Hi, my name is Maria Garcia-Hidalgo. If I could change anything in education, it would be to create better support systems for teachers. I am currently pursuing my doctorate, and my dissertation or capstone will focus on mentorship and self-efficacy. This focus is close to my heart because I have seen firsthand how teachers struggle without adequate support. I am passionate about building others up, about being an encourager and exhorter, and about creating positive change wherever I can. That desire was instilled in me by my mother, who raised me with the belief that you should always leave things better than you found them. As a single mother herself, she did the best she could with what she had. I am eternally grateful for her strength, resilience, and faith. Now, as life has unfolded, I find myself walking in her shoes. I, too, am a single mother. I, too, am a teacher. I see clearly how many teachers fall through the cracks in the broken system of education. While I may not be able to change the entire educational system at least not yet! I am determined to be part of the solution. I believe that true change starts with a single step, a willing heart, and a commitment to making a difference. I believe one way to begin this change is by creating better support systems for teachers, particularly those who are new to the profession. Teaching today is not what it was even a decade ago. The digital age has transformed the classroom, the students, and the expectations placed on educators. Many teachers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, and emotionally drained. They are not only managing lesson plans and assessments but also navigating the complex social, emotional, and technological needs of their students. It’s clear that our teachers need more than just curriculum training—they need care, connection, and community. That’s why I want to help develop and implement mentorship practices that meet the realities of modern education. We need systems that not only coach teachers on effective classroom strategies but also support their mental and emotional well-being. Teachers should feel empowered, valued, and equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. I dream of creating mentorship programs that blend personal encouragement, practical tools, and faith-driven principles. Programs where experienced educators walk alongside new teachers, offering guidance, listening ears, and prayerful support. Where the emphasis is not just on curriculum, but on building confidence, fostering resilience, and nurturing the whole person. These programs could be the key to transforming teacher retention, job satisfaction, and ultimately student success. Teachers’ emotional and mental health is at stake, and I believe God has called me to be a voice of hope and a vessel of change. I may not be able to overhaul the system overnight, but I can take steps. Through my research, through my leadership, and through my daily interactions with colleagues and students, I will be part of the solution. Ultimately, I believe that by strengthening support systems for teachers, we will also strengthen the students, schools, and communities they serve. It’s a ripple effect of encouragement and empowerment, and I am honored to play a role in it. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more about my vision for change in education.

My name is Maria Garcia-Hidalgo, I am a single mother and I wanf to tell and show you about my community. My community isn’t just my school. It isn’t limited to my students, my church home, or even Sulphur Springs. My community is everyone I encounter. Everywhere I go, I see connections, opportunities to serve, and moments to encourage others. Where do I begin? I start with my faith. It’s my foundation and my guide. Through prayer and seeking God’s wisdom, I’ve learned to invest my time, effort, and heart into building others up. I’ve poured my gifts and talents into my students, church family, and community members, striving to make a positive impact wherever I am. This is how I build community, by serving, encouraging, and being present. I’ve been blessed by incredible students who inspire me daily, by an amazing church family that supports me spiritually, and by my hometown, which has given me deep roots. I am deeply loved and supported, and because of that, I yearn to give back to every place where I’ve been blessed. This desire fuels my determination to grow personally, spiritually, and professionally. That’s why I’m back in school, working on my doctorate. I want to become a better educator, a stronger leader, and a more effective servant. I believe education isn’t just a personal journey. It is a way to uplift everyone around me. By pursuing my doctorate, I’m preparing to give back more fully to my school, church, and broader community. But the most important community I belong to is my home. My children are my biggest cheerleaders, and I am theirs. They inspire me every day to keep going, even when the journey is challenging. Through my educational journey, I’m showing them the value of perseverance, the importance of chasing dreams, and the vision of a brighter future. I want them to see that it’s possible to balance faith, family, and career, and that every effort we make can leave a lasting legacy. Ultimately, earning my doctorate is not just about personal achievement. It’s about creating ripples of impact in every area of my life, home, school, church, and community. I believe that by investing in myself and trusting God’s plan, I can be a blessing to others, just as so many have been a blessing to me. Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you!

Rooted in Purpose, Growing in Grace My name is Maria, and if I had to sum up my journey in one phrase, it would be this: grace-fueled and purpose-driven. I’m a single mother of three amazing kids, a full-time teacher, and a doctoral student pursuing my Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Instructional Design and Technology. Life is full, and sometimes overwhelming, but I wouldn’t trade this season for anything—because I know I’m walking in the calling God has placed over my life. Education has always been my anchor and my launching pad. I hold a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Bachelor's in Business with a minor in Marketing. I’ve worn many hats—Purchasing Coordinator, Academic Advisor, Special Education Co-Teacher, and now, a Career and Technical Education teacher. I teach Financial Literacy and Math to high school seniors, many of whom are preparing to take their first real steps into adulthood. I don’t take that lightly. My classroom isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing mindsets, building confidence, and equipping students with tools that can truly change their futures. My career and life aspirations go far beyond the classroom. I am a certified Life Coach and plan to expand my coaching practice to serve women and educators who are ready to step into their God-given calling. I also hope to become an Educational Consultant, training teachers in areas like instructional design, technology integration, and purposeful lesson planning. One day, I want to open a faith-based coffee shop called La Bendición Café, where people can worship, journal, connect, and grow—over a cup of oatmilk HEB coffee, of course! (Yes—it has to be HEB coffee. It’s a staple in my house.) My biggest passion is encouraging others—especially women and educators—to live boldly and intentionally. I currently host a podcast called Be the Encourager, where I talk about faith, life, and choosing joy even in hard seasons. I’ve served in my church and local ministries and love being active in my community—whether that’s mentoring students, volunteering, or simply being present when someone needs prayer or encouragement. Like many adult learners, I’ve taken out student loans to pursue my educational goals. Paying them down faster would free up resources to invest back into my coaching business, attend professional development conferences, and create more resources for other educators and faith-based communities. The money I save would go directly toward building sustainable impact—not just for me, but for my family, my students, and the communities I serve. I’m not just pursuing degrees—I’m building a legacy. One rooted in faith, family, education, and encouragement. I believe in sowing seeds of purpose, and this scholarship would be another reminder that hard work, hope, and heart truly make a difference.

A Calling Beyond the Classroom I didn’t just become a teacher—teaching found me in the middle of life’s unexpected turns. It wasn't a moment, but a journey of grace, grit, and growth that led me here. As a single mother of three, pursuing my doctorate, working full-time, and still finding joy in teaching every day, I can say confidently: God placed me exactly where I need to be. And He’s not done yet. What inspired me to become a teacher wasn’t one person or one moment—it was a series of life experiences that revealed how powerful education is when it meets compassion and purpose. Growing up, I didn’t always feel seen in the classroom. I was the bilingual kid, the quiet one with big dreams, but not always the confidence to share them. I knew what it felt like to sit in a desk and feel unnoticed. So when I stepped into my first classroom as a teacher, I made a promise: No student would ever leave my classroom feeling invisible. I was inspired by the kind of teacher I never had but always needed—someone who saw potential even in the mess, who believed before the results came in, and who led with love first. Now, as a CTE and math teacher, I get to live out that mission daily. I teach seniors on the edge of graduation, many unsure of what comes next. I see the uncertainty in their eyes—but I also see the spark. My goal isn’t just to teach financial literacy or math—it’s to help them believe they can take control of their lives, their money, and their mindset. I plan to use my own experiences—not just the polished victories, but the behind-the-scenes struggles—to inspire my students and others around me. I share stories with my students. I tell them about the late nights, the fear of failing, the prayers whispered in the car on the way to work. I tell them about how I went back to school after having kids, how I learned to build a budget the hard way, and how I’m still learning every day. When they see someone real, someone who’s walked through the fire and still kept the faith—they begin to believe they can do it too. Teaching, for me, is just one piece of a bigger calling. I dream of becoming an educational consultant who helps train teachers, especially in underserved areas, to integrate compassion, creativity, and culturally relevant content in their classrooms. I also plan to expand my work as a life coach, focusing on helping people—especially women and educators—step into their God-given purpose. And yes, I dream of opening a faith-based coffee shop called La Bendición Café, where conversations, creativity, and community are all stirred with a good cup of coffee. Every part of my journey—my faith, my struggles, my motherhood, my love for learning—has shaped the way I teach and the way I lead. I believe our classrooms are sacred spaces. Not just for academics, but for life-change. Every lesson I teach is more than content—it’s a chance to speak life, to call out purpose, and to remind students that their future isn’t limited by their past or present. I’m inspired daily by my own children, who watch me juggle so much with hope and hustle. I want them—and my students—to see that you don’t have to be perfect to pursue purpose. You just have to show up, stay faithful, and keep walking in the direction of growth. In the end, my story is still being written. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: I didn’t choose teaching because it was easy. I chose it because it matters. And I plan to use every experience—every failure, every breakthrough, every answered prayer—to inspire the next generation to rise up, live boldly, and never stop learning.

In 2018, I found myself at a significant crossroads. My marriage had ended, leaving me with two young children and barely enough income from a job that didn’t cover our needs. During this challenging time, I discovered I was pregnant with my third child. My faith was all I had left, yet even that felt fragile. Still, with only faith and the love of my children to guide me, I leaped and began working toward my teaching certification to become a special education teacher. Although I had little to no experience in special education, I was driven by a desire to teach and make a difference. It was during this time that I found a church home—a supportive community that embraced me exactly where I was. This church family surrounded me with prayer, support, and encouragement, allowing me to experience a type of love and acceptance that I had never known. I found myself leaning on their wisdom and strength, learning from them as they witnessed to me the power of God’s promises. They provided a space where I could grow, learn, and heal. As I prepared to give birth to my third child, I stood firmly in faith, declaring God’s promises of provision and guidance. I relied on these promises to help me through the demands of pregnancy, motherhood, and my rigorous coursework for teaching certification. Faith became the foundation on which I built every step forward. It transformed me slowly, providing strength I didn’t know I had and resilience that carried me through each challenge. My faith journey didn’t end with obtaining my certification; it was only the beginning. I experienced a deeper call to serve in education, and I felt that teaching was more than just a job—it was a ministry. Faith gave me the courage to face new obstacles, including raising my children alone, managing finances, and continuing to pursue my career. I leaned on my faith during long nights and uncertain times, trusting that God was guiding me through. Since those days, I have seen how faith has opened doors I never expected. I went on to earn a master’s degree and am now pursuing a doctorate. Each step has been a testament to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that my life is meant for a purpose beyond myself. I am here to bring glory to Him through my work, my family, and the way I live each day. Faith has not only shaped my career path but has also been the anchor in my healing journey. I’ve learned to trust God’s timing and guidance through it all. Each accomplishment, each moment of growth, and each victory, big or small, is a testament to the transformative power of faith in my life.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities as a single mother of three, a full-time CTE teacher, and a doctoral student. Managing my time and energy across these roles required careful planning and strong resilience. I developed a structured routine to overcome this challenge, incorporated effective time management strategies, and reached out for support when needed. I learned to be structured to serve at home, school, work, and church. I firmly believe that our lives are meant to be greater than ourselves; it is humbling to know that I get to do this. I get to be a mother, a teacher, and a doctorate student in a world that boxes or places limitations. I have lived a life that defies the logic of culture and challenges me in my faith to believe and do the impossible. My greatest strength is my perseverance and commitment to my goals, even when facing complex challenges. An example is my journey through my doctoral studies while maintaining my responsibilities at home and work. I also see an opportunity to grow in balancing these commitments, learning to prioritize self-care alongside my aspirations. I am a first-generation Latina and the oldest child; as I grew up and became a mother, I knew my drive and determination would be my most significant asset, next to my faith, to pursue greatness and be an example for my children. As I work toward completing my doctoral degree, balancing my teaching career, parenting, and my studies remains a significant challenge. To support this journey, I have implemented a detailed schedule and built a support network of family and colleagues who provide encouragement and practical help when needed. My family is my driving force next to Jesus, and I want to advance my career to teach others to find their calling and pursue their best lives. I am deeply committed to my role as an educator and a parent. I am pursuing this degree to advance my career and set an example for my children. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies while reducing financial stress, enabling me to dedicate myself fully to my academic and professional goals. With the support of my family and friends, I have learned to lean in and ask for help from others. I learned to lay down my pride and embrace the village, which is home. These scholarships are blessings that allow me to focus my attention on my family and my studies. Without the help, I would otherwise have to pursue a second job, taking time away from my family and studies. This scholarship would allow me to pursue and implement my time better while I do not shy away from work. I've learned to value the importance of prioritization and time management. My kids are growing; my daughter is a year from graduation, my son is in the middle, and my youngest is in kindergarten. My time is precious with them; for me to love and serve them is an honor and a way of showing them that anything and everything is possible for one who believes!

One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities as a single mother of three, a full-time CTE teacher, and a doctoral student. Managing my time and energy across these roles required careful planning and strong resilience. I developed a structured routine to overcome this challenge, incorporated effective time management strategies, and reached out for support when needed. I learned to be structured to serve at home, school, work, and church. I firmly believe that our lives are meant to be greater than ourselves; it is humbling to know that I get to do this. I get to be a mother, a teacher, and a doctorate student in a world that boxes or places limitations. I have lived a life that defies the logic of culture and challenges me in my faith to believe and do the impossible. My greatest strength is my perseverance and commitment to my goals, even when facing complex challenges. An example is my journey through my doctoral studies while maintaining my responsibilities at home and work. I also see an opportunity to grow in balancing these commitments, learning to prioritize self-care alongside my aspirations. I am a first-generation Latina and the oldest child; as I grew up and became a mother, I knew my drive and determination would be my most significant asset, next to my faith, to pursue greatness and be an example for my children. As I work toward completing my doctoral degree, balancing my teaching career, parenting, and my studies remains a significant challenge. To support this journey, I have implemented a detailed schedule and built a support network of family and colleagues who provide encouragement and practical help when needed. My family is my driving force next to Jesus, and I want to advance my career to teach others to find their calling and pursue their best lives. I am deeply committed to my role as an educator and a parent. I am pursuing this degree to advance my career and set an example for my children. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies while reducing financial stress, enabling me to dedicate myself fully to my academic and professional goals. With the support of my family and friends, I have learned to lean in and ask for help from others. I learned to lay down my pride and embrace the village, which is home. These scholarships are blessings that allow me to focus my attention on my family and my studies. Without the help, I would otherwise have to pursue a second job, taking time away from my family and studies. This scholarship would allow me to pursue and implement my time better while I do not shy away from work. I've learned to value the importance of prioritization and time management. My kids are growing; my daughter is a year from graduation, my son is in the middle, and my youngest is in kindergarten. My time is precious with them; for me to love and serve them is an honor and a way of showing them that anything and everything is possible for one who believes!

One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities as a single mother of three, a full-time CTE teacher, and a doctoral student. Managing my time and energy across these roles required careful planning and strong resilience. I developed a structured routine to overcome this challenge, incorporated effective time management strategies, and reached out for support when needed. I learned to be structured to serve at home, school, work, and church. I firmly believe that our lives are meant to be greater than ourselves; it is humbling to know that I get to do this. I get to be a mother, a teacher, and a doctorate student in a world that boxes or places limitations. I have lived a life that defies the logic of culture and challenges me in my faith to believe and do the impossible. My greatest strength is my perseverance and commitment to my goals, even when facing complex challenges. An example is my journey through my doctoral studies while maintaining my responsibilities at home and work. I also see an opportunity to grow in balancing these commitments, learning to prioritize self-care alongside my aspirations. I am a first-generation Latina and the oldest child; as I grew up and became a mother, I knew my drive and determination would be my most significant asset, next to my faith, to pursue greatness and be an example for my children. As I work toward completing my doctoral degree, balancing my teaching career, parenting, and my studies remains a significant challenge. To support this journey, I have implemented a detailed schedule and built a support network of family and colleagues who provide encouragement and practical help when needed. My family is my driving force next to Jesus, and I want to advance my career to teach others to find their calling and pursue their best lives. I am deeply committed to my role as an educator and a parent. I am pursuing this degree to advance my career and set an example for my children. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies while reducing financial stress, enabling me to dedicate myself fully to my academic and professional goals. With the support of my family and friends, I have learned to lean in and ask for help from others. I learned to lay down my pride and embrace the village, which is home. These scholarships are blessings that allow me to focus my attention on my family and my studies. Without the help, I would otherwise have to pursue a second job, taking time away from my family and studies. This scholarship would allow me to pursue and implement my time better while I do not shy away from work. I've learned to value the importance of prioritization and time management. My kids are growing; my daughter is a year from graduation, my son is in the middle, and my youngest is in kindergarten. My time is precious with them; for me to love and serve them is an honor and a way of showing them that anything and everything is possible for one who believes!

One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities as a single mother of three, a full-time CTE teacher, and a doctoral student. Managing my time and energy across these roles required careful planning and strong resilience. I developed a structured routine to overcome this challenge, incorporated effective time management strategies, and reached out for support when needed. I learned to be structured to serve at home, school, work, and church. I firmly believe that our lives are meant to be greater than ourselves; it is humbling to know that I get to do this. I get to be a mother, a teacher, and a doctorate student in a world that boxes or places limitations. I have lived a life that defies the logic of culture and challenges me in my faith to believe and do the impossible. My greatest strength is my perseverance and commitment to my goals, even when facing complex challenges. An example is my journey through my doctoral studies while maintaining my responsibilities at home and work. I also see an opportunity to grow in balancing these commitments, learning to prioritize self-care alongside my aspirations. I am a first-generation Latina and the oldest child; as I grew up and became a mother, I knew my drive and determination would be my most significant asset, next to my faith, to pursue greatness and be an example for my children. As I work toward completing my doctoral degree, balancing my teaching career, parenting, and my studies remains a significant challenge. To support this journey, I have implemented a detailed schedule and built a support network of family and colleagues who provide encouragement and practical help when needed. My family is my driving force next to Jesus, and I want to advance my career to teach others to find their calling and pursue their best lives.  I am deeply committed to my role as an educator and a parent. I am pursuing this degree to advance my career and set an example for my children. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies while reducing financial stress, enabling me to dedicate myself fully to my academic and professional goals. With the support of my family and friends, I have learned to lean in and ask for help from others. I learned to lay down my pride and embrace the village, which is home. These scholarships are blessings that allow me to focus my attention on my family and my studies. Without the help, I would otherwise have to pursue a second job, taking time away from my family and studies. This scholarship would allow me to pursue and implement my time better while I do not shy away from work. I've learned to value the importance of prioritization and time management. My kids are growing; my daughter is a year from graduation, my son is in the middle, and my youngest is in kindergarten. My time is precious with them; for me to love and serve them is an honor and a way of showing them that anything and everything is possible for one who believes!