I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher, even before I really understood what a “career” was. Growing up, I used to line up my dolls pretending I had my own classroom and play school. I’ve always loved being around children and helping them learn new things. Throughout my high school years I spent part of my summer in elementary classrooms through the A+ program, my senior year I was a cadet teacher in a 1st grade class through the teacher educator program, and the summer after graduation I was a para in a special education class. Those experiences showed me how much I enjoy encouraging others and watching them grow, and helped me realize that teaching is the career where I can make the biggest difference. Although those were all great experiences, my younger years as a student were not always easy. I moved several times during elementary school, which meant I had to constantly adjust to new classrooms, new friends, and new teachers. Some transitions were easier than others, but in looking back what stands out to me was how much of a difference a good teacher made. The teachers who made me feel welcome, took time to develop a relationship with me, and believed in me made those moves so much easier. Because of that, I realized how powerful a teacher’s impact can be. One moment that changed me forever was losing my 5th grade teacher. She was one of the teachers who made school feel safe and exciting for me, and her passing was devastating. She was the kind of teacher who made every student feel seen and important, and she created a classroom where learning felt fun. Her kindness, her enthusiasm, and the way she believed in us didn’t go away just because she wasn’t there anymore. This showed me how the way a teacher treats their students can stick with them forever. I want to give my students the same feeling of belonging and support that she gave me. Another big influence in my life has been my mom. Growing up with an educator for a parent meant I got to see the behind-the-scenes part of being an educator—the late nights, the classroom stories, the bond she had with her students. I watched her pour so much love and patience into her work, and seeing the difference she made in children made me want that even more. Now I’m a freshman at the University of Central Missouri, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Being here has only made me more excited about my future. I’ve joined a sorority, gotten involved on campus, and started building the foundation for the kind of teacher I want to become. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels supported, understood, and encouraged, especially the ones going through tough transitions like I did. I believe I can make a positive impact on the world through teaching because I know how it feels to need that one adult who believes in you. I’ve lived it and I want to be that person for my future students. A scholarship would help me focus fully on becoming the educator I’ve dreamed of being since the days of teaching lessons to my dolls. I’m committed, passionate, and ready to work hard so I can one day make the kind of difference that so many teachers made in my life.