My name is Kyle O’Loughlin, and my journey so far has been shaped by hard work, strong values, and the people around me who have pushed me to be my best. Throughout high school, I have focused on balancing academics, athletics, leadership, and work, all while trying to figure out how I can make a meaningful impact in the future. These experiences have helped me grow into someone who is motivated, dependable, and committed to giving back to others. Education has always been important in my life, especially because both of my parents work in public schools. Growing up around that environment showed me how much teachers can influence students, not just academically, but personally as well. Seeing the time, effort, and care they put into their work inspired me to pursue a similar path. In the fall, I will be attending the University of New Hampshire to major in health and physical education. My goal is to become a teacher who creates a positive and supportive environment where students feel confident, motivated, and valued. Athletics have played a major role in shaping who I am. As a multi-sport athlete and captain of my basketball team, I have learned important lessons about leadership, teamwork, and accountability. I have experienced both success and challenges, and those moments have taught me how to stay disciplined and continue improving. Being a captain showed me the importance of leading by example and supporting others, which is something I plan to carry into my future career. One of my strengths is my work ethic. I take pride in being someone who shows up, puts in the effort, and follows through on commitments. Whether it is in the classroom, on the court, or at work, I try to give my best and continue improving. I have also developed strong time management skills by balancing school, sports, leadership roles, and a part time job. At the same time, one of my weaknesses is that I can be hard on myself when things do not go as planned. However, I have learned to use that as motivation to improve rather than letting it hold me back. Beyond school and athletics, I have been involved in my community through volunteering and mentoring. Experiences like peer mentoring and participating in programs such as Best Buddies have shown me how important it is to support others and create an inclusive environment. Those moments have reinforced my desire to work in a field where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Looking ahead, my vision for the future is to become a teacher who not only educates students but also helps them grow as individuals. I want to create a classroom where students feel comfortable being themselves, are encouraged to work hard, and understand their own potential. I hope to positively impact my community by helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and learn skills that will stay with them long after they leave school. This scholarship would play an important role in helping me reach those goals. Paying for college is a significant financial responsibility, especially with both of my parents working in education and my younger siblings also planning to attend college in the future. Receiving this support would help reduce that burden and allow me to focus more on my education and personal growth. Overall, I am committed to continuing my education, working hard, and building a future where I can contribute to my community in a meaningful way. I am motivated by the opportunity to help others and make a positive impact, and I am excited to take the next step toward achieving those goals.

One teacher who has had a lasting impact on my life is my basketball coach and teacher, Rob McLaughlin . I have known him for years through the Salem High School basketball program and in the classroom, and his influence has shaped how I approach challenges, leadership, and my future. Coach McLaughlin is someone who holds his players and students to a high standard, but at the same time genuinely cares about each person. From the beginning, he emphasized that success is not just about talent, but about effort, consistency, and doing the right things every day. He taught me that the little things, showing up on time, working hard in practice, supporting your teammates, and staying focusedare what separate good from great. That mindset has stayed with me not just in sports, but in school and everyday life. As a player, I learned a lot from him about what it means to be part of a team. He constantly stressed putting the team before yourself and doing whatever is needed to help the group succeed. Whether it was diving for a loose ball, playing tough defense, or accepting a specific role, he showed us that every contribution matters. When I became a captain, I tried to carry those same values by leading through effort and setting an example for my teammates. In the classroom, Coach McLaughlin brought that same level of energy and accountability. He made it clear that effort matters just as much as results and that everyone is capable of improving if they are willing to put in the work. He also took the time to build relationships with his students, which made a big difference. You knew he wanted you to succeed, and that pushed me to give my best. What stands out most about Coach McLaughlin is how he balances being demanding and supportive at the same time. He pushes people out of their comfort zones, but he also gives them the confidence to believe they can succeed. Because of him, I have learned to be more disciplined, more accountable, and more focused on continuous improvement. His influence has also played a role in shaping my future goals. Seeing the impact he has had on students and athletes has shown me how important a teacher or coach can be. It has inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I can hopefully have a similar impact on others. Overall, Coach McLaughlin has changed how I approach my life by teaching me the importance of hard work, leadership, and putting others before myself. His lessons have stayed with me and will continue to guide me as I move forward into college and beyond.

“I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence.” Harold Bloom To me, this quote means that teaching is not just about helping students understand content, but about helping them understand themselves. A “sense of their own presence” means that students recognize their value, their abilities, and their place in the world. It is about confidence, self-awareness, and feeling seen and heard. For students in special education, this idea is especially important. Many of these students face challenges that can make them feel overlooked, misunderstood, or discouraged. A great teacher helps them realize that they matter, that they are capable, and that they have something important to contribute. My passion for special education comes from my desire to help students reach that point of confidence and self-belief. Throughout my time at Salem High School, I have been involved in programs that allowed me to work directly with students of different abilities, including my experience with Best Buddies. Being part of Best Buddies gave me the opportunity to build real friendships with students in the special education program. It was not just about helping them, it was about connecting with them, learning from them, and seeing the world from their perspective. That experience changed how I think about education and showed me the importance of inclusion, patience, and understanding. Through Best Buddies, I saw how much of a difference it makes when students feel included and valued. Simple things like having a conversation, participating in activities together, or just being there as a friend can boost someone’s confidence in ways that are hard to measure. I realized that helping someone feel like they belong is just as important as helping them learn academic skills. That is what drew me toward special education. If I were to guide my future students toward a sense of their own presence, my mission would be to create a classroom where every student feels safe, supported, and capable. I would focus on building strong relationships with each student so they know they are understood and respected. I would take the time to learn about their strengths, interests, and challenges, and use that information to help them succeed in a way that works best for them. I would also emphasize growth over perfection. Many students in special education may feel discouraged if they compare themselves to others. I would help them focus on their own progress and celebrate small successes. Whether it is improving a skill, trying something new, or simply showing effort, those moments matter. Over time, those small victories can build confidence and help students believe in themselves. Another important part of my approach would be encouraging independence. Helping students develop skills that allow them to make choices, solve problems, and express themselves is key to building their sense of presence. I want my students to feel like they have control over their own lives and that their voices matter. This could be as simple as giving them choices in activities or encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas. In addition, I would work to create an inclusive environment where all students feel like they belong. This includes promoting teamwork, respect, and understanding among all students. Programs like Best Buddies have shown me how powerful inclusion can be, and I would carry that mindset into my classroom every day. Optional Fairy Tale Once upon a time, there was a young teacher named Kyle who entered a classroom full of students who felt invisible. Each student carried something heavy: self doubt, fear, or frustration. They believed they were different in a way that made them less. Kyle did not start by teaching lessons from a book. Instead, he started by listening. He learned what made each student unique—their interests, their strengths, and even their struggles. He celebrated the smallest victories, whether it was a student raising their hand, completing a task, or simply smiling. One day, Kyle introduced a simple idea: everyone in the class had something valuable to offer. At first, the students were unsure. But slowly, they began to see it. One student realized they were great at helping others. Another discovered a love for drawing. Another found confidence in speaking up. As time went on, the classroom changed. It became a place where students supported each other, took risks, and believed in themselves. The heavy weight they once carried began to lift. In the end, Kyle did not just teach his students, he helped them see themselves in a new way. They were no longer invisible. They had found their sense of their own presence. My passion for special education comes from the opportunity to make this kind of impact. I want to be a teacher who helps students recognize their worth, build confidence, and find their place in the world. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I hope to guide my students toward discovering who they are and what they are capable of becoming.

One movie that has had a major impact on my life is Dead Poets Society. The message of the film, especially about individuality, passion, and the influence of a great teacher, really stood out to me and changed the way I think about education and my future. The character of John Keating, played by Robin Williams, had the biggest impact on me. He is not a typical teacher, he challenges his students to think for themselves, take risks, and see the world differently. His famous message of “carpe diem,” or “seize the day,” is something that has stuck with me. It reminds me to take advantage of opportunities, step outside my comfort zone, and not be afraid to go after what I want. What really stood out to me was the way Keating built relationships with his students and made them feel understood and supported. He didn’t just focus on teaching content—he focused on helping them grow as individuals. That is the kind of teacher I hope to become. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, where they are encouraged to think independently, and where they are motivated to reach their full potential. The movie also shows how much of an impact a teacher can have on a student’s life. Even though the students in the film faced pressure and challenges, Keating’s influence helped them gain confidence and see new possibilities for themselves. That idea has stayed with me because it shows that teaching is about more than just academics, it’s about making a lasting difference. As someone who plans to become a teacher, this movie helped confirm that I am choosing the right path. It made me realize that being a great teacher is not just about knowledge, but about passion, effort, and the ability to connect with students. I want to bring that same energy and positive influence into my future classroom. Overall, Dead Poets Society has had a lasting impact on me because it showed me the true value of education and the role a teacher can play in shaping lives. It inspired me to pursue a career where I can help students grow, think for themselves, and make the most of their opportunities. It also reminds me that even small actions can make a big difference in someone’s life. As a future teacher, I hope to create those moments for my students and encourage them to believe in themselves and their potential.

My passion for early childhood education comes from the belief that the earliest years of a child’s life are the most important for building confidence, habits, and a love for learning. At a young age, students are still developing socially, emotionally, and physically, and the experiences they have can shape how they view school for years to come. I am especially interested in this stage because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact early and help set students up for long-term success. I am particularly drawn to early childhood education through physical education. At a young age, movement and activity are a natural part of how children learn. Physical education is not just about playing games, it is about helping students develop basic motor skills, coordination, and confidence in their abilities. It also teaches important lessons like sharing, teamwork, listening, and following directions. These are skills that go far beyond the gym and help students succeed in all areas of school and life. One reason I am passionate about this is because I have seen how much of an impact positive experiences in sports and physical activity can have. As someone who has been involved in athletics for most of my life, I know how important it is to feel encouraged and supported, especially when you are just starting out. Early childhood physical education can help students build that confidence at a young age, making them more willing to participate, try new things, and stay active as they grow older. I also enjoy working with younger students because of their energy and willingness to learn. They bring a positive attitude and excitement that makes teaching rewarding. At that age, even small accomplishments can have a big impact on their confidence. Being able to help a student learn a new skill, work with others, or simply feel successful is something that motivates me and makes me want to pursue this path. In addition, early childhood education allows teachers to help students develop healthy habits early in life. Teaching the importance of staying active, taking care of your body, and working as part of a team can have long lasting effects. These are lessons that students can carry with them throughout their lives, and I want to be someone who helps introduce those ideas in a positive and engaging way. In the future, I plan to attend the University of New Hampshire to study health and physical education. My goal is to become a teacher who creates a supportive and active environment where students feel comfortable, included, and motivated to learn. Overall, my passion for early childhood education comes from the opportunity to make a difference early in a child’s life. Through physical education, I hope to help students build confidence, develop important skills, and create a positive relationship with school that will last for years to come.

My drive to become a teacher comes from a combination of my family, my experiences as a student-athlete, and the impact that teachers and coaches have had on my life. Over time, I realized that teaching is not just about delivering content, but about building relationships, supporting others, and helping people grow. That is something I have seen up close and something I want to be a part of. Growing up, education was always important in my household because both of my parents work in public schools. I have seen the time, effort, and care they put into their jobs every day. Whether it was staying late to prepare lessons or talking about ways to help students succeed, it was clear to me that teaching is more than just a job. It is about making a real difference in students’ lives. Seeing that firsthand made me respect the profession and inspired me to follow a similar path. My experiences in school also played a big role. The teachers I respected the most were the ones who took the time to connect with their students and create a positive environment. They made learning more engaging and made students feel supported. Those are the teachers you remember, and they are the ones who influenced me the most. They showed me that one person can have a lasting impact on others, and that is something I want to do as well. Athletics have also shaped my decision. As a student-athlete and a captain of my basketball team, I have learned leadership, discipline, and accountability. Coaches, in many ways, are teachers too. They teach lessons that go beyond the game, like teamwork, perseverance, and handling adversity. I have experienced how important that role is, and it has made me want to be someone who can guide and support others in the same way. I am especially interested in becoming a health and physical education teacher because it combines my passion for athletics with my desire to work with students. I believe these classes are important because they teach students how to stay active, work as a team, and take care of themselves. More importantly, they can help build confidence and create a positive school experience for students. In the fall, I will be attending the University of New Hampshire to study health and physical education. I am excited to continue learning and working toward my goal of becoming a teacher.