I am passionate about early childhood education because I enjoy working with children and helping them learn and grow. There is something special about watching young children discover new things for the first time. Whether they are learning their letters, making a new friend, or figuring out how to do something on their own, it is rewarding to be a part of those moments. My interest in early childhood education comes from seeing how much children learn during their early years. At a young age, children are developing skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They are learning how to communicate, solve problems, work with others, and build confidence in themselves. I believe having caring and supportive adults around them during this time can make a big difference. I enjoy being someone children can look up to and trust. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and encouraged. Sometimes all it takes is a little patience, kindness, or positive encouragement to help a child believe in themselves. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps children feel confident and excited about learning. What I like most about working with children is that every day is different. Young children are curious, creative, and full of energy. They ask questions, share their ideas, and see the world in unique ways. Being around that excitement makes the work enjoyable and keeps me motivated. Even small accomplishments, like helping a child learn a new skill or overcome a challenge, can make a big impact. I also understand that early childhood educators do much more than teach basic academic skills. They help children learn how to interact with others, manage emotions, and develop important social skills. These lessons are just as important as learning numbers and letters because they help children succeed both inside and outside the classroom. My goal is to create a positive environment where children feel comfortable being themselves and are excited to learn. I want to help them build confidence, develop strong relationships, and enjoy coming to school each day. Knowing that I can play a role in helping children grow and succeed is what makes me passionate about this field. Early childhood education is important to me because it allows me to make a difference in the lives of children during some of their most important years. I look forward to helping young learners reach their potential and creating positive experiences that they can carry with them as they continue to grow.

Substance abuse has been a part of my life, and choosing to stay sober has been one of the hardest but most important decisions I have ever made. There was a time when I wasn't making the best choices, and those choices affected my life in ways I didn't fully understand at the time. Looking back, I can see how substance use got in the way of my goals, my relationships, and my ability to be the person I wanted to be. The biggest thing that motivates me to stay sober is the life I want for myself. When I was using substances, I felt like I was stuck. I wasn't moving forward, and I wasn't focused on my future. Since becoming sober, I've been able to think more clearly and make better decisions. I've learned that the future I want is only possible if I continue making healthy choices every day. My family and friends are also a huge source of motivation. The people who care about me have supported me through difficult times, and I don't take that support for granted. Staying sober allows me to be present for the people I love and to continue rebuilding trust. Knowing that others believe in me gives me strength when I face challenges. Staying sober does not mean life is perfect. I still experience stress, disappointment, and difficult situations. The difference now is that I face those challenges instead of trying to avoid them. I've learned healthier ways to cope, such as talking with people I trust, staying focused on school and work, and finding positive activities to keep me busy. These habits help me stay grounded and remind me why I chose this path. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that recovery is a daily commitment. Every day I choose sobriety is a day that I invest in myself and my future. There are moments when it would be easier to fall back into old habits, but I remind myself how far I have come and how much I have to lose. Today, I am proud of my progress. My past experiences have taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and personal growth. While substance abuse is part of my story, it does not define me. What defines me is my commitment to change and my determination to keep moving forward. Staying sober has given me the opportunity to build a healthier, more stable, and more meaningful life, and that is what continues to motivate me every day.

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.