Mental health is important to me as a student because I have personally experienced how deeply mental health can affect individuals and their families. I lost my dad to suicide in January of 2025, and that experience changed the way I understand the importance of checking on others and taking mental health seriously. Losing my dad was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced. Grief has not been something that simply disappears with time. It has affected me in different ways throughout my life and has changed how I handle difficult situations. Someone I love taught me that people may be struggling with things that are not always visible to the people around them. As a student, I believe mental health is just as important as academic success. When someone is struggling emotionally, it can affect their ability to concentrate, complete assignments, participate in class, or believe in themselves. I have learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, though sometimes it feels impossible. It takes strength to recognize when you need support, and everyone deserves to have people who will listen without judgment. I try to advocate for mental health in my community by being someone others can talk to and by encouraging people to reach out for support when they are struggling. I also believe in checking on friends, classmates, and family members instead of assuming that someone is okay just because they seem fine. Sometimes, something as simple as asking, “How are you really doing?” can remind someone they are not alone and even help them open up. Showing someone you care is very important. My dad's death has made mental health advocacy especially meaningful to me. Although I cannot change what happened, I can use what I have learned from that experience to encourage compassion and openness. I want the people around me to feel comfortable talking about difficult emotions and seeking help when they need it. I also hope to carry this perspective into my future career as an elementary teacher. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel valued, supported, and comfortable asking for help. My experience has taught me that mental health should never be something we are afraid to talk about. By listening, showing compassion, encouraging people to seek support, and creating an environment where people feel safe speaking about their emotions, I can help make mental health a more accepted and important part of my community.

Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS album resonates with me because many of the songs explore growing up, dealing with uncertainty, and trying to understand who you are becoming. One lyric that connects with my own journey is from “Making the Bed,” “I’m so tired of being the girl that I am.” Although my experiences are different from Olivia Rodrigo’s, I understand the feeling behind this lyric. Growing up and figuring out what I want for my future has sometimes made me question whether I am doing enough or making the right choices. I always felt like I had to prove myself somehow, though that shouldn't be the case. One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been school. I am working toward becoming an elementary school teacher, which is a career I have wanted for a long time. However, pursuing that goal has not always been easy. One example is the loss of my father; this was a hard, scary, and challenging time for me. There have been moments when I struggled academically and questioned whether I was capable of succeeding. Those experiences were difficult because I care deeply about my education and my future. At times, I have felt frustrated with myself when I did not perform the way I hoped. Instead of allowing a setback to determine my future, I have learned to keep going, find new ways to study, ask for help, and try again. My challenges have made my accomplishments more meaningful because I know how much effort it took to reach them. The message behind “making the bed” reminds me that sometimes the hardest person to satisfy is myself. At the same time, this album reminds me that growing up is not only about struggles. It is also about becoming stronger. Every difficult experience I have had with school has taught me persistence. Every day I get up and keep going, I don't let the mistakes and issues determine who I am. Those emotions are a part of my own journey as I work toward becoming a teacher and building the future I want. The album reminds me that I do not have to have everything figured out right now. I can make mistakes, learn from them, and continue becoming the person I want to be. My journey has had its challenges, but they have also shown me that I am capable of more than I sometimes believe.

My goal is to graduate from Western Governors University with my degree in elementary education and become an elementary school teacher. I have wanted to become a teacher since I was young, and I want to build a stable career that allows me to make a positive difference in children's lives. My long-term goal is to become financially independent, own a home, build a family, and have a career that I genuinely enjoy. My first priority is completing my education. I plan to stay focused on my WGU coursework and graduate in 2027. To accomplish this, I will create a weekly study schedule, set goals for completing each course, and use WGU resources, such as course instructors, study guides, practice assessments, tutoring, and academic support, as needed. I am currently in an advanced course. With the determination and goals listed above, I have finished 13 classes and am on my 14th now, in 6th months. I will also budget time for studying so that work, family responsibilities, and other activities do not interfere with my education. I currently have a job at a local boutique downtown, and I will have been there for 6 years in October. After graduation, my next goal is to obtain an elementary teaching position. I plan to complete all required student teaching, licensure, and certification requirements and begin applying for teaching positions before graduation. I will prepare a professional resume, gather references, practice interviewing, and apply to multiple school districts rather than relying on a single opportunity. My goal is to find a school where I can grow professionally and create a supportive classroom environment for my students. Financial planning is also an important part of my goals. While I am in school, I will continue to save money whenever possible and avoid taking unnecessary debt. Money is not something I have had to worry over as heavily with school before, I lost my father in January of 2025, since then, the money aspect has been much harder and I have been my sole provider in my education and all the other expeses I have had in order to obtain my degree, such as background checks, liablity insurance, buying tests, tuition and more. I have put in numerous hours and worked more than I ever have, but the end goal is worth it. Once I begin working as a teacher, I plan to create a monthly budget based on my actual income, continue saving, and contribute toward retirement. I want to eventually purchase a home, so saving for a down payment will be one of my major financial priorities. Over the next five to ten years, I want to continue developing as an educator, increase my income through experience and professional development, build savings, and work toward my family and homeownership goals. I understand that plans can change. If I graduate later than expected, have difficulty finding a teaching position, or cannot immediately afford the home I want, I will adjust my timeline rather than abandoning my goals. I can apply to additional school districts, consider different teaching opportunities, increase my savings period, or reconsider the price range or location of a home. The most important part of my plan is continuing to move forward. Overall, my plan is to invest in my education first, establish a stable career second, then use that stability to build the life I want. By setting realistic goals, budgeting carefully, using resources, and remaining flexible when circumstances change, I believe I can become an elementary teacher, achieve financial independence, own a home, and build a happy and stable future.

The Taylor Swift performance I find most moving is her performance of the song “Marjorie.” While Taylor wrote the song about her grandmother, the emotions behind the performance resonate with me because of the loss of my father. Losing someone you love changes you in ways that are difficult to explain. There are days when I wish I could talk to my dad, tell him about what I have accomplished, or simply have one more conversation with him. Watching Taylor perform “marjorie” reminds me that even when someone is no longer physically present, the impact they had on your life can remain with you. My father taught me to always be kind, but if someone is talking down to you, always stand up. The beginning of Taylor's song where it says, " Never be so kind, you forget to be clever; never be so clever, you forget to be kind.", and " Never be so polite, you forget your power; never wield such power, you forget to be polite." This reminds me a lot of my father. Grief does not mean forgetting the person you lost. Instead, it can mean carrying their lessons, memories, and love with you as you continue building your life. The lyric of her song that says, "I should've asked you questions I should've asked you how to be Asked you to write it down for me Should've kept every grocery store receipt" hits me hard. To want to go back and ask more questions, have a longer conversation, or even just another song is something I will always grieve over. After losing my father, I experienced academic and personal challenges that made it difficult to keep pushing forward. There were moments when I questioned whether I was capable of reaching my goals. However, I kept reminding myself that he would want me to continue pursuing the future I had worked so hard for. My goal is to become an elementary school teacher, and I know that my father will not be here to see me stand in my own classroom. That is one of the hardest parts of looking toward my future. At the same time, his memory gives me another reason to keep going. I want to become the kind of teacher who makes a difference in children's lives and encourages them when they are struggling. Taylor's performance reminds me that the people we lose can still influence the people we become. For me, the most moving part of Taylor's performance is not simply the sadness of remembering someone who is gone. It is the reminder that love can continue to shape us even after loss. “marjorie” makes me think about my father, the future I am working toward, and the determination it has taken to get here. His absence is something I will always carry, but so is his influence. I hope that when I become a teacher, I can take that experience of loss and turn it into compassion, patience, and encouragement for my students. In that way, a part of what my father gave me will continue through the lives I touch.

Growing up in a single-parent household has greatly shaped my educational journey by teaching me the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and determination. I lost my father in January of 2025; watching my mom navigate responsibilities while providing for our family showed me the value of strength, dedication, and never giving up. I am pursuing my degree in elementary education; my dad was thrilled and so involved in my school. This loss has not only had a financial burden, but a support system loss, a loss of parental guidance, and a loss of a piece of my heart. There have been moments when financial challenges, personal hardships, and difficult circumstances made continuing my education feel overwhelming. However, those experiences have strengthened my commitment to earning my degree and becoming the best educator I can be. I have learned that success is not always about having a perfect path, but about having the courage to continue moving forward even when obstacles arise. Over the last few years, I never gave up, worked harder to help out my family, and put on brave faces when I felt I never could. As a future educator, I want my classroom to be a place where every child feels supported, valued, and understood. I know that many students carry challenges outside of the classroom that may impact their learning, and I want to be the teacher who recognizes their potential and encourages them to believe in themselves. I want to support my students, help them feel valued and loved, and be a safe support system for every student who walks into my classroom. In the future, I plan to give back to my community by becoming an advocate for students and families who need additional support. As a teacher, I hope to create a welcoming classroom environment where all students have opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I want to be a positive role model for students who may feel limited by their circumstances and show them that their background does not determine their future. My experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate, hardworking, and determined individual. They have strengthened my passion for education; when I felt weak and wanted to give up, I knew my dad would never want that, and my future students would need me. My desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Through teaching, I hope to give students the encouragement, support, and belief in themselves that every child deserves.

Professor Harold Bloom’s statement, “The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence,” represents the idea that teaching is not only about delivering information or helping students meet academic standards. True teaching is about helping students understand who they are, recognize their strengths, and believe that their voice and abilities matter. Teachers have a massive role when it comes to students; allowing them to find themselves is the best thing a teacher could see. All students deserve to be seen, loved, and valued. As a future special education teacher, I believe every student deserves to experience a sense of belonging and confidence. Students with disabilities are often faced with challenges that may impact their academic progress, communication, independence, or social experiences that other students do not struggle with. However, these challenges do not define who they are or limit what they can accomplish. My role as an educator will be to look beyond a student’s disability and recognize their individual strengths, interests, potential, and their best version of themselves. I hope in my classroom every student feels safe, loved, valued, and important. I want my students to know they are not defined by what disability they struggle with. Through individualized instruction, meaningful relationships, and encouragement, I will help students discover their abilities and develop confidence in themselves. Every student has a story worth hearing, a relationship worth having, and a chance to feel love. I want to celebrate every win in my students' lives, big or small, and provide support to every human who comes into my classroom for years to come. When students begin to recognize their own strengths and see themselves as capable learners, they develop a sense of their own presence. My passion for special education comes from the belief that every child deserves someone who believes in them. I want to be the teacher who helps students discover that they have a purpose, a voice, and the ability to achieve their goals. I want to watch every student meet their goals, have fun with learning, and be their best version of themselves. Success in special education is not measured only by academic growth; it is also measured by the confidence, independence, and self-belief students develop along the way. Special education is something I have dreamed of ever since I was young. To help, support, love, and be with every student who will come in and out of my life, I will never forget the strength, time, and support it took me to get there.

From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. When I was young, my dream job was to be a teacher. While other children played games, I played "school." I would play with my grandma and father every day; they were my students. My grandma and father always encouraged my dream, reminding me that if teaching was what made my heart happy, I should never let anyone tell me otherwise, and to be chasing that dream now feels surreal. As I grew older, that childhood dream never faded; it only became stronger. The early elementary years are much more than learning to read, write, or solve math problems; they are the years when children begin to discover who they are, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn to believe in themselves, which is so special to me. Every single child who walks into a school has a different and unique story, and I am so excited to learn their stories. I want to be the teacher who notices when a child is struggling, celebrates every accomplishment, big or small, and reminds students that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up. I believe education and educators have the privilege to change lives; I am excited to be able to do that for someone someday. Becoming an elementary teacher requires dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning. My goal is not just to teach; I want to inspire students, let them think freely, have fun in the classroom, and learn themselves. I am excited to see students' faces light up when they finally get a problem correct that they were struggling with. Being a teacher is a challenge; there are many ups and downs. From long days, grading, tests, and more, there are so many wonderful things to blossom from that. Like many college students, my journey has not always been easy. There have been moments when balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities felt overwhelming. I lost my father in January of 2025; as mentioned, he was one of my biggest supporters. Continuing this journey without his praise and words has been a struggle, but I always remind myself to keep going and to never give up. He never once gave up on me, so I will continue this wonderful journey also for him. As I continue my education, I am committed to developing the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging lessons, build meaningful relationships with families, and meet the needs of diverse learners. Teaching is more than the career I have chosen—it is the purpose I have carried with me since childhood. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of earning my degree and allow me to devote more time and energy to becoming the educator I aspire to be, and I cannot wait.

From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. Whenever I was young, my dream job was to be a teacher. While other children played games, I played "school." I would play with my grandma and father every day; they were my students. My grandma and father always encouraged my dream, reminding me that if teaching was what made my heart happy, I should never let anyone tell me otherwise, and to be chasing that dream now feels surreal. As I grew older, that childhood dream never faded; it only became stronger. The early elementary years are much more than learning to read, write, or solve math problems, they are the years when children begin to discover who they are, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn to believe in themselves, which is so special to me. Every single child who walks into a school has a different and unique story, and I am so excited to learn their stories. I want to be the teacher who notices when a child is struggling, celebrates every accomplishment, big or small, and reminds students that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up. I believe education and educators have the privilege to change lives; I am excited to be able to do that for someone someday. Becoming an elementary teacher requires dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning. My goal is not just to teach; I want to inspire students, let them think freely, have fun in the classroom, and learn themselves. I am excited to see students' faces light up when they finally get a problem correct that they were struggling with. Being a teacher is a challenge; there are many ups and downs. From long days, grading, tests, and more, there are so many wonderful things to blossom from that. Like many college students, my journey has not always been easy. There have been moments when balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities felt overwhelming. I lost my father in January of 2025; as mentioned, he was one of my biggest supporters. Continuing this journey without his praise and words has been a struggle, but I always remind myself to keep going and to never give up. He never once gave up on me, so I will continue this wonderful journey also for him. As I continue my education, I am committed to developing the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging lessons, build meaningful relationships with families, and meet the needs of diverse learners. Teaching is more than the career I have chosen—it is the purpose I have carried with me since childhood. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of earning my degree and allow me to devote more time and energy to becoming the educator I aspire to be, and I cannot wait.

Losing my father to suicide on January 27, 2025, was a life-altering experience. At just 20 years old, I was forced to confront a level of grief and confusion that I had never imagined facing so early in life, or ever in this way. My dad was my absolute best friend; if you knew me, you knew him. He was my safe place, the one who fixed everything, the one who held me together. The loss brought every single emotion imaginable, but what sticks and haunts me the most is the unanswered questions. One of the greatest challenges has been learning how to navigate daily life while carrying such a profound and painful absence. Grief has not followed a straight path; some days feel manageable, while others are unexpectedly heavy. Through this journey, I have learned that healing does not mean forgetting or “moving on,” but rather learning how to carry loss with compassion for myself. Oftentimes, I find myself feeling guilty when I am happy or having good moments, I feel as if my dad should be right there with me. I have learned the importance of allowing myself to feel deeply without shame and of leaning on others for support. This experience has taught me empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of mental health and the silent struggles people may carry. I have learned the importance of allowing myself to feel deeply and leaning on others for support. This experience has taught me empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of mental health and the silent struggles people may carry. myself. I have learned that healing is not linear and that strength does not mean suppressing pain. Instead, resilience has come from allowing myself to grieve honestly, seeking support, and giving myself grace on the days when functioning feels difficult. I am pursuing a degree in education. Growing up, my father and I played school. I was always the teacher, he continued to support that dream and never let me forget the powerful force I could make in children's life some day. I hope that one day I could be that safe place for kids, be there if they needed to talk, be there during hard times, and be a support system. Honoring my father’s memory means striving to grow, to care deeply for others, and to find meaning even after loss. I carry my father with me as I continue to heal, learn, and strive to build a future grounded in understanding, strength, and hope.

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.