Mental health is important to me because it has been a significant part of my own journey. Growing up, I experienced a difficult childhood that left lasting effects on my mental health. As an adult, I have struggled with depression and PTSD, which at times made pursuing higher education feel impossible. For many years, earning a college degree seemed like a distant dream because I was focused on simply getting through each day. It took time, support, and a great deal of perseverance to recognize that my past did not have to define my future. As a returning college student, full-time early childhood educator, wife, and mother of three, I have learned firsthand how mental health can impact every aspect of a person’s life. Balancing work, school, family responsibilities, and personal challenges has not always been easy. There were times when self-doubt, anxiety, and stress made me question whether I could continue. However, seeking support, building healthy coping strategies, and learning to ask for help when needed have allowed me to keep moving forward. Today, I am graduating from De Anza College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and preparing to transfer to San José State University to pursue my teaching credential and bachelor’s degree. My experiences have shown me how important it is to create supportive communities where people feel safe discussing mental health without fear of judgment. Too often, individuals struggle in silence because of stigma or the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I have learned that true strength comes from acknowledging challenges and seeking support when needed. As an educator, I advocate for mental health by creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and emotionally supported. While young children may not have the language to express their feelings fully, they still experience stress, anxiety, grief, and other emotions that deserve recognition and support. I strive to model empathy, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills in my classroom. I also work closely with families to help foster open communication and understanding about children’s social-emotional needs. Beyond the classroom, I advocate for mental health by openly sharing parts of my own story when appropriate. I believe that conversations about mental health become more powerful when people realize they are not alone. By being honest about my struggles and the support systems that helped me succeed, I hope to encourage others to seek help and continue pursuing their goals despite the challenges they may face. Mental health is not separate from academic success but instead it is a foundation for it. When students feel supported emotionally, they are better able to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. My journey has taught me that resilience is not about never struggling; it is about continuing to move forward despite those struggles of my mental health. As both a student and educator, I am committed to helping create a culture where mental health is openly discussed, valued, and supported so that others can realize their full potential just as I am working to realize mine

My interest in pursuing a career in teaching comes from both my personal experiences and my years working with young children. Growing up, I faced many challenges and experienced a difficult childhood. As a result, I know firsthand how much of an impact a caring and supportive adult can have on a child's life. School was often a place where I felt safe, valued, and encouraged, even when things outside of school were difficult. Those experiences planted the seed for my desire to one day become the kind of teacher who makes a positive difference in a child's life. I have worked in early childhood education since 2011, primarily with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. During that time, I discovered how much I love helping children learn, grow, and develop confidence in themselves. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a child master a new skill, solve a problem independently, or realize that they are capable of more than they thought. These moments have confirmed that education is where I am meant to be. Becoming a mother of three children strengthened my passion for teaching even further. Through my own children's educational experiences, I have seen how influential teachers can be. Great teachers do much more than teach academics; they build relationships, inspire confidence, and help children see their own potential. I want to be that kind of teacher for future students. One teacher who changed my life recently, was Professor Julie Kennedy at De Anza College. As a returning adult student balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and college courses, there were many times when I doubted myself. Julie consistently encouraged me to believe in my abilities and reminded me that I belonged in higher education. She was passionate about preparing future educators and always took the time to support her students both academically and personally. Her kindness, flexibility, and belief in her students inspired me to keep going even when the workload felt overwhelming. Julie did more than teach course content; she modeled the type of educator I aspire to become. She showed me that great teachers lead with compassion, create meaningful relationships, and genuinely care about the success of their students. Because of her encouragement, I gained confidence in my abilities and continued pursuing my educational goals. Today, I am completing my degree in Early Childhood Education at De Anza College and preparing to transfer to San José State University to pursue the PK–3 Integrated Teacher Education Program. My goal is to become an elementary school teacher and create a classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success. Teaching is not just a profession I have chosen, it is my way to give back and help shape a brighter future for the next generation.

My passion for early childhood education comes from both my personal experiences and my professional journey. Growing up, I faced many challenges. I was raised in a broken home and experienced a great deal of childhood trauma. As I got older, I struggled with the lasting effects, including depression and PTSD. For many years, higher education felt like an impossible dream due to my struggles. However, those experiences also helped shape who I am today and inspired my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children. I have worked in early childhood education since 2011, and over the years I have had the privilege of supporting children during some of the most important stages of their development. Working primarily with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children has allowed me to witness firsthand how critical the early years are in shaping a child’s confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. Every day, I see the impact that caring, responsive educators can have on a child’s life, and it reinforces why this work is so meaningful to me. Becoming a parent further deepened my passion for education. As a mother of three children, I have experienced the joys and challenges of supporting young learners both at home and in the classroom. Watching my own children grow and develop has strengthened my understanding of how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and valued. It has also given me a greater appreciation for the partnership between families and educators. I know how much trust parents place in teachers, and I strive to honor that trust every day. Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for play-based learning and creating inclusive environments where every child feels a sense of belonging. I believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged, encouraged to explore, and supported in ways that respect their individual backgrounds and experiences. My goal is not only to teach academic skills but also to help children develop confidence, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning. Returning to college while working full-time and raising a family has not been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am completing my degree in Early Childhood Education at De Anza College and will be transferring to San José State University to pursue the PK–3 Integrated Teacher Education Program. My ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher and continue making a positive impact on children and families in my community. Early childhood education is more than a career for me, it is my calling. My childhood experiences, years of teaching, and journey as a parent have all led me to this path. I am passionate about helping children build strong foundations, because I know that a caring teacher can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

I am pursuing a career in education because I have always had a strong passion for working with children and helping them grow into confident, capable individuals. I have been a preschool teacher for 15 years, and through that experience I have seen firsthand how important early childhood is in shaping a child’s development. Being in the classroom all these years has only strengthened my desire to continue growing in this field and expand my impact beyond preschool. Becoming a mom of three was a huge turning point for me. It inspired me to go back to school and finish my education, not only for myself but for my children as well. I want to show them the importance of setting goals and following through, no matter how long it takes. Being both a teacher and a parent has deepened my understanding of children’s needs and has made me even more passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I was recently accepted into San José State University, where I will be pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development through the PK–3 Integrated Teacher Education Program. This is such an exciting next step for me, as it allows me to build on my years of experience and continue working toward becoming an elementary school teacher. I am especially drawn to working with younger students because I understand how critical those early years are in building confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. A big inspiration behind my journey into education is my mom. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree from San José State University, and I am proud to be following in her footsteps. She is currently a special education teacher in Petaluma, and I have always admired the patience, dedication, and compassion she brings to her work. Watching her advocate for her students and support children with diverse learning needs has had a lasting impact on me. Her example has shaped the kind of teacher I hope to become. I want to bring that same level of care, empathy, and commitment into my own classroom by creating an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. For me, pursuing a career in education is more than just a profession, it is a passion, a personal journey, and a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.