I am passionate about special education because it combines patience, creativity, and heart in a way no other field does. These students are not “different” in the sense of being less; they are different in the sense of bringing perspectives the world needs. Teaching them requires adapting lessons, celebrating small victories, and building environments where progress is measured not only by grades but by growth. I have had direct experience with this with my own sister. My older sister is part of the deaf/blind community and has a rare syndrome called Goltz. Often, as a child, I was tasked with looking out for her and would have to stand up for her when other kids would make fun of her. My experiences growing up have left me with an immense desire to work with and help other children with special needs. I watched my mom fight to have fair accommodations for her in school. I inherited that same fire to fight for kids in need, like my sister. I have worked with children who struggle to tie their shoes but can create entire worlds out of Lego bricks. I have worked with students who cannot yet read but can sing songs word for word with pure joy. Special education requires seeing beyond challenges to recognize potential. This profession calls me because I believe every child deserves someone who will see them fully, not just their disability. My mission can be summed up in three words: presence, empowerment, and belonging. I will create classrooms where students feel safe to express themselves, whether through words, art, gestures, or silence. Each child will learn that their way of being in the world has value. I will design instruction that meets students where they are and helps them build confidence in their abilities. Success looks different for every student, and I will celebrate each milestone as evidence of growth. Too often, students with special needs feel isolated. I will foster inclusive communities where students support one another, respect differences, and learn that everyone belongs. How will I help my students experience their sense of presence? I envision doing this in several ways: First, personalized learning; every child learns differently. I will adapt my teaching methods—using visuals, hands-on activities, and assistive technologies—to ensure that each student’s strengths shine. Second, celebrating progress; presence grows when students see evidence of their own improvement. I will track small victories, whether it’s a new word spoken, a task completed independently, or a moment of kindness shared. Third, building confidence; Confidence is key to presence. I will design lessons that allow students to succeed often, reinforcing that they are capable of growth and learning. Fourth, encouraging voice; Presence requires expression. Whether through art, speech devices, or movement, I will encourage students to communicate in whatever form suits them best. Fifth, Cultivating Resilience; I will teach students that mistakes are not failures but stepping stones. By modeling patience and persistence, I will help them learn that their presence includes both strengths and struggles. I believe I will succeed in this profession because I bring patience, creativity, and unwavering commitment. I know how to celebrate small victories, how to adapt when one method fails, and how to advocate fiercely for students who cannot always advocate for themselves. I do not see disabilities as roadblocks but as invitations to teach differently. I am also motivated by gratitude. Education has shaped who I am, giving me mentors who believed in me even when I doubted myself. I want to pay that forward for children who need someone to believe in them. In the end, my passion for special education is both deeply personal and profoundly purposeful. Growing up with my sister taught me the importance of advocacy, patience, and unconditional acceptance, and my experiences in classrooms have shown me the extraordinary potential that lies within every child. As a future special education teacher, my mission is to help students discover their own presence, build confidence in their abilities, and know they belong. I want to be the teacher who not only adapts lessons but also champions voices, celebrates every milestone, and shines a light on the strengths others might overlook. To me, this profession is not just a career; it is a calling, and I am committed to answering it with all of my heart.