My career goal is to become an educator who makes a lasting difference in students' lives, both academically and emotionally. I am currently in college pursuing this dream of mine. I believe teaching is so much more than just a degree; it is about shaping young minds, providing support for individuals, allowing students to feel safe and seen, and keeping them motivated. I believe teachers truly have the power and amazing opportunity to change lives. I am driven by the desire to give students the same guidance, patience, and encouragement that helped me through difficult moments in my own life. Teaching allows me to combine my love for learning with my desire to help others grow, and I find my purpose in knowing that my work can positively influence future generations. One of the biggest challenges I have faced while pursuing my education degree has been the loss of my father earlier this year. His passing was an emotional and life-altering experience that deeply affected me while I was continuing my studies. Balancing grief with academic responsibilities, keeping relationships, and a job required strength, resilience, and determination, which oftentimes I felt I was not strong enough for. Despite this hardship, I remained committed to my education because my father always emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work. He was always beyond proud of me for following my dreams and always continued to push through. Continuing my studies became a way to honor his memory and the values he instilled in me. Though this past year has been one of the hardest things to get through, deep down, he is my rock. I wear my heart on my sleeve and continue giving it my all so he can see me and continue to be amazed by me. I know he is with me every single step of the way. sacrifices, I have made personal sacrifices to stay focused on my goal of becoming a teacher, including prioritizing my education during times when it would have been easier to step away, when things felt hard with school, and when assignments felt impossible, I still gave it my all. Pursuing a career in education has not been easy, but it has been deeply meaningful. The challenges I have faced, especially the loss of my father, have strengthened my commitment to becoming a teacher who leads with compassion and love. Receiving this scholarship would not only help support my academic journey but would also allow me to continue working toward a career dedicated to service, growth, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Losing my father was a painful experience in my life, I never thought I would lose him at just 20 years old. His absence created a massive void that could never be filled again, but it also shaped me and opened me up in different ways. My father gave me the most love, encouragement, guidance, and support and always believed in me no matter what. He always encouraged me to reach for the stars, and push and fight for my dreams, his passing, has strengthened me to pursue a degree and passion in elementary education. He had a legacy of kindness and love which helped fuel me to make a difference in children's lives. My father always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, he told me to keep going. My father never settled for what he did not deserve and has taught me to do the same. All the lessons he engraved in me I thought were over, are now engraved in me and it is my turn to tell his lessons and teach others. His passing also deepened my sense of empathy, experiencing such grief firsthand, has made me much more compassionate and strong. This is a quality I can't wait to apply in my classroom, many students struggle with many hardships and family issues, and I want to be a teacher who not only teaches, but also supports, advocates, and uplifts my students. My father always showed me support, passion, patience, and understanding, and I want to live to his legacy and be remembered by that as well, I want that same kindness in my classroom. Ultimately, my father has reshaped me into someone who is now stronger, more compassionate, and deeply motivated to show him that I did it. I can feel his love as I continue this journey, as I am also continuing the journey of life without him. His influence and life guide me as I work toward my goal. I want to honor his memory every day, but, especially in my classroom, and carry parts of him with me every day. I want to make a difference in children's lives just like the difference he had in mine. Though he is not physically with me anymore, his love, support, and wisdom are carried with me every day and will forever guide me. Every day I am reminded of the person I am because of him and remember I must keep pushing forward for me, him, and the lives of children I am going to come into one day.

Education is often seen as a straight forward and simple path, one that begins in childhood and continues through high school and beyond, but yet my story has been unconventional. I grew up in a small town in North Carolina, worked at a local boutique, and spent any other time with my family. Through this time, I have faced challenges and personal hardships, including the loss of my father. Yet, these experiences have only strengthened me to pursue in education and advocate for children to receive the best opportunities. The decision to earn my GED is not just about obtaining a diploma—it is about proving to myself and showing my father from above that I am capable of overcoming obstacles and setting an example for others who may feel like it is too much of a challenge to chase their dreams. Losing my father was one of the most hardest challenges I have ever faced. His absence has been a source of pain that nothing could fill, but it has also been a source of motivation. He always believed in me, and that belief continues to push me forward and keep going. I want to make him proud by finishing what I started and using my education to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. I believe that all children deserve opportunities to learn, no matter their circumstances. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the power of perseverance and the importance of having someone who believes in you. I aspire to be that person for my students, by working in education, mentoring young students, or simply sharing my story. During my studies I have maintained my job. The experience through work have taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, communication, and perseverance, skills that will serve me well as I continue my education and future career. Earning my GED and become a future educator is just the beginning of a new chapter I have always dreamed of. It represents a stepping stone to greater opportunities and a future where I can continue advocating for children and education and allowing generations to become better. My journey may not have followed the traditional route, but I believe that the lessons and loss that I have learned and felt along the way will make my success even more meaningful. No matter how difficult the road has been, I am determined to keep moving forward, both for myself, my father and for those who look to me for inspiration.