My goal is to become an elementary school special education teacher. I plan to attend Cedarville University this fall to double major in Special Education and P-5 Education, following my passion for teaching special needs children. My love for helping individuals with special needs started the summer before I entered 5th grade; it was inspired by my Christian faith and further confirmed by a job shadowing experience in a special education classroom. The summer before I entered 5th grade, I became friends with my special needs neighbor, Sarah*. Over that summer, Sarah and I spent nearly every day together playing and bonding as friends. Although I lacked experience with disabilities at that young age, I quickly learned how to make accommodations for Sarah and realized that we were more alike than different. Caring for Sarah and assisting her when she needed help unlocked a passion for serving those with special needs. This friendship continues to inspire me and has led me to choose a career in special education so I can serve others like Sarah, using my life to improve theirs. Faith plays a significant role in my life. My relationship with God guides me and reminds me that my purpose is to love others, and this calling inspires me to serve special needs students. I possess a unique heart, one that is ready to face the challenges of teaching special education, whatever they may entail. I know that this career will not be easy, but I am confident that this is the path I belong on, and with God by my side, I will succeed according to His will. Does this mean that I will not face trials? No, but it does mean that I have help along the way. Showing my future students God's love through the seeds I plant in my classroom will be a dream come true, and I am eagerly awaiting the beginning of my career. Along with my friendship with Sarah and my faith, I shadowed an elementary school special education teacher last spring. This job shadow gave me a realistic glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching special education and further confirmed my desire to teach in this field. What delighted me most during this time were my interactions with the students. The little learners in this classroom were kind and accepting of their new visitor. They quickly welcomed me into their school day, and I have wished to relive that day ever since. My passion for individuals with special needs began before 5th grade, but it has only grown as I prepare to attend college. I am committed to providing each student who enters my classroom with a tailored education that meets their needs, and I know this passion for special needs students will continue to grow. Although I possess the necessary drive to become an educator, I do not have the financial support to attend Cedarville University. I have applied for over one hundred scholarships across many platforms and have received a handful of awards, but I require additional support to attend Cedarville University this fall. I greatly appreciate any assistance the Teaching Like Teri Scholarship can provide, and I hope you can see my drive to teach special needs students! *To respect her privacy, the name Sarah is a pseudonym.

The sun brightly reflects off my sequinned tuxedo. My hair is tightly braided, yet still blows in the breeze of this sunny day. The weight of my bass clarinet harness no longer burdens me after countless hours of conditioning in preparation for performing in my marching band's show. I stand on the turf, waiting to perform at the marching band state finals. I feel confident that a superior rating is just one performance away, and I am eager to get started. As I position myself to begin the show, my band director appears behind me. Mrs. Smith* hugs me tightly, giving me the last confidence boost I need to execute a superior performance. I’ve never been good at receiving compliments, but I hear a thousand sentiments in our wordless embrace. The loudest compliment echoing in my mind is “I’m proud of you.” As we part and my director walks towards her podium, I can’t help but remember the first time she believed in me and all the ways she has supported me over these past four seasons. As a high school freshman, I loved marching band and immediately clung to my new family of fellow marchers. In the spring of my freshman year, Mrs. Smith asked me to apply for the band’s leadership team. At the time, I was apprehensive about applying and lacked confidence in my leadership ability, but my director's faith in me compelled me to apply. I earned a spot on the leadership team, and I can confidently say that I would not be who I am today without my three seasons of experience on the leadership team. The spring of my sophomore year in high school was perhaps the hardest time of my life. I experienced a breakup with my boyfriend, a split with my best friend, and my grandmother's mysterious neurological illness brought me to the breaking point one afternoon. I entered Mrs. Smith’s office ready to cry my eyes out. Mrs. Smith had some insight into how I was struggling, as I had shown up to band practice the day before with puffy red eyes. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” she asked. Mrs. Smith’s caring tone and honest questions allowed me to open up about the struggles I was facing. Being able to talk and cry out everything I was feeling with someone I trusted changed my day and made me feel like I had an ally despite the chaos of my situation. As I wiped my eyes and prepared to leave the office, Mrs. Smith gave me a tight hug. As I thanked her, she said, “Of course, every time.” These words communicated that I could always come to Mrs. Smith if I was struggling. Many times after this conversation, I spoke with Mrs. Smith about my life, and every time she was the listening ear that I needed in the chaos. Without Mrs. Smith's listening ear and her belief that I could be a great leader, I would not be who I am today. Now, I am a confident leader, and although my time in the music program is coming to an end, I know that Mrs. Smith’s influence on my life will endure for many years to come. I am forever grateful for her impact on my life, and I look forward to using who I am today to be a listening ear for others in the future. *To respect her privacy, Mrs.Smith is a pseudonym

“90.3 WKCD Cedarville Dayton…” I have heard this tag for my local K-Love station a thousand times. Growing up as a Christian, K-Love was always playing in the car. K-Love radio plays “positive” and “encouraging” Christian music, making it the perfect companion on the road. I have always liked listening to K-Love; the hosts are funny, the music is uplifting, and it reminds me of my moral foundations. Over the years, I have heard many advertisements for different outreach programs and fundraisers, however, one advertisement reached me at just the right time. This past May, I was listening to K-Love while in the car. The host was asking listeners to “Join the K-Love Prayer Community…” This advertisement had been heard by my unassuming ears many times. I was unsure what this invitation entailed, so I brushed it off. “I’m sure other people are praying. Why do they need my help?” At this moment, the host presented one of the prayer requests on air, asking listeners to pray with them over the request. This simple act of praying for someone in need was eye-opening. I assumed that joining this community was an enormous task, but I prayed like that daily. “Was it really that easy?” At that moment, I decided to join this prayer community. This radio ad has led me to pray for my fellow believers daily. I believe that this intercession for my fellow believers is essential. Loving in action is a virtue I strive for, and the K-Love prayer community helps me do this daily. Each day, I take five requests, ranging from “Let me have a good day at work” to “Pray God can save my marriage”, and say a simple prayer for them. I may never know the outcome of these prayers, but I know that prayer changes things, and I can rest in the hope that my prayers are heard. By committing to helping others each day, I have prayed over more than 1,300 requests in 8 months. This number is a testament that establishing a routine of kindness does not have to be something big. Showing kindness can be as simple as taking 5 minutes a day to pray for a stranger. There have been many times I have requested prayer from the K-Love community, so I know can vouch that this intercession is meaningful. Each time I type a request, I feel more peace knowing that a fellow believer is praying for me. I hope that those asking for prayer on the other side of the screen feel the same way when I pray for them. Now more than ever people need help. Wars rage, homes break, and people face unimaginable circumstances. But I will not sit on the sidelines to suffering. Though my impact is unseen to my eyes, I am doing my part to help those struggling. The impact of prayer is greater than I can conceive, and I know that God will take my prayers and work in ways I cannot imagine.

Trusting in God’s plan for my life can be scary. The what-ifs can be daunting and sometimes the path is not always clear. But I know where I am being led, and I must follow. Hello! My name is Marin and I am an 18-year-old senior at a small high school in Ohio. Next fall I will attend Cedarville University to double major in Special Education and K-5 Education. I am heavily involved in my school’s marching, concert, and pep band, where I play bass clarinet. I am also involved in many clubs including Book Club, Sadd Club, Drama Club, and Joi Club. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, lifting weights, and spending time with my loved ones. I am passionate about marching band, my faith, and my future career. I love marching band, it helps me create something I am proud of with my friends. In my four years, my school’s marching band has qualified for State Finals all four years, receiving an Excellent rating twice, and a Superior rating once. Fingers crossed we receive another Superior rating this season! Marching band has also allowed me to become a leader. I have served on the leadership team for three years, and this experience has led to a lot of personal growth. Has it been easy? No, but it has been worth it. I would not be who I am without being on this team, and I am very grateful. Another thing that I am passionate about is my faith and my future career. I am a non-denominational Christian, and I attend church regularly, as well as work in my church where I teach a classroom with children ages 3-4. My church has been instrumental in my growth as a Christian. My relationship with God is a cornerstone in my life, and I want everyone to have that same kind of relationship. Because of my faith, I strive to treat everyone with the love Christ has shown me. This faith has also led me to a career in special education. Last spring I attended a job shadow in an elementary special education classroom, cementing in me a calling to serve children with special needs. I loved interacting with the children and didn’t mind the extra effort it took to teach them. Many people view people with special needs as burdens, but I know that my Heavenly Father created them fearfully and wonderfully, just like me. I know this career will not be easy and many hard days are ahead, but I trust this is where I am being led. To attend my dream school, Cedarville University, I will need roughly $20,000. My parents work hard and have good jobs, but do not have $20,000 to spare. Therefore, I am pursuing as many scholarships as possible, such as this one! By winning this scholarship, I will be one step closer to attending college, completing my degree, and achieving my calling of being a special education teacher. Applying for scholarships can be daunting, but the only way I can achieve my dream is through a scholarship like this, and any amount is beneficial. Thank you for your consideration, and for giving me this opportunity!

I have become more of a leader than I ever could have imagined. At the start of my freshman year, I was nervous and trying to fit in, not trying to lead. As a senior, I have more self-confidence and can easily lead a group. My involvement in my high school activities has shaped me in unmeasurable ways. I have learned how to lead and serve others, finding a passion for it. Without leadership experience from my high school, I would still be passive and anxious. Now, I know that I have the power to lead others, showing them love and compassion through each interaction. Specifically, I am involved in Joi Club, Buccs Wellness, and SADD Club. Through Joi club, I have done a few service activities like making cookies for first responders and yard work for older citizens. Buccs Wellness, formerly Hope Squad, focuses on suicide prevention and serves our school by putting on Hope Week, a week with activities that benefit students' mental health. Activities during this week include a coffee bar, board games, and tailored activities for the student body. I have also helped park cars and participated in a mock car crash with SADD Club, where I serve as secretary. These groups have helped me get involved in my community and have fostered my love for serving others. With this love for helping others, I am better equipped to use my future degree, where I will serve others each day. These groups have been very meaningful, but pale in comparison to my experience with my school’s marching band. I have served on the leadership team for three years and this has not been an easy experience. Each year, our band has about 25 members. I, along with 3-5 other students help manage these children, while also bearing our responsibilities as marchers. Some responsibilities of this team include leading our physical warmup, running sectionals, and putting in time outside of practice to ensure everything runs smoothly. I work on this team out of love because I want to serve and lead my friends. It has not always been easy, there have been plenty of tears, lost sleep, and prayers, but it has been worth every second as I see the joy on my friends’ faces each day. I would be very different without this leadership experience, and I am forever grateful as it has given me the chance to serve my friends. This scholarship will help me pursue my dream of becoming a special education teacher. I believe I am being led into a career in special education because I find so much joy in serving these children. Teaching these children may take more work, but I don’t mind. I love interacting with them and I know that they too are made fearfully and wonderfully. To attend college, I will need scholarships like this one to assist me financially. Currently, I need roughly $20,000 to attend my dream school, Cedarville University. If I were to win this scholarship, it would help me financially and allow me to use my education to help others. I have always loved serving others, and with this degree, I will do that daily. Thank you for this opportunity, and I hope my love for leading and serving others is easy to see.