An ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations would be a vibrant mix of contemporary fiction, diverse voices, impactful non-fiction, and a sprinkle of classics that have found new life through viral recommendations. Here are some must-have titles and how they have impacted the #BookTok community: "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller - This retelling of the Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus has captivated readers with its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of love and fate. #BookTok has praised its emotional depth and beautiful storytelling, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a blend of mythology and romance. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Known for its compelling narrative and complex characters, this novel has resonated deeply on #BookTok for its exploration of fame, identity, and love across decades. Its engaging plot twists and emotional resonance have made it a favorite for many readers. "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid - This debut novel has sparked discussions on race, privilege, and social dynamics. #BookTok has celebrated its sharp observations and thought-provoking storyline, making it a standout choice for readers interested in contemporary issues and character-driven narratives. "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig - A blend of fantasy and introspection, this novel explores themes of regret, second chances, and the search for happiness. #BookTok has embraced its imaginative premise and uplifting message, making it a popular recommendation for those seeking a thought-provoking yet hopeful read. "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens - This atmospheric novel set in the marshes of North Carolina has captured the hearts of #BookTok readers with its evocative prose and compelling mystery. Its themes of isolation, resilience, and the beauty of nature have resonated widely, leading to its widespread popularity. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas - A powerful YA novel that explores police violence, racism, and activism through the eyes of a teenage girl. #BookTok has lauded its relevance, authenticity, and the way it sparks important conversations about social justice and systemic inequality. "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab - This fantasy novel has enchanted #BookTok with its exploration of immortality, identity, and the impact of memory. Its lyrical prose and nuanced characterization have made it a standout in the fantasy genre, appealing to readers who enjoy philosophical musings and intricate storytelling. These titles have impacted the #BookTok community by sparking discussions, fostering empathy, and expanding readers' horizons with diverse narratives and thought-provoking themes. They reflect a growing trend where readers on social media platforms like TikTok not only recommend books but also engage deeply with their themes and characters, creating a vibrant literary community that celebrates storytelling in all its forms.

I am very passionate about my major, Elementary Education, and minor, Special Education, because of many reasons. I am the oldest of eleven kids. My youngest brother is 7 months old, and my oldest younger sister is 16. I have been around all ages of children my whole life, but spent a majority of my time around the elementary age. I feel that the age range of my siblings has given me enough experience to feel completely comfortable and excited about my major and minor decision. I believe that being the oldest has shaped me in many ways. I am grateful to be the oldest, and the one who gets to experience watching all of my siblings grow up from birth to the amazing humans that they are all becoming. From a young age, my involvement in the Girl Scouts of Maine program profoundly shaped my passion for community service. I eagerly volunteered with my troop and independently, participating in various impactful projects such as assisting at the local food pantry, supporting the free summer lunch program, and contributing to numerous GSME initiatives. This early exposure instilled in me a deep commitment to helping others, a commitment that continues today through my involvement with the Thomaston Recreation Department. During high school, I found fulfillment in volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I dedicated time to cleaning kennels and walking dogs. Organizing a donation tree at my school to benefit the shelter further exemplified my dedication to serving the community and supporting those in need. My journey has been significantly influenced by Miss Casey, my kindergarten teacher, whose impact continues to resonate with me. Miss Casey's unwavering care for her students and her boundless patience, cultivated over her four-decade teaching career, left an indelible mark on my life. Her example inspired me to pursue my current major and minor in Special Education. My decision to minor in Special Education was further solidified by my participation in the Unified basketball season and other Unified events during high school, where I witnessed the transformative power of inclusion and support for individuals with diverse needs. As I pursue my goal of becoming an educator, I am driven to instill in my students the same love for learning that Miss Casey instilled in me. I am committed to bringing enthusiasm and excitement into my teaching, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported throughout their educational journey. My experiences in community service and education have shaped my aspirations, guiding me towards a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I am passionate about the special education teaching profession because of my participation in Unified programs and my time spent helping out in the Life Skills classroom. I have witnessed many of the students in the general population of schools make fun of the kids in the Life Skills classroom. I feel that participating and befriending the kids that were in the Life Skills program gave them the ability to see that the world is not all bad. Experiencing a sense of their own presence refers to helping special needs students develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity within their educational and social environments. It involves empowering them to recognize their strengths, abilities, and unique qualities, while also fostering a feeling of belonging and acceptance. My mission in guiding special needs students to experience this sense of their own presence begins with creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Here’s how I would approach this task: I would start by understanding each student’s strengths, challenges, and interests through personalized assessments and discussions with caregivers. This helps me tailor my approach to meet their specific needs. I would then implement strategies that emphasize positive reinforcement and celebrate small achievements. Recognizing their progress fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. I would create opportunities for students to express themselves in various ways—whether through art, music, writing, or verbal communication. This encourages them to develop their unique voice and personality. I would incorporate structured activities that promote social interaction and collaboration with peers. By teaching and practicing social skills in a supportive setting, students can feel more confident in their ability to connect with others. I would gradually scaffold tasks to help students develop independence and autonomy. This could include setting achievable goals, teaching problem-solving skills, and providing guidance as they navigate challenges. I would foster a sense of belonging by promoting empathy, respect, and understanding among all students. Activities that emphasize teamwork and mutual support help create a positive classroom community where everyone feels valued. Regular reflection sessions and feedback loops are crucial. They allow students to assess their progress, set new goals, and recognize how their efforts contribute to their personal growth and development. By integrating these strategies into my teaching approach, I aim to empower special needs students to develop a strong sense of their own presence. This encompasses not only their awareness of themselves but also their place within the broader community. Ultimately, my goal is to support their journey towards becoming confident, self-assured individuals who are capable of thriving in both academic and social settings.

From a young age, my involvement in the Girl Scouts of Maine program profoundly shaped my passion for community service. I eagerly volunteered with my troop and independently, participating in various impactful projects such as assisting at the local food pantry, supporting the free summer lunch program, and contributing to numerous GSME initiatives. This early exposure instilled in me a deep commitment to helping others, a commitment that continues today through my involvement with the Thomaston Recreation Department. During high school, I found fulfillment in volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I dedicated time to cleaning kennels and walking dogs. Organizing a donation tree at my school to benefit the shelter further exemplified my dedication to serving the community and supporting those in need. I formed bonds with many of the animals at the shelter and was happy, but also a little sad when I returned to the shelter to see that they had been adopted. My journey has been significantly influenced by Miss Casey, my kindergarten teacher, whose impact continues to resonate with me. Miss Casey's unwavering care for her students and her boundless patience, cultivated over her four-decade teaching career, left an indelible mark on my life. She has taught me and multiple of my 10 younger siblings, and of the ones she taught, they all say that she has had a huge impact on their lives. Her example inspired me to pursue my current major and minor in Special Education. My decision to minor in Special Education was further solidified by my participation in the Unified basketball season and other Unified events during high school, where I witnessed the transformative power of inclusion and support for individuals with diverse needs. The Unified season helped me become a more well rounded person. Participating on the team taught me many things including deeper patience, how to read people better, and how to make sure everyone was being included. As I pursue my goal of becoming an educator, I am driven to instill in my students the same love for learning that Miss Casey instilled in me. I am committed to bringing enthusiasm and excitement into my teaching, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported throughout their educational journey. My experiences in community service and education have shaped my aspirations, guiding me towards a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many young minds.