of the world is the way it is because of the mistakes of humans. what personality traits can we improve on to improve the world? Some of the humanistic values and principles that I hope to employ to better understand the nature of our universe are: - Kindness: This is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate to others, whether they are humans, animals, or aliens. Kindness can help us build trust and cooperation, as well as reduce suffering and violence. - Responsibility: This is the quality of being accountable for our actions and decisions, as well as their consequences. Responsibility can help us protect our planet and its resources and respect the rights and needs of other beings. - Peace: This is the state of being free from war and conflict, as well as from fear and anger. Peace can help us create harmony and stability, as well as foster understanding and dialogue. - Beauty: This is the quality of being pleasing to the senses or the mind, as well as being morally or aesthetically good. Beauty can help us appreciate the diversity and complexity of the universe, as well as its mystery and wonder. These are some of the humanistic values and principles that I hope to employ in order to better understand the nature of our universe. I believe that by pursuing this quest, we can enrich our knowledge, imagination, and curiosity, as well as contribute to the advancement of humanity.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it affects my academic performance, my well-being, and my future goals. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, but also the ability to cope with stress, enjoy life, and contribute to society. As a student, I face many challenges and pressures, such as exams, assignments, deadlines, peer pressure, social expectations, and career choices. These can cause stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems if I do not manage them well. Stress can impair my memory, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills, essential for learning and academic success. Anxiety can make me nervous, fearful, or avoidant of situations that require my participation or performance. Depression can make me feel hopeless, worthless, or unmotivated to do anything. These mental health problems can lower my grades, affect my relationships, and reduce my self-esteem. Mental health is also important for my well-being and happiness. When I am mentally healthy, I can enjoy the positive aspects of life, such as hobbies, interests, friendships, and family. I can also cope with the negative aspects of life, such as failures, disappointments, losses, and conflicts. I can express my emotions in healthy ways, without harming myself or others. I can also seek help when I need it, without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Mental health helps me to be resilient, confident, and optimistic. Finally, mental health is essential for my future goals and aspirations. When I am mentally healthy, I can pursue my passions and talents, and discover new opportunities for growth and development. I can also plan for my future and make realistic and achievable goals that align with my values and interests. Mental health helps me to be proactive, flexible, and adaptable in a changing world. Mental health is important to me as a student because it influences every aspect of my life: academic, personal, and professional. By caring for my mental health, I can improve my quality of life and achieve my full potential. As someone who has struggled with their mental health before, I truly go out into the world advocating for mental health. I promote mental health days to persons; coworkers, friends, family, and loved ones. take a mental health day, the work will always be there, and the things you want or need to get done will always be there but if you don't take care of yourself then you won't always be there. It's important to take time out for yourself and love yourself. I am a firm believer in journalling and talking to a therapist or a person you trust. It truly helps to get your feelings out and to evaluate how you feel. I always try to remind people that they can do that to feel better. My motto is to feel how you feel and get over it. It's essential to recognize your feelings, feel them, understand why you feel them, and then move on. because life moves on, but that doesn't invalidate how you feel. I push for more mental health in my community, being a black woman, I see the way my community forgets that you have to take care of the mind along with the body and I always try to advocate for the betterment of my people, and everyone around me.

Growing up in a small community like mine, church is the beginning and end of your life. My grandmothers taught that your church community is one of, if not, the most important communities you'll have in your life. My family is very involved in church. While both sides of my family attend different denominations, I was very active in both as I would split my time every two weeks at the different congregations. I was always a prominent member of the church. My grandmothers were involved with the church. My grandmother is a member of the Methodist Church she is a steward, and she is one of the head members of the church. Through her, I have been involved in several different organizations and fundraisers and opportunities that have led me to be a leader in my community. I have been a part of leading church services for youths. I have been a junior Stewart I have been a youth member, and I have been a leader in the cotillion. With my volunteer walk at the church, I have seen what can be done for the community through love, togetherness, and grace. It’s because of the church that I have such a strong connection with helping people. I love volunteering and giving my time to those who need it because you just have to give good to the world. You never know if you’ll be up one day or down another and it’s not to give back because you need something in return, but the wall is round and the more you do good the more good will happen. Going up in the church has taught me kindness has taught me love, taught me patience, and those things make me who I am. Those things make me the wonderful person that I am trying to be every single day. Through community outreach, and just being a shoulder to cry on, I have learned the true meaning of God. My church has allowed me to meet lovely people that I am so friends with today. My church has been able to guide me into my career path of education. My church has opened my eyes to the possibility of life. Through my youth fellowship, I have been able to meet lovely people whom I collaborate with daily to talk about the things that need to be talked about in my community. My family has been a strong pillar in my life alongside the church Because of my church, I am the loving, kind, philanthropic, most amazing person that I can be, and it only gets better. I can do community cleanups visit the elderly, read books to the youth in my spare time, and raise money for good causes that the church brings to us and I’m also able to cook and gather items to give to people that are in need. these things allow me to remember that are still good in the world. We are a strong pillar when things are looking dark and bleak that God's charge and your family and friends are still there. The church has allowed me to be more community-minded and volunteer and be a mentor to the youth who are coming up in my footsteps.

I am currently studying Exceptional Student Education. Throughout my life, I've wanted to impact the world. there has been heavy thought into my career path. I wanted to be a dance teacher when I was younger. A fashion designer but eventually I fell in love with science and understanding why things are the way they are, and wanted to be a children's psychologist. but through volunteering and my family's own personal struggles I somehow ended up in the world of special education My younger brother was diagnosed with autism when I was 9. I never heard of it before then, and from that day on I felt obligated to protect my brother and advocate for him in any way possible. My career is dedicated to him. In my country, special education is not a priority, there are very few resources allocated for students with special needs. While I was in high school, I wanted to be a child psychologist. but after volunteering and doing my job training at the Autism Center, where my brother received services, I decided that this was the field I was destined to be in. I have dreams of becoming a BCBA and a curriculum developer. While I love children, I feel that my skills will be better used in the field and administration, creating individual plans, and teaching and guiding others in the execution of the programs. Growing up I watched my parents struggle with understanding the needs of my younger brother. I watched him be neglected by some of his teachers and cared for by others. I want to be a part of the system that creates a safe space for students with disabilities and allows their parents the peace of mind my parents weren't allowed to have. I do hope to pursue my doctorate one day if I'm allowed to financially. I want to be the best special education officer in the Caribbean, travel the world, and advocate and speak about my ideas for the different things I want to implement. such as workforce training for students with special needs. grants for scholarships and entrepreneurship for persons with special needs and even support groups for the parents. I am an advocate for my brother and my family, and through my education, I want to be an advocate for those who can't or don't know how to speak up. This degree is personal, my career is personal and I am extremely passionate and ready to make a change in the world. I want to listen to those talking and hold up and speak for those who can't. As my family and I had to learn and speak for ourselves, I want to guide others into speaking up and demanding more and just overall getting the right treatment from those who know they have an obligated job to do.

I am a Caribbean woman who moved to America to further my studies to be able to help families like mine. My brother, who has a learning disability, inspired me to pursue a career in special education. I wanted to help other students like him overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. That is why I decided to leave the Virgin Islands and move to America, where I enrolled at Florida International University which offered a degree program in this field, Exceptional Student Education. I faced many difficulties in adapting to a new culture and environment, but I also learned a lot from my experiences. I am proud of my academic accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities that this country has given me. Like Malgorzata, I am never afraid of a challenge and love adventures. I am an avid swimmer and sailor, which is something I miss very much about my home. I love to talk and meet new people and gain new thoughts and perspectives. I love a debate and I am never afraid to voice my opinion and have a truly meaningful conversation. I am passionate and driven and determined to change the world for the better. I am constantly motivated by my passion and my brother's support. I am proud of my accomplishments and grateful for the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. My brother shows me every day that no challenge is too big to overcome and that every day is worth living. Every day is worth fighting for. My fight for my education to gain knowledge and experience is my everyday journey. and with this scholarship, I will be able to keep fighting until the finish. I am in America every day with little to no support pushing and fighting to get where I know I should be. I am determined to be one of the most renowned and sought-after Special Education Experts and Curriculum developers. as maggie was determined to be an expert in her engineering field, I desire to be one of the best experts in mine. While I haven't fought a disease as debilitating as cancer, I struggle with chronic pain from my scoliosis and carpal tunnel every day. and I sympathize with her and her loved ones. And I love to see that they are making sure that her name lives on. I truly desire to make a difference in the world, not just my small island. And with this scholarship ill be able to truly get to my next goal on my journey. And ill be able to make me and my younger brother proud.

Volunteering has changed my mindset in many ways. It has taught me to appreciate the opportunities and privileges that I have and to empathize with those who are less fortunate. It has also helped me develop valuable skills and experiences that will benefit me in my academic and professional goals. As I have volunteered in many different capacities, I have gained an appreciation for so many things. When I volunteered in Costa Rica, we planted over 500 trees. we learned about the environment there and the way they interact with it. I was never a nature girl as I don't like bugs but I gained a love and respect for the overall circle of life. I had a slight understanding before but I never thought about the way removing trees could disrupt the way animals and nature interacts with us. I have also volunteered with the sick and shut-in elderly. Going to their homes and just helping them and their family out warmed my heart. Just spending time with them, making them a meal, and talking to them can warm their hearts and make their day. As my grandfather was my favorite person, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's I just sat with him on some days and kept his company even when he didn't remember me. I knew other families would've appreciated it as well. I have also volunteered by working with kids who have special needs. This is my current field of study, and it's personal to me as my brother is differently abled. I volunteered so that I could help out the organization that helped my family. and by doing that, I found my true passion in life. I desire to be a curriculum coordinator and special education specialist. it's an area that needs help and people with passion. I have seen and felt what it is to have a family member that is differently abled and not receive the assistance they need. So I decided to volunteer and help out other families. One of the reasons why I need this scholarship financially is because I come from a low-income family that struggles to make ends meet. My parents work hard to provide for me and my brother, but they cannot afford to pay for my college education. As my brother is differently abled, my parents pay a lot out of pocket without assistance for his treatment and services. I do not want to burden them with loans or debt, so I have been working part-time during school breaks and applying for scholarships to fund my studies. This scholarship would make a huge difference in my life, as it would allow me to pursue my dream of becoming a Curriculum Coordinator/Developer and serving my community.

I have had the unique experience of attending school in the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands, Nature's Little Secret, is known for its beautiful beaches and warm and inviting people. What its also known for is its lack of a special education program. My beautiful younger brother was diagnosed with autism when he was 3. At this time, people in our educational field were just understanding what Autism was and digging into special education. But many teachers were reluctant in teaching students with autism and truly dive deep into their care and education. My brother has received very little care from the schools but because he had some caring teachers in the community they tried to go the extra mile for him. I want to be that teacher. The teacher with the training and expertise to be able to assist families like mine. The families that don't have the resources to move their entire family away to get services. Special education is a critical field and I feel that my purpose in life is to educate others and advocate for the children and families that can't advocate for themselves. I want to make a difference in my community, I want to make a difference in the world. I find that research and data in the field of early intervention and transitional services can do with revamping and updating. and through my work and efforts, I hope to provide some insight into this field specifically in the Caribbean. While we teach a lot of things others don't look at, we can do better in the field and area of research and data. And with my drive and passion, I feel that I can make a significant dent in the field and make sure that the voiceless are heard. Being in school and working brings me joy it allows me to find my passion and I want to be able to keep that fire burning. My family has fought through many different adversities to get where we are. Through health, finance and mental struggles we've come out on the winning each side because we persevere. we push through and we are there for each other trying to find a way out of any issue. Because of the health issues of my brother, I've been trying my outmost best to not put a strain on my parents financially and have been getting myself through school. it has been tough but I'm pushing through. The conversation around Autism and other special needs has to shift, the tone of the conversations is that they are an issue that needs fixing. Or that there needs to be a cure. Autism is not a death sentence. It's not the worse thing ever or some evil thing. It just means that the person has difficulties in certain areas and they need adaptations from the norm to function. A disability isn't a lack of ability. I desire to live in a world that thinks about everyone and my dream is to be a part of the research and implementing of regulations that provide a better quality of living to those that are differently abled.

In 2017, I was preparing for my senior year of high school. In August during our Emancipation Celebration, we had a terrible flood. It was my first experience with destructive weather. we had to put off the opening of school to clean up the flooded classrooms and all the mud and muck. once we got the all-clear to go in and clean up the community, most students went to the school. I stayed around my community a bit helping the elders in the family clean up their yards and eventually made my way to school to tidy up. We were on our way to our senior year. It took us a few days to get the school ready but after a lot of shoveling and draining and washing and drying. The school was almost ready to be open. After a fantastic summer, despite the flooding, I was ready to return to school, see my friends, and make memories as it would be my last year in high school. But just a few weeks after this major flood, a flood that caused landslides and major property damage, and power outages, our island received notice that we would be in the path of one of the biggest hurricanes in modern history. Irma was the name of this storm, and she was rapidly growing and hurdling toward us. at first, we weren't on the direct path and would just receive her fierce outer bands. But there was still anxiety in the air. Most of us, we've never been in such a major hurricane as they typically grow in strength after they pass us. The day of the storm was interesting, some people were doing the last of their prep, while others sat in anticipation of the storm. The skies got darker and the winds got stronger. and suddenly we got the text notification that the storm changed paths and it was going to directly impact us. And a few moments later we lost signal and the power went out. and what felt like the longest day of my life continued. Trees uprooting, cars being tossed around like play toys, and windows and doors exploding from the pressure. Watching off into the horizon and seeing mini water tornados form. It was just never-ending. almost being sucked out of the broken door as the wind is fighting against you. It was the worse feeling, it felt like it would never end. The sounds of the wind howling in the home as it echoes were like a song. The next day after the storm was eerie, it felt like you were the soul survivors. watching out in the distance, a hill that was once green and full of life was brown and barren because the storm took all the leaves. And homes that once stood strong were flattened. As people slowly began to emerge community service began. people helping people out of broken homes, removing trees and poles from the road. We were cooking food and providing shelter for those who needed it. That's all we did for days on end. This moment while scary, taught me the true meaning of community. Because of this moment, I choose to help anyone that I can. My grandma always told me if you have a dollar you have enough to share. And that saying rang true to me all throughout this experience and even now. Any way I can help, big or small, I will. I donate my time helping people in need and donating to organizations that assist in hurricane relief, and I will continue to.

I am a 22-year-old who is working on becoming the major catalyst to change the trajectory of special education in the virgin islands. My goal is that when you think about the Virgin Islands, you think about how amazing and productive our education system is. people will envy and admire our education system and want pointers and assistance in getting theirs to mirror ours. and when you mention the Virgin Islands special education program, you mention my name, Kitanni Lewis. For me when I think of impact I think of determination and perseverance. And through all of life's journeys, trials, and tribulations, I have been determined. When I think about my journey of being bullied, not having my voice to who I am now, a determined young woman with an amplified voice with the determination to make a shift in the education system I see the uphill battle that is only just getting started. Growing up it was really just my parents and my younger brother. While we have other family members, it was often just the four of us. When I was 9 years old, my brother was diagnosed with Autism, from that moment forward I began being the best advocate for my little brother. Even now in 2023, my career goals are all centered around special education and differently-abled persons. I feel that the differently abled community has made strides in gaining notice and people consider them but I still feel like there is more groundwork to do especially in the schools. More training with teachers and faculty and more support for the families through the school and other outreach programs. One of my aspirations in life is to be a curriculum reviewer and developer. I feel like especially in the Caribbean that a curriculum overhaul and a specific look in special education is needed. And I want to be a catalyst in making that happen. I want to also start an organization that provides training for school staff and support for parents during the time of diagnosis and evaluation up to transition. I feel like every aspect deserves a person with the expertise to truly give the student and their family the support they need. While early intervention is growing and getting the love it truly deserves I feel like the research and effort is lacking when it comes to transition services, especially in my community in the virgin islands. I want to be able to serve and provide services for teenagers and young adults who are often forgotten when it comes to special education. My working begins now, and my work wont stop until I am able to help serve families like mine, students like my brother. Because the struggles that my family faced shouldnt be happening still and I want to make sure of that.

Everyone has something that makes them unique, whether it is their intellect, personality, beliefs, values, goals, experiences, or creativity. These attributes shape who we are as individuals and how we interact with others. A brave soul who has weathered the biggest storms is the first way I would describe myself. I am from the Virgin Islands and I survived one of the most devastating storms our islands have seen to date. Irma 2017 completely destroyed my island, taking my senior year of high school off track. After the storm, my family and I left for Maryland where my brother and I stayed with my aunt for a few months. While I was doing school online my brother physically went to school where he received the services he needed. Unfortunately, I had to return home and as I was at the time the main caretaker of my sibling who is differently abled, we both had to make the decision to go home. I am strong, willing to do what it takes to make an impact. One that can change the lives of so many. One of the attributes that makes me unique is my intellect. I have always been curious and eager to learn new things. I enjoy reading books, watching documentaries, taking online courses, and exploring different topics. I have a wide range of interests and knowledge, from history and science to art and music. I believe that learning is a lifelong process that enriches my mind and broadens my perspective. I plan to give back to my community by volunteering for causes that I care about. The cause that is nearest to my heart is the Autism community. while special education is my field, I would still love to dedicate my time to any fundraising and community service efforts. My drive and determination to see education take a shift in America and the Caribbean is fueled by my brother and my desire to see a change in the way the education system views differently abled persons. I plan to give back to my community by using my creativity and innovation. I enjoy creating things that are useful, beautiful, or entertaining. I have skills in writing, drawing, coding, and music. I want to use these skills to produce content that can inform, inspire, or amuse others. I love to bake and come up with new things and new ways to teach people how to bake the way i bake. especially children, because you see the joy of them creating something for themselves for the first time. I am a creative at heart and Ive been working on my blog for a few months now and Im still working out the kinks to produce it for public consumption, but it is my passion. I feel that whats lacking most in the world right now is the passion and love for just doing something. And im all about passion and being passionate about things i dedicate my time to.

My love for low-incidence children came from living in a house with my younger brother who is differently abled. My passion and drive come from seeing my parents struggle with finding adequate therapy and education for my brother. through volunteering and working at different organizations in my country, I've met and worked with low-incidence children. I've seen the deep need for highly trained professionals in that field. I strive for excellence because that is what is expected of me. And I have goals of being able to work with differently-abled students to provide the services they need to strive in this world and live a life full of quality and meaning. My goal with my degree in Exceptional Student Education is to be a one-on-one service provider in schools for students specifically with ADHD and Autism. I want to work with them in and out of school to meet the goals set for them. I would also like to be able to provide therapeutic services for the families because I do know that it is hard when you have a child or sibling with a disability. My end goal is to be a curriculum developer or an occupational therapist. I feel that providing the tools for teachers and in turn, the students will be key in delivering amazing quality instruction to our students. Streamlining and making sure every student's needs are met is the most important thing. Educating low-incidence children, or children with disabilities that rarely occur in the population, is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Low-incidence children often have complex and diverse needs that require specialized instruction and support from qualified professionals. However, educating low-incidence children also has many benefits for them and for society as a whole. One of the benefits of educating low-incidence children is that it can help them develop their academic, social, and life skills. By providing them with appropriate curriculum, instruction, and accommodations, educators can help low-incidence children access the general education content and standards, as well as foster their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. These skills can help low-incidence children achieve their academic goals and prepare them for further education or employment. I want to be a part of the research and forward change in the field that will provide more insight into low-incidence children. I want to be able to say that my work and research have provided avenues for parents to help their children live a life of quality, to the best of their ability. Another aspect that is important for me is their inclusion and participation in society. By providing them with opportunities to interact and collaborate with their peers, educators can help low-incidence children build meaningful relationships and friendships. By exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences, educators can also help low-incidence children develop cultural awareness and respect for others. By advocating for their rights and needs, educators can also help low-incidence children access the resources and services they deserve. These outcomes can help low-incidence children become active and contributing members of their communities. Again, this contributes to a life of quality. I want to be a part of the change in the way education looks at and educates low-incidence students. I want to provide better avenues for parents to provide for their low-incidence children. I want to make sure that every single child has the opportunity to be better and live better than they did yesterday.

Growing up the older sibling of a differently abled child was never easy. I saw my parents struggle to understand what was going on with their child while feeling left out because no one could explain why my brother had a rough time adjusting to everyday life. That was my life and still is to this day. I grew up in the Virgin Islands, while our islands are beautiful, there are a lot of things missing in our little slice of heaven. And those things have to do with education and services for students who are differently abled. We still have very few laws and acts pertaining to persons with disabilities. I am 22 years old and my younger brother is 16, he was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. And because of his and my family's experience is why I'm in special education now. I currently attend Florida International University and I'm in the process of attaining my Bachelor's in Exceptional Student education, with the goal to go forward to get my master's and other certifications so that I would be qualified to be an Occupational Therapist and also a curriculum developer. When I was 15, I figured out this was the field I wanted to work in I started volunteering at the autism center where my brother used to receive services. And while I was working and volunteering there, I learned so much and all the different avenues in special education where I can make a difference. While being there, the head specialist explained while they do their best, most of the children and adults need occupational therapy. That they suffer from the lack of it because we don't have an occupational therapist on the island. They all come and go but no one ever stays. And we don't have any local occupational therapists, so a lot of families have to pack up their lives and move to where their children can get the services they need. But unfortunately for my family, we simply didn't have the resources to do that so my brother didn't get all the services he needed to improve and the opportunity for the best chance of a life of quality decreased. I've seen how the impact of little to no services being available has affected my family and other families. the stress that it puts on the parents who are just simply trying to live each day with what they have. I feel that I can make a difference by getting the education and the training to go back home and improve the quality of life for those that are differently abled. No one deserves the pain that I saw my parents go through trying to navigate a system that was not designed with differently-abled persons in mind. I love my brother with all my heart and my educational journey is dedicated to him so that I can be a catalyst for change in my community so that he and all other others can get what they need to live life to their fullest potential with all the tools they need to survive.

Growing up I was a shy child. I was often bullied and didn't have a voice. I learned to speak up for myself and started to grow into myself because of the teachers I had. Teachers that provided me with a safe space, teachers who gave me help on assignments, and teachers that went the extra mile for me. Teachers who I still keep in contact with to this day. Teachers like those are why I want to be a teacher. In primary school (what most people call elementary school) I was a very shy reserved child. I didn't speak up much because I was often bullied. Most teachers overlooked that because my grades were great, but I wasn’t evolving socially. But there was one teacher that looked out for me before she moved, and ill never forget her, Ms. Iesha. She always made sure I was okay and provided me a space to eat and checked in with me and my parents. To this day we keep in touch through social media. While in high school I had a physics teacher, Ms. Benjamin, who was practically a family friend. She allowed me to be myself, helped me with work I didn't understand, and even let me sit in her back room when I was having issues in the classroom. She provided a safe space for me to work. I also had two information technology teachers Mr. Roberts and Ms. Cornibert. Those two teachers were there in my darkest days. They provided me extra time to finish assignments when my grandfather died because they knew how much he meant to me. They allowed us to make mistakes and not criticize us for them. They allowed us to have fun and grow into the young people we are today. They cared to form relationships with us, relationships that exist 4 years later. We hung out outside of school with class parties and they celebrated our milestones with us. They didn't treat us like a bother even though I know we were a bit troublesome. They had fun with us, embraced us, and treated us like their own kids. A good teacher is a teacher that shows up on time and teaches the lesson. A great teacher is a role model, one that goes the extra mile. The ones that jokingly roll their eyes when you walk into the class even though you don't have the class but let you sit down and talk to them about your day. Great teachers make sure you grasp the concepts and won't let you leave without some understanding. I want to be a great teacher. I want to provide safe spaces for students to be themselves or learn themselves. I want to be the teacher that recognizes when something is wrong with a student. Because those are the teachers that saved my life when it felt like my world was crumbling. I want to become a teacher because I believe that education is the key to a better future. I think that teachers have the power to inspire and motivate students to achieve their goals and dreams. I also enjoy working with children and helping them learn new things. I love learning and sharing my knowledge with others. I think that teaching is a way of lifelong learning, as I can always discover new things from my students and from the subjects I teach. I also like to challenge myself and learn new skills and methods to improve my teaching. I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students. I think that teachers can have a lasting impact on their students, not only academically, but also personally and socially. I want to be a role model and a mentor for my students and help them develop their confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. I want to contribute to society and the world. I think that teachers play an important role in shaping future generations and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. I want to be part of a profession that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that promotes global citizenship and social responsibility. In conclusion, I want to become a teacher because I am passionate about education and I want to make a difference. I think that teaching is a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows me to grow as a person and as a professional. I hope that by becoming a teacher, I can inspire my students to pursue their passions and achieve their potential.

Generational wealth means creating a financial legacy for myself, my family, and future generations. It means building a strong financial foundation that can be passed down and provide security and opportunities for those who come after me. Most people like to use the term "old money" old money comes from families who essentially created an empire of wealth and were able to sustain and keep their wealth and multiply it in a way that even the unborn and the children that weren't even thought about can enjoy and multiply their wealth. Families have been able to do that for generation after generation do so by creating empires, businesses, investments, and working in niche markets that pay well. I believe that achieving generational wealth requires a combination of smart financial planning, disciplined saving and investing, and a focus on building assets that appreciate in value over time. With my life, in my small community, I have been able to witness generational wealth. I would one day love to be among those who are able to create that. With my family, I would love to create niche businesses and hit the market with something no one else was able to create and hold a space in the community and hopefully with an extension to the world. With that, I want to be able to reinvest that money and all that to generate and build on its own. I would love to be able to acquire properties and develop them in a way that generates money in a substantial way. all while doing that my goal is to create a space within education in my community where I can write books, create assessments, and be paid for my brilliance and ideas to improve the educational curriculums and infrastructure in the Caribbean. I would love to get into stocks and other forms of investment. This is typically how old money has been generated. I do not aspire to be a billionaire as the conversation of morality and ethics can come into play, I would love to be able to provide to employees and others in a way that they deserve. But I want to be the head, owner, and founder of multi-billion empires that generate wealth in so many more ways than I can imagine. with that, the money will circulate and revitalize my community. And because my businesses and ventures are multi-million and billion empires I have created revenue for my family to have access to generational wealth for years to come. I would also want to instill in my family the importance of good financial literacy and innovation. so that the wealth not only grows but circulates in my community. I don't just want wealth for myself alone, I want to be able to invest and pour into my community as they did for me. through education, investment, prayers and just raising me. I want to be able to do that for others. and with my goal to build generational wealth, so that no one in my future family has to go through what I'm going through, I want to make my space a better, more successful one. \

In 2011 a 10-year-old girl from the Virgin Islands heard "Kitanni, your brother has autism." for the first time. I didn't understand what that meant. Does that mean he's sick? Is he going to die? My parents quickly explained what it was and that I was going to have a be a good big sister and help my parents out with my then 4-year-old brother. I never knew that this specific moment in my life would put me on track to be a 21-year-old at Florida International University studying Exceptional Student Education. Growing up in the Virgin Islands was a unique experience. While we have the luxury of going to a beach with white sand and crystal blue waters on Tuesday for our random lunch hour, we also lack the opportunities and infrastructure people take for granted in America. There is a lack of people with any formal special education training and my goal is to go back home and not only enrich the educators but provide services to all students that we've never had the luxury of experiencing. In 2017 as I was preparing for my senior year in high school, a devasting category 5 hurricane demolished my little island. Irma. My entire life changed in one day. While my family home was spared, as I looked across the valley I saw that my grandmother's home had a gaping hole where the roof used to be. Right across from her home was her brother's home. What once was a beautiful home full of elaborate furniture courtesy of his lovely wife, was now a shell. it was almost as if the hurricane gutted the home and forced them to start from scratch. I wondered as my family and I stood around our yard, trees destroyed and barren land of brown, no longer green leaves, did anyone survive? the silence was threatening. it was the most terrifying thing to think that all your friends and family could've been swept away in a storm. With no cell signal, electricity, broken cars and debris on the roads we made a journey of a lifetime. We first walked down the hill and up another, looking for my grandmother. thankfully she and my grandfather were spared. and slowly as the day went on, people emerged from whatever shelter they could find. Homes were ripped apart, cars were overturned, and boats were now on land. hillsides that were once vibrant green were now like a desert. I worried about how my mother's family was spared because they lived on the other side of the island. and the next day we ventured to see if they were okay. At the time my grandmother was caring for my elderly grandfather who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when I was 11. And I was extremely worried about them. At the time my aunt, her daughter and my other cousin were living with my grandparents. As we made it into town and went up to see them, the shock and fear sunk in when I saw the state of their home. But as I saw my family laughing despite the sadness I felt at ease. As a country, we began to pick up the pieces. They called us Resilient. This time showed me, no matter what obstacles fly at me, just pick up the pieces and keep going on.

I am a 21-year-old junior college student. I am trying to move throughout my college years debt free. I first attended a community college that was practically free for me, and all I had was to pay a few fees and for my textbooks. That has helped me tremendously because I was able to float through the first two years of college on my savings. I am now going to a university and I have not taken out any loans. I worked my first semester and did my term online in an effort to save money on rent and out-of-state tuition. I then applied for a scholarship and received it so I have covered the tuition part of the college journey. I am now on campus and have a multitude of bills. Now I worry about housing, fees, and living expenses. I am fortunate enough to have a very loving and supportive family circle always willing to help. But, the rising cost of living barely scratches the surface. I will try to work my way through school and apply for any grants that are available to me. I am truly trying my utmost best not to put a financial strain on my family as I have a younger brother with special needs and I truly want to ease the stress that my family may have with the both of us. If all else fails I will either have to get a student loan or go back home and study online, as that would somewhat ease the financial burden on my family and me. I genuinely hope it doesn't come to that as I have seen what student loans can do to your life. Especially in my case where I do want to go for my doctorate in Special Education and Psychology, in honor of my younger brother. I want to make my sacrifices count. I want to make sure that I don't have to worry about student loans lurking in the shadows while I'm already out of school and trying to navigate my life. I hope that with my effort in applying for any grants and through my connections with my professors and deans, I am given the best opportunity for a full-ride scholarship. This would not only ease the stress myself but the stress my parents and extended family members have. every day they worry about my well-being and if I'm functioning with school and all my other responsibilities. And I am truly hoping for a miracle so that I don't have to take out any student loans. because when I walk across that stage and receive my diplomas. I want to keep my college experiences in college, not lurking behind me waiting for a payment each month.

Growing up, all the best role models in my life were my teachers. They all influenced me in life and made me the strong young woman I am today. A lot of the strong women in my life were educators in some way. In the future, I want to be a safe haven for all my students, but specifically young women. I always had amazing teachers that would be my safe space. A place where I thrived and felt like myself. Teachers that knew when I wasn't being myself. Who would pull me aside and get me the help I needed. Last school year I was working at a pre-k school as an educational assistant and I had to leave to further my education so that I would be able to be a primary teacher. My former coworker sent me a message checking in and stated that some of the children miss me so much that they are upset when they get home because I'm no longer at school. Moments like that put into perspective how much of an impact I've made in just my first full year of education. And I truly want to have many more of those experiences with my students. I want to show students that you can do anything you put your mind and heart to. Even when it feels like all the odds are stacked against you. I would like to be a motivational teacher for my students. I would especially like to be there for the less fortunate students because just being there for the students could be what they need in this world.

It was after a devastating hurricane destroyed the entire island that I sat out watching the remains of what was my home that I said "it can't get any worse than this". My life changed forever. My high school was destroyed, which threw off my senior year completely. As the territory started to rebuild and we were back in school, in the most untraditional way, I started to feel hope again. but then the worse news hit, my grandfather, my best friend, the person I spent the most time with was in the hospital again. A few years prior he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He slowly began to forget things, where his key was, what day it was or when he needed to go to his appointments. Eventually, he began to forget his family. It was the most painful experience to watch. I slowly stopped coming by to see him because I couldn't bare watching him and he would ask me who I was. while at school I got the most heartbreaking news, that my grandfather who was recently let out of the hospital died. I was buying lunch with my friends when my phone rang a few times, it was my mom. As I said hello I heard her sniffling, I was concerned because my mother never cries, so she softly said " he's gone". I was so confused I kept saying he who? she then said "grandpa is gone, he died." I just quickly hung up the phone and stared into space. one of my friends walked up to me and asked what was wrong and I just broke down. Eventually, my dad came to get me and I went to my grandparent's home, luckily they already removed his body by the time I arrived. The next few months were hard, I had all of my exams to prepare for graduation. I found myself slipping into depression but I had to remember that my grandfather's greatest accomplishment was being able to watch his children and grandchild graduate from high school because he didn't get to. So, each day I got up with the motivation to continue and push forward for him, and for myself because after the hard traumatic year I deserved to walk across that stage. And each day I strive with the understanding that because of my grandfather's love for me and his sacrifices, I am able to attend college and live a life of privilege. Even though things may be hard, I might struggle financially. He had it worse, and because of his struggles, I am able to be where I am today. I am able to finish school and get my degrees to make him proud. I want to be his first grandchild to go for their doctorates and my next step is my bachelor's degree.

I am a 21-year-old junior college student. I am trying to move throughout my college years debt free. I first attended a community college that was practically free for me, and all I had was to pay a few fees and for my textbooks. That has helped me tremendously because I was able to float through the first two years of college on my savings. I am now going to a university and I have not taken out any loans. I worked my first semester and did my term online in an effort to save money on rent and out-of-state tuition. I then applied for a scholarship and received it so I have covered the tuition part of the college journey. I am now on campus and have a multitude of bills. Now I worry about housing, fees, and living expenses. I am fortunate enough to have a very loving and supportive family circle that is always willing to help. But, the rising cost of living barely scratches the surface. I will try to work my way through school and apply for any grants that are available to me. I am truly trying my utmost best not to put a financial strain on my family as I have a younger brother with special needs and I truly want to ease the stress that my family may have with the both of us. If all else fails I will either have to get a student loan or go back home and study online, as that would somewhat ease the financial burden on my family and me. I genuinely hope it doesn't come to that as I have seen what student loans can do to your life. Especially in my case where I do want to go for my doctorate in Special Education and Psychology, in honor of my younger brother. I want to make my sacrifices count. I want to make sure that I don't have to worry about student loans lurking in the shadows while I'm already out of school trying to navigate my life. I am hoping that with my effort in applying for any grants and through my connections with my professors and deans, I am given the best opportunity for a full-ride scholarship. This would not only ease the stress myself but the stress my parents and extended family members have. every day they worry about my well-being and if I'm functioning with school and all my other responsibilities. And I am truly hoping for a miracle so that I don't have to take out any student loans. because when I walk across that stage and receive my diplomas. I want to keep my college experiences in college, not lurking behind me waiting for a payment each month.

I am from the British Virgin Islands, I have roots in the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2017, the Virgin Islands were hit by 2 devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. These storms completely destroyed our public schools, specifically my High School, Elmore Stoutt High school. This was during the beginning of my senior year of high school and my first year of community college. the first two days after the storm was full of shock. did we just survive that? are we the only people alive? Having to drive and eventually walk through my island searching for my families and loved ones hoping that they were somehow still alive was one of the most difficult things I've had to do. we had to band together and help those in need. we had to cook big meals for communities, we had to house people who lost everything, and stand in long lines to get gas and water for the elderly people. Our strength and resilience as a Caribbean nation got us through this tough time. our ability to stretch a meal, make a way, help, and be a village got us through all that we have been through. Getting through school in a building that was never designed for school, and in tents was rough. all the state-of-the-art school items we were used to was destroyed during the storm. some of us didn't have textbooks or any supplies anymore so we had to rely on help from other students who were well off or help from the government, but our Virgin islands' strength allowed us to push through. If it wasn't for my family and prayers from loved ones, I don't know if I would've been able to graduate that year. I went a few months with no electricity, relying on generators and lamps and flashlights to get me through the days. Doing my homework outside and hoping to finish all my work before the sun sets and did it with my mother holding a flashlight over my head if I didn't finish in time. Having to redo 2 years of projects and labs in preparation for my CXC CSEC exams in 5 months along with being a dually enrolled college student was one of the most difficult times of my life. And to put the icing on the cake, 6 months after Irma and Maria, my Grandfather died from Alzheimer's. I became dark, and it took a lot of effort to overcome this challenge. if it were not for my village behind me I don't know where I would be right now. Because of the strength and perseverance instilled in me by my family (specifically my strong grandmothers), I was able to graduate on time with a GPA of 3.3 and 28th in a class of over 100 students. 2017-2018 was one of the most difficult years of my life, lost after lost. Tragedy after tragedy. but here I am years later I have my associate's degree in General/Natural Science and I am currently enrolled at FIU studying special education (in Honor of my Brother who is autistic). My Caribbean heritage gave me the strength to push through that year and every year. my family and ancestors taught me to never ever give up on my dreams and goals.