Thank you for this opportunity to apply, and thank you for providing such a generous scholarship award. My name is Mara Farmer. I was raised by a strong and resilient single mother. I grew up in Ann Arbor, but have been a Spartan fan since I can remember - go Green! During my elementary school years, I struggled in the classroom. I couldn't spell. I wasn't using vowels when writing. I couldn't understand what I was reading. I had emotional outbursts on the way home from school almost daily. It wasn't until third grade that a teacher recognized I had trouble reading. I was put into a 504 and had reading support for the rest of the third and fourth grades. Unfortunately, nothing was working. I was finally diagnosed with Disphonic Dyslexia, ADHD and a few other issues to round out my learning disabilities. It was a relief, but also terrifying. My mother raised me and my brother to be advocates for ourselves, and to speak up for others. Once I was diagnosed I realized that if I wanted to succeed I needed to do just that. My IEP gave me opportunities to succeed in school, but I had to advocate and remind a few of my teachers along the way of the help I would need to be successful. It made a difference having teachers who made me feel empowered, confident and 'normal'. It also made a difference to advocate. I feel fortunate to have been raised by a strong woman, and also fortunate to have the teachers I did growing up. I've always wanted to be of service to others, and as I grew older and had my struggles with learning, I knew without a doubt I wanted to be an educator. The influences of Suzanne Dickie, Dave Almassy, Andrew Nalepa, and my Fifth Grade Teacher and hero, Kelsey Lafferty, who embody all I strive to be when I am an educator, helped shape my specific major into Special Education. I was able to learn without being afraid of failing, able to ask questions and able to reflect on where I could do better the next time with their support. I was able to have a strong GPA throughout high school. Throughout my school years, I volunteered for Peer to Peer Mentoring, which is a program that provides opportunities for social interaction between a 'typical student' and those with significant social and communication challenges. Over the years, I built relationships with a variety of students: those with ASD, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, or a combination thereof. I saw opportunities to improve the way students felt about themselves. This further solidified my decision to major in Special Education. I want to empower and instill confidence in students and help them find their path to be successful in whatever they want to become. I want to encourage them to take on new challenges and know that their teacher will be there to support them, even if they fail after taking a risk. I want to contribute to policy changes and help shape the way we approach kids with special needs in the public school system. I don't imagine those entering into the teaching profession are driven by money. It is for the dedicated, driven and passionate individuals that want to be of service to others, that want to contribute to the next generations' minds to come.

My name is Mara Farmer. My passion is to help those with disabilities and challenges achieve their dreams of whatever they chose to become. I have a learning disability that made me feel insecure and less confident as a child, but after learning how to advocate for myself, I have been able to overcome a lot of challenges. I believe that every person, even the simplest of persons has a uniqueness about them. I am going into a career that will help those with special needs find their uniqueness and allow them to be themselves. I hope to make a difference in educational experiences and make positive impacts by contributing, changing, and growing our education system for the better. I've always wanted to do something to help others and teaching has always fascinated me. In high school, I took Peer Connections, a class where students are assigned a peer for the trimester who they’ll mentor, within academic and social contexts. One of the students with special needs, Jayden, was being mentored by another student. I noticed Jayden was often dismissed by his mentor and unfortunately faculty. He wasn’t respected. I shared what I witnessed with his teacher. I didn’t get the reaction I hoped for, and I felt like Jayden wasn’t fully seen. I wondered if he left school feeling insecure, or bad about himself. Is anyone giving him the confidence to be who he is? Seeing this interaction at school confirmed for me, that this is my calling. I can help us do better and can work to make the learning community safe and enjoyable for everyone. This is a career you don't do for money, you do it to better the community and to better kids' lives. I enjoy spending time with friends. I also love my job as a host in a prominent restaurant in town. I think everyone should work in customer service, especially in restaurants. I've learned so much about people skills that are invaluable and I know they'll be lifelong skills I'll use. Before working more this past Senior Year I was on the Crew Team and rowed since middle school. When I'm not working, I like to go to the Huron River and watch sunsets, go for long drives, and I also love to paint and go for hikes. Well, hiking is my least favorite activity but I like to be outdoors so I push myself to do it! Thank you!

I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life, and it wasn't until I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities that I learned how to manage my mental health too. I am quite sure my learning challenges contributed to my anxiety and stress. I learned how to advocate for myself as it related to my learning disability and it made me realize that I had to also do the same for my mental well-being. I have learned how to balance my academics, work and social life much better, which meant I had to make sacrifices to achieve this balance. It's part of growing, and I feel like it has made me even more ready for college. Things I do when I start to feel anxious or stressed are paint, spend time outdoors or go on long drives, and take quiet time when I'm feeling anxious. I also seek therapy when necessary, and it's been so beneficial. I also believe that mental health and physical health can cause the other to 'thrive or dive' and I work on both of these aspects in my life. If I didn't take care of my mental health, I do believe I would not be ready for this next amazing chapter of my life. There are so many teens suffering and/or working on their mental health for so many reasons. In my inner circle, we all lift each other and work to maintain mental wellness. Our generation is not afraid to speak up or ask for help. I will be pursuing a degree in Special Education. My passion is to help those with disabilities and challenges achieve their dreams of whatever they chose to become. I hope to make a difference in educational experiences by contributing, changing, and growing our education system for the better. I want to help both kids and families recognize stressors and support children as they grow and learn. I've always wanted to do something to help others and teaching has always fascinated me. In elementary school, I volunteered for the Peer-to-Peer Program; I’d spend time with students that were disabled, physically or mentally, or both. In high school, I took Peer Connections, a class where students are assigned a peer for the trimester who they’ll mentor, within academic and social contexts. This is a career you don't do for money, you do it to better the community and to better kids' lives.