As a first-generation college student, earning a college degree means more to me than simply graduating. It represents breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and building a future where I can use my experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My journey toward this goal has been shaped by my family, my faith, my experiences serving children, and especially my relationship with my brother. My brother has autism and developmental delays, and growing up alongside him has changed the way I see the world. I have watched him face challenges with communication and physical, fine, and gross motor skills. Through him, I learned that every person experiences and interacts with the world differently. What may seem like a simple environment or task to one person can be overwhelming or difficult for another. Watching my brother navigate these challenges gave me a passion for understanding, advocating for, and supporting individuals with different abilities. This passion has influenced every part of my educational journey. I am currently double majoring in Child and Family Studies with an individualized major and pursuing a minor in Special Education. My individualized major is aimed to focus on interior design and designing supportive, sensory-friendly environments for individuals with autism and other disabilities. I am especially interested in creating sensory-friendly spaces that consider how lighting, sounds, textures, colors, organization, and the overall environment can affect a person's comfort and ability to function. My goal is to combine my knowledge of child development, special education, and interior design to create spaces where individuals feel safe, understood, included, and supported. My experiences have also inspired me to learn American Sign Language. I believe communication should never be limited to one method, and I want to continue learning ASL so I can better connect with and support individuals who communicate differently. To me, ASL represents more than learning another language; it represents making an effort to break down barriers and ensuring that people feel heard. My passion for serving others is also reflected in my involvement in children's ministry. Since 2020, I have volunteered and served in teaching and leadership positions within children's ministry. These experiences have allowed me to teach children, lead activities, plan lessons, work alongside other volunteers, and create environments where children can feel welcomed and valued. Serving in these roles has strengthened my patience, leadership, communication, and ability to understand the individual needs of children. More importantly, it has confirmed that working with and serving children is where my heart truly is. As a first-generation student, pursuing these goals has come with financial challenges. College expenses can feel overwhelming when balancing tuition, transportation, and everyday responsibilities. Receiving this scholarship would do more than provide financial assistance. It would relieve some of the pressure that comes with wondering how I will continue paying for my education and allow me to focus more fully on learning, gaining experience, and preparing for the career I feel called to pursue. I do not want my education to end with a degree hanging on a wall. I want to use it to create real change. I want children and individuals with disabilities to walk into spaces where they feel safe rather than overwhelmed, included rather than overlooked, and understood rather than misunderstood. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education, but in the lives of the children, families, and communities I hope to serve throughout my future.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into a future that no one in my immediate family has experienced before me. It means learning how to navigate unfamiliar things, facing uncertainty, and believing that I am capable of reaching goals even when I do not always know exactly how to get there. My journey to college was not a typical one. I was homeschooled from seventh grade through high school graduation, so entering a brick-and-mortar college was a huge step for me. I was scared. I worried about whether I would fit in, whether people would judge me because of my background, and whether I would be able to succeed in a completely new environment. Walking into college was one of the biggest leaps of faith I had ever taken. Looking back, I am so thankful I took that step. College has become one of the best experiences of my life. Instead of being judged, I have built meaningful relationships, grown in confidence, and discovered things about myself that I never knew. My professors have become an important part of my journey. They have encouraged me, trusted in my abilities, and helped me discover what I want to do and who I want to become. Their belief in me has reminded me that sometimes other people can see potential in you before you can see it in yourself. My faith has also carried me through the uncertainty. I have learned to trust the Lord even when I cannot see the entire path ahead of me. I believe He has placed a purpose on my heart, and I am trying to follow where He leads. My greatest inspiration is my younger brother, who has autism and developmental delays. Because of him, I have developed a passion for helping children and individuals with special needs feel understood, included, and valued. I am pursuing a double major in Child and Family Studies and an individualized major focused on creating sensory-friendly spaces for children with special needs. My goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I may be the first in my family to take this path, but I hope I will not be the last. I want my journey to show that being afraid does not mean you should stop moving forward. Sometimes, you simply have to take the next step, trust the Lord, and believe that there is something greater waiting on the other side.

My younger brother, who has autism and developmental delays, has been my greatest inspiration and the reason behind my passion for helping children and individuals with special needs. Growing up alongside my brother has allowed me to see the world from a different perspective. I have seen how frustrating it can be when someone is not understood, when environments are not designed with their needs in mind, or when people underestimate what they are capable of. At the same time, I have seen his personality, strengths, growth, and the many things that make him who he is. My brother is not defined by his diagnosis, and watching him grow has taught me one of the most important lessons of my life. My goal is to use that lesson to make a positive impact on the world through my career. I am pursuing a double major in Child and Family Studies and an individualized major focused on creating sensory-friendly spaces for children with special needs. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I want to help children develop skills, build confidence, and feel more comfortable navigating a world that is not always designed with their needs in mind. I am especially passionate about creating sensory-friendly spaces because I believe that a person's environment can make a significant difference in how safe, comfortable, and successful they feel. I want to help create spaces where children with different sensory needs are not expected to simply adapt to an environment that overwhelms them. Instead, I want to help create environments that are designed with them in mind. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, communicate, and grow without feeling like their needs are an inconvenience. I am also learning sign language because I want to better assist individuals who experience communication and language barriers. Communication is something many people take for granted, but I have learned how important it is to be understood and to have someone who is willing to meet you where you are. I want to continue learning new ways to communicate and connect with others so that the people I work with feel heard, understood, and included. My dreams also go beyond becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. As my brother and other children with special needs grow into adulthood, I want to help make sure that they continue to have opportunities. One of my biggest goals is to find a way to help individuals with disabilities access meaningful employment. Whether I one day create an organization that helps connect individuals with careers or open my own business that provides a supportive and accepting workplace, I want to help open doors for people who are often overlooked or underestimated. As a first generation college student, I want to show the world that individuals with special needs are just as deserving of opportunities as anyone else. They deserve to learn, work, build relationships, contribute to their communities, and pursue the things that make them happy. They deserve to be seen for their abilities instead of being limited by what others assume they cannot do. My younger brother inspired my career path, but I hope the impact of my career reaches far beyond my own family. I want to help change someone's world by making them feel understood, supported, and capable. If I can help even one child or individual recognize their own potential and receive an opportunity they may not have otherwise been given, then I know I will be making the kind of difference I have always hoped to make.

I have been blessed to come from a long line of strong, hardworking women who have shaped the way I view resilience, independence, and empowerment. My grandmother, great-grandmother, and the generations of women before me have challenged stereotypes and shown me that women are capable of overcoming difficult circumstances while still creating meaningful lives. Their strength has been passed down to me through the lessons they taught and the examples they set. They have shown me that being a strong woman means having courage, standing up for yourself, and using your experiences to help others. The greatest example of women’s empowerment in my life has been my mother. She is one of the strongest women I know. Throughout her life, she has faced many challenges, including multiple surgeries and autoimmune diseases, yet she has continued to push forward with strength and determination. As a single mother, she has carried many responsibilities while still making sure her children were supported, loved, and guided. Despite everything she has faced, she never allowed her struggles to stop her from being there for others. Instead, she uses her experiences to encourage, support, and guide people who are going through difficult situations of their own. My mother has taught me the importance of faith, kindness, and doing what is right even when life becomes challenging. She has always reminded me to follow God, treat others with compassion, and use my own experiences to make a positive difference. She does not just talk about empowering women—she lives it every day by lifting others up, offering guidance, and reminding women that they are stronger than they realize. Watching her has taught me that true empowerment is not only about personal success but also about helping others find their own strength. Due to the great surplus of women who have influenced my life, I hope to continue creating an impact by empowering others. Through my future career in special education, I want to help students, especially young girls and women with disabilities, recognize their worth, advocate for themselves, and believe in their abilities. I want to be someone who encourages others the way my mother and the women before me have encouraged me. Their strength has inspired me to become a woman who leads with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others up. In conclusion, the legacy of the women in my family has taught me that empowerment is not only about overcoming challenges for yourself, but also about using your strength to create opportunities and hope for others. My mother, grandmother, and the women who came before me have shown me what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and determined. Their examples continue to inspire me to be a woman who leads by example, supports others, and never allows obstacles to define what is possible. I hope to carry their lessons forward by empowering the next generation of women and reminding them that they are strong, capable, and worthy of achieving their dreams. Through my actions, my career, and the way I treat others, I want to continue the legacy of strong women who came before me and make a lasting difference in the lives of those around me.

Becoming a special education teacher is more than just a career choice for me. It is something I have been passionate about for years because of my own life experiences. I have always believed that every child deserves the same opportunities to learn, grow, and feel included, no matter what challenges they face. I want to be the teacher who sees every student's strengths before their disabilities and helps them realize that they are capable of achieving amazing things. My biggest inspiration has always been my younger brother, who has special needs. Growing up alongside him has given me a perspective that many people do not have. I have seen firsthand how difficult everyday tasks can be when you struggle with speech, physical disabilities, and fine and gross motor skills. I have also seen how much of a difference patient, compassionate educators and therapists can make in a child's life. Watching him overcome obstacles has taught me that progress looks different for every student, and every small accomplishment deserves to be celebrated. His journey is the reason I want to dedicate my life to helping students with disabilities grow, flourish, and reach their highest potential. My passion for special education has only continued to grow throughout college. I am pursuing a double major in Individualized Studies and Child & Family Studies along with Emotional Disabilities because I want to understand not only how to support students academically but also socially and emotionally. Every child learns differently, and I believe it is my responsibility as a future educator to meet students where they are and create individualized support that allows them to succeed. I also chose to learn American Sign Language because I want to break down communication barriers and make sure every student has a voice. Communication is such an important part of learning, building relationships, and developing confidence, and I never want a student to feel unheard or left out because of how they communicate. Another person who has greatly influenced me is my mentor and professor, who is a strong advocate for students with disabilities. She has shown me what it truly means to advocate for inclusion, equity, and high expectations for every learner. Her passion has inspired me to pursue this career with even more determination and has reminded me that special education is about believing in students even when they struggle to believe in themselves. As a future special education teacher, I want my classroom to be a place where every student feels safe, respected, and encouraged to be themselves. I know there will be challenges, but I also know that those challenges create opportunities for growth. I want to guide my students with patience, empathy, and encouragement, helping them build confidence not only in their academic abilities but also in who they are as individuals. I want to teach them that asking for help is a strength, that mistakes are part of learning, and that success is measured by progress rather than perfection. Every student deserves someone who believes in them, and I want to be that person. I believe true equality in education means giving every student what they need to succeed, not expecting every student to learn in the exact same way. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to overcome social, emotional, and academic obstacles. I want my students to leave my classroom knowing that they are capable, resilient, and worthy of every opportunity. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my double major and prepare for a career that I know I am meant to have. As a college student, financial support would ease the burden of paying for my education and allow me to focus on becoming the best educator I can be. More importantly, this scholarship would be an investment in my future students. I am committed to advocating for children with disabilities, supporting their families, and helping every student discover their strengths and believe in their own potential. My experiences, my education, and my passion have all led me to this path, and I cannot wait to make a lasting difference in the lives of the students I will one day teach.

Something I would love to build in the future is a business where children and individuals with special needs are not only supported, but truly included in every part of life—education, work, and community. I don’t see this as one single goal, but as a lifelong commitment to building opportunities, environments, and systems where they can thrive independently and with dignity. One major part of what I want to build is my own business designed specifically for individuals with special needs to work, grow, and provide for themselves in a loving, judgment-free environment. I have seen firsthand how often people with disabilities are underestimated or excluded from traditional workspaces, even though they are capable, hardworking, and eager to contribute. I want to change that. I want to create a place where individuals are given meaningful job opportunities based on their strengths, where they are supported rather than judged, and where they are treated with respect and patience. This business would not just be a workplace—it would be a community built on encouragement, inclusion, and dignity. In addition to that, I want to build a career in special education and pediatric occupational therapy so I can support individuals from early childhood through adulthood. I want to help children with autism, developmental delays, and other special needs learn in environments that are designed with their success in mind. I also want to incorporate my interest in interior design for special needs spaces to help create sensory-friendly classrooms and work environments that reduce stress and increase independence. Through my experience in children’s ministry, preschool teaching, and outreach, I have already begun building relationships with children and families who face poverty, instability, and lack of resources. These experiences have shown me how powerful consistency, patience, and compassion can be. I want to continue building those relationships while expanding my impact through education and future professional work. Another example I want to build on is one, if not the most influential, mentor and teacher who showed me what true advocacy looks like. She built confidence in me, believed in me, and went above and beyond for every student she taught. She showed me that one person can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life. I want to carry that forward by building a life and career rooted in advocacy, service, and action. Ultimately, I am building a future where individuals with special needs are not only included but empowered—where they are given the tools, opportunities, and support to live independently and confidently, and where they are always treated with the respect and love they deserve.

Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means more to me than just reaching an academic milestone. It represents breaking barriers, creating new opportunities, and setting an example for future generations in my family. It is something I carry with responsibility. I come from a background where higher education was not always the expected path, not because it wasn’t valued, but because financial challenges often made it difficult to pursue. Knowing that I have the opportunity to change that pattern motivates me to work harder and stay committed to my goals. I want my family to see that it is possible to come from a small town, face challenges, and still achieve something meaningful through dedication and faith. In college, I am pursuing a double major: the first in Child and Family Studies and the second in an individualized major focused on designing interior spaces to accommodate those with special needs. I am also pursuing a minor in emotional disabilities, with my concentration being in autism spectrum disorder. I am also becoming fluent in American Sign Language. I have always felt called to work with children, especially those who need extra support to reach their full potential. Through my experiences in children’s ministry, preschool teaching, and outreach programs, I have seen how important patience, understanding, and encouragement are in a child’s development. I have also seen children who struggle academically or developmentally but thrive when they are given the right support system. I want to learn how to provide that support in a professional, informed, and effective way. Studying special education will give me the tools to better advocate for students with disabilities and ensure they receive the education and resources they deserve. My long-term goals are centered around making a meaningful impact in my community through education and advocacy. I want to become a special education teacher who not only teaches but also advocates fiercely for my students. I strive to be someone who will go above and beyond for my students, to see their potential even when others may not, and to treat every child with dignity and love. I want to create an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success. Beyond the classroom, I hope to continue serving in my community through outreach and ministry work. My goal is to help bridge the gap for children and families who are facing poverty or lack of resources. I want to be someone who not only teaches academic skills but also builds confidence, hope, and opportunity in the lives of others. Ultimately, I want my life and career to reflect compassion, service, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed regardless of their background.

My name is Madison, and I am passionate about pursuing a career in special needs because I want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who learn differently. Growing up with a family member who has special needs gave me a personal understanding of the challenges many children and families face every day. I have seen how important patience, advocacy, and support are in helping children feel valued and capable. Those experiences inspired me to dedicate my future to serving children with disabilities and helping create environments where they can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Because of this passion, I plan to build my education around the needs of the children I hope to serve. I want to include American Sign Language (ASL) and an autism concentration in my studies so I can better communicate with and support students with different learning and communication needs. I believe every child deserves to feel understood, and learning ASL will allow me to connect with students who may communicate differently. Studying autism more deeply will also help me better understand behaviors, sensory needs, and individualized learning strategies so I can create a classroom that is inclusive and supportive for all students. I also hope to create my own individualized major that combines early childhood education, special education, child development, psychology, and communication studies. By designing a program focused specifically on supporting children with disabilities, I will be able to prepare myself more intentionally for the career I feel called to pursue. I want my education to reflect my passion for advocacy and equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to truly make a difference in students’ lives. Outside of academics, I plan to continue volunteering with children with special needs in my community because hands-on experience has already taught me so much about compassion, patience, and understanding. Whether through church programs, community events, or mentoring opportunities, I want to continue building relationships with children and families while learning how to better support their needs. Volunteering has shown me that sometimes the smallest acts of encouragement can make children feel seen, included, and loved. In my future career, I hope to create a positive social impact by advocating for students who are often overlooked or misunderstood. I want to be the teacher and supporter who recognizes each child’s strengths rather than focusing only on their challenges. My goal is to help children with special needs gain confidence in themselves while also helping families feel heard and supported. Through education, advocacy, and service, I hope to create classrooms and communities where every child feels accepted, empowered, and given the opportunity to succeed.

I am passionate about special needs and early childhood education because I believe every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and capable of success. Children learn in many different ways, and I want to be the kind of teacher who recognizes those differences instead of expecting every student to fit into one learning style. Early childhood is such an important stage in a child’s life, and I want to help create an environment where all children feel safe, encouraged, and valued from the very beginning of their education. My passion is also deeply personal because I come from a family with a special needs family member, my special needs brother. Watching his journey has shown me both the challenges and the importance of strong advocacy. I have seen how much of a difference teachers, supportive programs, and understanding people can make in a child’s confidence and growth as they have done mine. I have also witnessed the frustration that comes when individuals with disabilities are misunderstood or not given the support they deserve. They have inspired me to become someone who will speak up for students and ensure their needs are recognized.I strive to advocate for children because I know that every student has unique strengths and abilities, even if they learn differently from others. I want my future classroom to be a place where students are not limited by labels, but instead encouraged to reach their full potential. I hope to help children build confidence in themselves while also helping families feel heard and supported. Special needs and early childhood education are more than just career interests to me—they are opportunities to make a lasting impact. I want to be a teacher who shows compassion, patience, and understanding while helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through advocacy and education, I hope to give children the support they need to succeed and remind them that their differences do not make them less capable, but uniquely valuable.Being part of a family affected by special needs has given me compassion, patience, and a stronger understanding of the importance of advocacy. It has inspired me to dedicate my life to helping children who learn differently and supporting families who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. I do not just want to teach students academically; I want to encourage them, celebrate their progress, and help them see their worth. My goal is to be the kind of educator and advocate that every child deserves—someone who listens, understands, and fights for their opportunity to succeed.

“The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence” means helping a student recognize that they are fully seen, valued, and capable of existing with confidence in their own identity. A “sense of presence” is more than academic success or classroom participation. It is the moment when a student understands, “I matter here. My voice, my thoughts, and my abilities have worth.” For many students, especially those with special needs, this sense does not come automatically. It must be intentionally nurtured through patience, understanding, and consistent support. This idea is deeply personal to me because of my special needs brother, who has developmental delays and autism. Growing up with him has shaped the way I see learning, communication, and human potential. I have watched him experience the world differently than others, and I have also seen how easily he can be overlooked or misunderstood in environments that are not built to support him. At the same time, I have seen his personality, intelligence, and determination shine through in ways that are unique to him. He has taught me that learning is not one-size-fits-all, and that progress can look different for every individual. Most importantly, he has shown me how powerful it is when someone takes the time to truly understand and support a person for who they are, not just what they can or cannot do. Because of this, I am passionate about becoming a special education teacher. I want to be the kind of educator who helps students develop that sense of presence described in this statement—the feeling of being fully seen and understood. My mission is to create a classroom where students are not defined by their diagnoses or their challenges, but instead by their strengths, personalities, and potential. I want each student to feel that they belong, that they are capable of learning, and that their contributions matter. To accomplish this, I would begin by building strong, trusting relationships with my students. Many students in special education have experienced frustration, misunderstanding, or even failure in traditional classroom settings. Because of that, trust becomes the foundation for all learning. I would take the time to learn how each student communicates, what motivates them, and what makes them feel safe and supported. Whether a student uses speech, visuals, assistive technology, or behavior to communicate, I would work to understand their language and respond with patience and respect. When students feel safe with their teacher, they are more willing to engage, take risks, and grow. Another important part of my mission would be individualized instruction. No two students learn in exactly the same way, especially in special education. I would adapt lessons to meet students where they are, using strategies such as visual supports, hands-on activities, structured routines, and step-by-step instruction when needed. I would also celebrate small milestones that may seem minor to others but represent major progress for that individual student. In doing so, I would reinforce the idea that growth is personal and meaningful, not a comparison to others. Equally important, I would focus on helping students develop their voice and independence. A sense of presence grows when a student realizes they have choices and can influence their environment. I would give students opportunities to make decisions in their learning, express preferences, and participate in setting goals for themselves. Even simple choices—such as selecting materials, choosing how to complete a task, or expressing opinions in their own communication style—can build confidence and ownership. Over time, these experiences help students see themselves as active participants in their learning rather than passive observers. My experience with my brother has also taught me the importance of advocacy. I have seen how easily students with special needs can be underestimated or excluded when systems are not designed with them in mind. Because of this, I want to be a teacher who not only supports students in the classroom, but also advocates for them in meetings, collaborates with families, and works with other professionals to ensure they receive the services and respect they deserve. I want to help build consistent support systems that extend beyond school so students can thrive in all areas of life. Ultimately, my passion for special education comes from both personal experience and a deep belief in the value of every child. Inspired by my brother, I have learned that every student has a unique way of experiencing the world, and it is the responsibility of an educator to honor that individuality. As a future special education teacher, my mission is to create an environment where students are not only learning academic skills, but also developing confidence in who they are. I want my classroom to be a place where students discover their strengths, feel valued for their differences, and begin to understand that their presence truly matters.

My long-term goal is to build a career centered around helping children and families through education and child development services. I am currently majoring in Child and Family Studies with an individualized concentration and pursuing a minor in Special Education. My education is preparing me to work with children of all abilities while also allowing me to advocate for inclusive learning environments and stronger family support systems. In the future, I hope to work in a school, early childhood program, or community-based setting where I can make a positive impact on children’s emotional, social, and academic growth. To reach these goals, I have created a plan focused on education, experience, and financial responsibility. First, I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree while maintaining a strong academic standing. I also plan to continue gaining hands-on experience through volunteer work, internships, and classroom opportunities. Working directly with children has already strengthened my communication, patience, and leadership skills, and I know practical experience will continue to prepare me for my future career. Another important part of my plan is continuing to build professional connections with professors, mentors, and educators who can guide me toward career and scholarship opportunities. I also plan to pursue certifications and training related to child development and special education so I can better serve students with different learning needs. Finances are one of the biggest challenges I face while pursuing my education. Tuition, books, housing, transportation, and everyday living expenses continue to increase, making it difficult to manage everything while staying focused on school. My current budget requires balancing educational expenses with personal responsibilities, and scholarships are essential in helping reduce financial stress. Receiving scholarship support would allow me to spend more time focusing on academics, field experience, and professional growth instead of worrying about how to cover costs each semester. In addition to scholarships, I plan to continue budgeting carefully, working when possible, and searching for additional financial resources through local organizations, educational programs, and community support. I understand that success requires flexibility, determination, and preparation, so I am willing to explore multiple paths to achieve my goals. Ultimately, my goal is not only to earn a degree but to use my education to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. I want to create supportive environments where children feel valued, understood, and encouraged to succeed. By continuing my education and gaining meaningful experience, I believe I can become a compassionate and effective professional who positively impacts future generations.