Whether I’m a dragon rider, princess, or wizard, reading is my peace and favorite hobby. However, books are not accessible to everyone. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to access books, until my library launched a free reading app that brought solace during those challenging times. Reading helps emotional health by helping you feel different emotions and helps you understand those around you. As an aspiring teacher, my unique contribution to making mental health care affordable and accessible would be to encourage reading and making books more accessible. Organizing book drives at schools and libraries can help. People can donate books which would be distributed for free, fostering community and offering a hobby that improves mental health. School book clubs would improve mental health by bringing students with common interests together. Fundraising can be done for students who can’t afford books at book fairs, making children happy and alleviating financial stress for parents. Social media can be utilized to encourage reading and provide anyone with free online resources including, free books, online book clubs, and other mental health resources, so they can get the support they need. Additionally, coordinating events with libraries to issue library cards will give people free resources, including digital libraries which have helped me. This is particularly helpful for those without transportation, those with disabilities, or those who prefer the comfort of their own home. Reading has always provided comfort, adventure, and a calming effect for me that all people should experience.

I often get asked, “What do you like to watch on TV?” And my answer has always been, “Who needs TV when you have books?” The characters who I deeply resonate with have become my literary companions who have enriched my understanding of the world and have played a pivotal role in shaping my goals and aspirations. My love for reading was kindled in elementary school, the story of "Matilda" by Roald Dahl has left an undeniable mark on me. Matilda had neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress. What resonated with me the most about Matilda's character was her unwavering determination to learn and grow, despite her challenging circumstances. Matilda taught herself to read and used her powerful mind to solve problems. Matilda's story taught me a fundamental lesson: life circumstances should never be allowed to hinder one's pursuit of knowledge. Her resilience showed that without risk there is no reward, and her commitment to her education instilled in me the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal empowerment, capable of transcending adversity. As I continued to explore the world of literature, I came across "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros. This novel, brimming with the dreams and struggles of Esperanza, a young Latina girl, resonated deeply with me as a minority student. Esperanza's intense desire for a better life and her use of poetry to express her hopes and aspirations showcased the profound impact of education on one's journey. Through her character, I learned that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about finding one's voice and using it to shape a brighter future. The "Harry Potter" series, with its enchanting world of magic, introduced me to Hermione Grange. Hermione felt like an outsider to the wizarding world, but she quite literally “turned” her negative feelings into something positive. She was so dedicated to her studies, that she used a Time Turner to go back in time just so she could take as many classes as she wanted. She was often ridiculed by her peers for her fierce determination, but her unwavering determination allowed her to reach her goals. Her character reinforced the idea that knowledge is a source of power, and it inspired me to approach my own education with the same enthusiasm and diligence. "The Freedom Writers Diary" by Erin Gruwell offered a powerful glimpse into the transformative influence of dedicated educators. This book vividly portrays how a teacher can make an enormous difference in the lives of students, particularly those facing adversity. Erin Gruwell's unwavering commitment to her students, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, served as a poignant reminder of the vital role teachers play in nurturing students' potential. "The Freedom Writers Diary" solidified my desire to pursue a career in education, with the aspiration of becoming a teacher who empowers students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. These books have pushed me to pursue my passion for education. My goal is to be a lifelong learner and encourage my future students to do the same. As an education major and a minority student, these lessons have deeply influenced my goals. I aspire to be an educator who fosters a love for learning, just as Matilda, Esperanza, Ms.Gruwell, and Hermione did for me. I aim to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment that empowers students to overcome adversity, find their voices, and pursue their dreams. My goal is to instill in my future students the belief that education is a powerful tool for self-improvement and societal change.

As an education major and an aspiring kindergarten teacher, my foremost goal is to instill a lifelong love for reading in my young learners. Developing strong reading skills from an early age not only lays the foundation for academic success but also cultivates a love for literature. Through a combination of interactive activities, individualized plans, and strong connections with parents, I aim to create an environment where each child feels empowered to read. To effectively impart the importance of reading to my students, I will harness my own passion for literature. By demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for books and storytelling, I aim to create a classroom where curiosity and excitement about reading flourish. Interactive read-aloud will be the cornerstone of my approach. By selecting captivating and age-appropriate texts, I can model fluent reading, introduce vocabulary, and enhance comprehension. To cater to the diverse learning styles and developmental stages of kindergarten students, I plan to integrate a variety of interactive activities into my reading instruction. Letter recognition games will form an engaging introduction to the alphabet, to help students identify letters. Phonetic awareness exercises such as rhyming words and sound blending activities will be the key to enhancing children's abilities to recognize and manipulate individual sounds within words. When reading out loud to my students teaching proper enunciation and “sounding it out” will encourage my students to decode unfamiliar words, promoting a sense of achievement and self-efficacy in their reading journey. I recognize that students have unique needs and abilities and I will also be committed to developing individualized reading plans for students. This may involve one-on-one reading sessions, guided reading groups, and regular assessments to help identify areas of strength and areas where students may require additional support. Lastly, I understand that learning starts at home. To reinforce the importance of reading at home, I plan to establish a strong connection with parents. Regular communication, and providing online and tangible resources for parents will help them contribute to their child’s literacy development. I still remember my kindergarten experience where my teacher gave students individualized sight words for parents to practice with their child. In conclusion, my approach to incorporating reading instruction into my future kindergarten classroom revolves around fostering a genuine love and understanding of reading. Through a combination of interactive activities, individualized plans, and strong connections with parents, I aim to create an environment where children feel empowered to read, By instilling a passion for reading early on, I hope to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of joyful learning and discovery for my students.

My journey as an education major and a minority student has been deeply influenced by the books I've had the privilege of reading. These literary companions have not only enriched my understanding of the world but have also played a pivotal role in shaping my goals and aspirations. My love for reading was kindled in elementary school, and among the many stories that left an unforgettable mark on me, “Matilda” by Roald Dahl stands out prominently. Matilda had neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress. What resonated with me the most about Matilda's character was her unwavering determination to learn and grow, despite her challenging circumstances. Matilda taught herself to read and used her powerful mind to solve problems. She even used cereal boxes to learn multiplication! Matilda's story taught me a fundamental lesson: life circumstances should never be allowed to hinder one's pursuit of knowledge. Her resilience and commitment to her education instilled the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal empowerment, capable of transcending adversity. As I continued to explore the world of literature, I came across “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. This novel, brimming with the dreams and struggles of Esperanza, a young Latina girl, resonated with me as a minority student. Esperanza’s fervent desire for a better life and her use of poetry to express her hopes and aspirations showcase the profound impact of education on one’s journey. Through her character, I learned that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about finding one’s voice and using it to shape a brighter future. “The Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin Gruwell offered a powerful glimpse into the transformative influence of dedicated educators. This book vividly portrays how a teacher can make an enormous difference in the lives of students, particularly those facing adversity. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Erin Gruwell’s unwavering commitment to her students served as a poignant reminder of the vital role teachers play in nurturing students' potential. “The Freedom Writers Diary” solidified my desire to pursue a career in education, with the aspiration of becoming a teacher who empowers students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. The "Harry Potter" series, with its enchanting world of magic, introduced me to Hermione Granger, a character I deeply admired. Hermione felt like an outsider to the wizarding world, but she “turned” her negative feelings into something positive. She was so dedicated to her studies that she used a Time Turner to go back in time so she could take as many classes as she wanted. Her character reinforced the idea that knowledge is a source of power, and it inspired me to approach my education with the same enthusiasm and diligence. From these books, I have gleaned several vital lessons. Education is not merely about accumulating facts and figures but is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth. It is a force capable of breaking down barriers and opening doors to a brighter future. As an education major and a minority student, these lessons have deeply influenced my goals. I aspire to be an educator who Fosters a love for learning, just as Matilda, Esperanza, Ms. Gruwell, and Hermione did for me. I am to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment that empowers students to overcome adversity, find their voices, and pursue their dreams. My goal is to instill in my future students the belief that education is a powerful tool for self-improvement and societal change.

As I prepare to become an educator, I reflect on my love for learning. 2009 marked the start of my kindergarten journey, coinciding with my father's return from the military. Observing him take on the role of our sole provider instilled responsibility and leadership in me. My mother, without a college education, nurtured my learning through reading, flashcards, and songs. Six more children later, my parents still ensure I'm doing well in my studies. As the eldest daughter in a double minority home, I strive to get my degree for myself, for my parents who have worked tirelessly to get me here, especially my mom who didn't have the opportunity to achieve higher education and to be a good role model for my younger siblings. Growing up in a family of nine, made some things feel impossible. One of those things has been attempting to buy a house. In 2020, I moved three times during my junior year of high school after the house we were renting was abruptly sold by the owners. I had never in my life felt more hopeless, but my parents persevered, my dad, working every overtime shift he could. Most kids hustle through sports, clubs, and volunteering experience to get into a good college. I chose grades, and while my parents worked to get us into a home, I stayed on top of my classes to get where I am today. Today my family is still renting a home. We want to buy our own home, but one of the biggest struggles my parents have faced is having doors closed to them when realtors see a black man and a Guatemalan woman together. Soon I will be moving into an on-campus apartment. As the oldest of seven, and entering my second year of college, I feel that it's time for me to gain some independence, create new experiences, and spend more time studying. I do not want to cause my parents any burdens with my apartment, as they have to pay for my younger sister’s dorm. One of the most significant ways the scholarship will impact my journey is by helping me afford Housing close to my school. Living near campus will not only save valuable time commuting but also grant me access to the resources my school provides. The library, academic support sessions, and extracurricular activities are essential components of the college experience I do not want to miss out on. The scholarship will alleviate the financial strain of housing costs allowing me to engage in an enriching academic environment that my college offers fully. I refuse to let financial limitations define my future. I'm pursuing a degree in education with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Being able to focus on my studies without the constant worry of Financial strain will be transformative. With this support, I can dedicate myself to my education, to my courses, and to develop the skills needed to provide quality education to the next generation. This will help me come closer to achieving my degree and the power to inspire young minds from diverse backgrounds like myself. Furthermore, the scholarship will help me cover the ever-rising cost of living and other educational expenses. It will ease the burden on my family, allowing them to redirect their limited resources toward my six younger siblings' needs. The scholarship will not only propel me closer to my degree and dream of becoming a teacher but also provide a glimmer of hope for my siblings, showing them that higher education is attainable, regardless of our financial situation.

As I prepare to become an educator, I reflect on my love for learning. 2009 marked the start of my kindergarten journey, coinciding with my father's return from the military. Observing him take on the role of our sole provider instilled responsibility and leadership in me. My mother, without a college education, nurtured my learning through reading, flashcards, and songs. Six more children later, my parents still ensure I'm doing well in my studies. As the eldest daughter in a double minority home, I strive to get my degree for myself, for my parents who have worked tirelessly to get me here, especially my mom who didn't have the opportunity to achieve higher education and to be a good role model for my younger siblings. Growing up in a family of nine, made some things feel impossible. One of those things has been attempting to buy a house. In 2020, I moved three times during my junior year of high school after the house we were renting was abruptly sold by the owners. I had never in my life felt more hopeless, but my parents stayed vigilant, my dad working every overtime shift he could. Most kids hustle through sports, clubs, and volunteering experience to get into a good college. I chose grades, and while my parents worked to get us into a home, I stayed on top of my classes to get where I am today. Today my family is still renting a home. We want to buy our own home, but one of the biggest struggles my parents have faced is having doors closed to them when realtors see a black man and a Guatemalan woman together. Soon I will be moving into an on-campus apartment. As the oldest of seven, and entering my second year of college, I feel that it's time for me to gain some independence, create new experiences, and spend more time studying. I do not want to cause my parents any burdens with my apartment. One of the most significant ways the scholarship will impact my journey is by helping me afford Housing close to my school. Living near campus will not only save valuable time commuting but also grant me access to the resources my school provides. The library, academic support sessions, and extracurricular activities are essential components of the college experience I do not want to miss out on. The scholarship will alleviate the financial strain of housing costs allowing me to engage in an enriching academic environment that my college offers fully. I refuse to let financial limitations define my future. I'm pursuing a degree in education with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Being able to focus on my studies without the constant worry of Financial strain will be transformative. With this support, I can dedicate myself to my education, to my courses, and to develop the skills needed to provide quality education to the next generation. This will help me come closer to achieving my degree and the power to inspire young minds from diverse backgrounds like myself. Furthermore, the scholarship will help me cover the ever-rising cost of living and other educational expenses. It will ease the burden on my family, allowing them to redirect their limited resources toward my six younger siblings' needs. The scholarship will not only propel me closer to my degree and dream of becoming a teacher but also provide a glimmer of hope for my siblings, showing them that higher education is attainable, regardless of our financial services.

Preparing to become an educator, I reflect on my love for learning. 2009 marked the start of my kindergarten journey, coinciding with my father's return from the military. Observing him take on the role of our sole provider instilled responsibility and leadership in me. My mother, without a college education, nurtured my learning through reading, flashcards, and songs. Six more children later, my parents still ensure I'm doing well in my studies. Being mixed-race enables me to connect with diverse backgrounds, valuable for my teaching career. Qualities like responsibility, leadership, and empathy, instilled by role models, shape my future educator path. As a student and big sister, I understand the importance of tailored guidance. As a teacher, I will be committed to identifying each student's needs by offering personalized support to foster a growth mindset and a love for learning. My love of learning stems from my dedicated mother and kindergarten teacher. My teacher’s goal-setting and testing which led to certificates and rewards were memorable. My mom helped me study, driving me to excel in tasks like alphabet magnet puzzles and sight word packets. This highlighted the value of individual learning paces. These experiences taught me not to judge my peers' progress because I recognized the role of my support system. My volunteering journey began in fifth grade, aiding a TK class during playtime. I got to see children work hard as they built Lincoln log cabins, use their imaginations as they played dress up, and see them make connections with their peers. In middle school, I participated in an after-school program where I volunteered in a third-grade class. Third grade emphasizes student responsibility scaffolding, teaching them the importance of time management for assignments– a skill I had to master to participate in after-school programs. In high school, ‘Teen Connection Club’ unified special and general students, promoting campus-wide inclusion. It showcased the value of tailored learning and building friendships across diverse backgrounds. All of these experiences have helped shape me into the college student I am today and will guide me in my student teaching and future classroom. In my teaching, I'll prioritize a student-centered environment embracing diverse styles, interests, and strengths. Customized methods ensure each student's value and engagement. Personalized instruction instills learning ownership and passion. Nurturing critical thinking through inquiry-based learning encourages independent problem-solving. Effective communication will thrive via open dialogue, active listening, and feedback, empowering social skills. I'll use active learning, differentiation, formative assessment, scaffolding, and self-directed learning to guide students in analyzing information and crafting innovative solutions, fostering adaptability and creativity. Furthermore, I believe a strong foundation in empathy and emotional intelligence is vital for a student's development. As the oldest of seven in a multicultural household with a passion for learning, I realized early on how my role mirrored that of teachers. Like teachers, I offer support and guidance at home, creating a nurturing environment for growth and offering unique perspectives to those around me. Teachers similarly foster safe classrooms, modeling positive behaviors, problem-solving, adaptability, and patience. Observing my siblings' diverse growth taught me to appreciate each child's unique pace. As a future teacher, I'll provide a patient environment where I work with students regardless of abilities. I will adapt my teaching methods to accommodate their diverse learning needs. Observing children's diverse developmental places as the eldest sibling accentuates the importance of individualized learning. I'll diligently cultivate a non-judgmental space for my students' city. My educator's vision integrates student-centered learning, critical thinking, communication, inclusivity, and empathy. I aim to equip students with tools and values for academic, personal, and social growth, inspiring lifelong learning endeavors.

The Vital Role of Free Speech in Fostering Intellectual and Personal Growth among American College Students It was in a general education class in college that I first realized I was able to exercise my right to free speech more than I was allowed to in high school. During an open film discussion with political elements, a peer got angry as another peer pulled out a dictionary to correct a term they had used incorrectly. Our professor laughed it off and told everyone to calm down. In high school, our teachers would have forced the debate to stop abruptly. Free speech, a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, holds a significant role in shaping the intellectual and personal development of American college students. It provides a platform for the exchange of diverse ideas, fostering critical thinking, personal growth, and an appreciation for differing viewpoints. The preservation of this right is crucial to maintain an environment where open dialogue thrives. By upholding the right to free speech, educational institutions fulfill their duty to nurture informed citizens capable of participating meaningfully in democratic processes. Education majors such as myself further contribute to this environment by championing the diversity of thought and critical thinking, ultimately preserving the essence of free speech on college campuses. Free speech creates an environment where students can engage in open, constructive discussions on various topics. It encourages them to explore perspectives that may differ from their own, thereby broadening their horizons and challenging their existing beliefs. Students learn to evaluate arguments critically, refine their reasoning skills, and construct informed opinions through these interactions. Exposure to diverse viewpoints helps them develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues, contributing to their intellectual growth. Participation in open discussions encourages students to articulate their thoughts coherently and persuasively. This not only enhances their communication skills but also boosts their self-confidence and ability to express themselves effectively. As students engage in respectful debates and conversations, we learn to challenge established norms and the value of empathy and understanding. This, in turn, contributes to our personal development by fostering skills necessary for effective collaboration and interpersonal relationships. In-class discussions are my favorite as I apply theory to reality, deepening my understanding. I get to correct my own misconceptions through diverse arguments and form bonds with my peers through collaboration, enhancing my learning experience, As an education major I play a pivotal role in shaping the future of American education. By promoting diversity of thought and critical thinking in classrooms, education majors foster an environment that celebrates various perspectives. Teachers who encourage students to express their ideas freely are my favorite because they create a space where individual growth flourishes. Teachers help students develop tolerance and acceptance of differing opinions but also ensure the perpetuation of free speech as an integral aspect of academic life. As an education major preparing to teach in this digital age, one of our jobs is to promote media literacy: evaluate sources of information, and identify biases. By doing this we help the campus (and our future classrooms) foster inclusivity, engage in critical thinking, engage in civil discourse, address misinformation, and much more! On American campuses, free speech sparks intellectual growth by encouraging critical thinking and self-expression. Preserving this right upholds democracy and nurtures informed citizens. Education majors amplify this by fostering diverse thought and critical thinking, ensuring a thriving environment for free speech. Embracing diverse perspectives secures enduring growth in higher education. Returning to campus in the fall, I'll recall the significance of my freedom of speech as I witness political debates, religious outreach, journalism distributions, and poster debates.

What Does Princess Rapunzel Mean to Me? Disney's captivating tales inspire and empower children, and Rapunzel from "Tangled" is a remarkable character who serves as a beacon of inspiration. With her courageous spirit, unwavering determination, and undeniable talent, Rapunzel encourages a fearless pursuit of dreams. Rapunzel's journey symbolizes breaking free from limitations and defying doubts instilled by Mother Gothel. Her unwavering self-belief inspires young girls to overcome obstacles, fostering confidence to pursue seemingly impossible dreams. This is something I resonate with deeply. As the oldest of seven in a multiracial home, I had to lead by example and convinced myself I needed to pursue a major and career that would make me wealthy. I chose nursing, something that I had no desire to do. Just Like Rapunzel, I became isolated as I put myself through a quarter of chemistry and biology classes, all while being miserable. As Rapunzel looked at her paintings with sadness, I did the same looking at my laptop, wanting more. As she dared to ask Mother Gothel to see the “floating lights” for her birthday, I found the courage to tell my family I wanted to pursue a career in education. Rapunzel's quest for freedom teaches young girls the value of taking risks and stepping outside their comfort zones. Her fearless attitude in embracing the unknown highlights the importance of courage in unlocking true potential and discovering life's most rewarding experiences. Unlike Rapunzel, I don’t have evil gaslighting parents, they fully support my decision in becoming a teacher, but at first, I was met with backlash for going against what I thought I wanted. This was partially because I conditioned myself to believe my life would be the same every day like Rapunzel's beginning sequence in her tower. But now that I’ve begun to chase my dreams every day is something new, and I am surrounded by people who encourage me. Rapunzel's dream to see the lanterns and the images of the sun throughout the movie dared me to “see the light” and embrace my authentic self. Rapunzel's uniqueness and long, magical hair serve as a symbol of embracing individuality. She transforms her perceived flaw into strength, inspiring young girls to embrace their unique qualities and celebrate their individuality. I have very long brown curly hair, where I go to school I am surrounded by people who look and come from completely different backgrounds from me. But I do not allow my differences from others to make me feel insecure. Coming from a multicultural home, and pursuing a career in education, I know that as a teacher I will be surrounded by students who come from many different backgrounds. Just as Rapunzel learned about the men's hopes and dreams in the “Snuggly Duck” pub, I find joy and enrichment in learning about others' points of view and experiences, and I have learned that “our differences ain't really that extreme!” Rapunzel also has a passion for creativity, which inspires young girls to pursue their creative dreams and recognize the profound impact their unique creations can have. Just as Rapunzel balanced cookies in “When Will My Life Begin?,” in college, I have learned to balance my hobby of baking, school work, and my family relationships. To me, baking impacts the lives of those around me, bringing powerful tastes of joy into one's everyday life. To me, Rapunzel means transformation. Through her self-belief, celebration of individuality, pursuit of creativity, and courage to venture into the unknown, Rapunzel has empowered me to break free from limitations, discover my passions, and embark on extraordinary journeys, transforming my dreams into reality.

My future self resembles a gardener: as a teacher, I would aspire to nurture students with knowledge, allowing them to bloom and experience joy in their educational journey.