My involvement in high school mock trial competitions is thanks to my special education teacher, Mrs. Young. She ensured I had an aide, arranged for an accessible bus, provided extended time accommodations, and regularly checked on my needs. In elementary school, my special education teachers supported me in general education classes, and in middle school, resource became a separate class that felt too easy. By high school, it turned into my study hall. My experience in the Special Education program has not only inspired me to pursue higher education but has also shaped my perspective on overcoming challenges and embracing difficulties as vital components of personal growth. I thrived in my special education programs because the curriculum was tailored to my needs. My teachers and TA supported me, encouraging me to pursue my passions and overcome challenges. Their guidance significantly boosted my growth and confidence. One of my favorite activities, mock trial, initially scared me, but their encouragement helped me take the leap. One thing that scared me was going to college. I’ve always known that I wanted a degree, but leaving the school where I knew everyone and had all my support was terrifying. Working with individuals with special needs has been a lifelong dream for me. As someone with a disability, I’m eager to foster relationships with children in this field. My first experience was at sixteen, working at a summer camp with George, a creative and playful five-year-old non-verbal boy with autism. His joy and laughter were infectious, and I learned to communicate through gestures and visual aids, allowing us to connect deeply. This experience fueled my passion for supporting individuals with special needs and taught me the value of patience, creativity, and empathy. It confirmed my desire to make a positive impact on their lives. While I do well in school, my visual impairment, epilepsy, and ADHD make it difficult to learn sometimes. Frequent seizures cause me to tire quickly, sometimes I can’t see what is being written on the board, and sometimes I can’t focus on my work. I can’t participate in sports at school, so making friends is harder for me. Self-advocacy is a skill I have worked on since preschool. I frequently communicate my needs to others to become more independent. I push through challenges and gain resilience each day. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and hard work. Throughout my journey in special education, I have reflected on how these experiences have profoundly shaped my values regarding inclusivity and accessibility. They have taught me that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to participate fully in educational and societal activities. This understanding has highlighted the importance of diversity in education, revealing how a varied learning environment can foster empathy, respect, and collaboration among all students. Motivated by my experiences, I am inspired to actively contribute to my community, advocating for initiatives that promote an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Embracing challenges has become a vital part of my journey. Each obstacle I encounter serves as a stepping stone for personal and professional growth, reinforcing my belief in the importance of resilience and adaptability. These experiences have taught me to view difficulties not as setbacks but as opportunities for development. I encourage others to recognize their own capacity to overcome difficulties. Embracing the transformative potential of tailored education can lead to remarkable changes in one’s life. By acknowledging the power of perseverance and seeking the right support, anyone can unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.

My involvement in high school mock trial competitions is thanks to my special education teacher, Mrs. Young. She ensured I had an aide, arranged for an accessible bus, provided extended time accommodations, and regularly checked on my needs. In elementary school, my special education teachers supported me in general education classes, and in middle school, resource became a separate class that felt too easy. By high school, it turned into my study hall. My experience in the Special Education program has not only inspired me to pursue higher education but has also shaped my perspective on overcoming challenges and embracing difficulties as vital components of personal growth. I thrived in my special education programs because the curriculum was tailored to my needs. My teachers and TA supported me, encouraging me to pursue my passions and overcome challenges. Their guidance significantly boosted my growth and confidence. One of my favorite activities, mock trial, initially scared me, but their encouragement helped me take the leap. One thing that scared me was going to college. I’ve always known that I wanted a degree, but leaving the school where I knew everyone and had all my support was terrifying. Working with individuals with special needs has been a lifelong dream for me. As someone with a disability, I’m eager to foster relationships with children in this field. My first experience was at sixteen, working at a summer camp with George, a creative and playful five-year-old non-verbal boy with autism. His joy and laughter were infectious, and I learned to communicate through gestures and visual aids, allowing us to connect deeply. This experience fueled my passion for supporting individuals with special needs and taught me the value of patience, creativity, and empathy. It confirmed my desire to make a positive impact on their lives. While I do well in school, my visual impairment, epilepsy, and ADHD make it difficult to learn sometimes. Frequent seizures cause me to tire quickly, sometimes I can’t see what is being written on the board, and sometimes I can’t focus on my work. I can’t participate in sports at school, so making friends is harder for me. Self-advocacy is a skill I have worked on since preschool. I frequently communicate my needs to others to become more independent. I push through challenges and gain resilience each day. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and hard work. Throughout my journey in special education, I have reflected on how these experiences have profoundly shaped my values regarding inclusivity and accessibility. They have taught me that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to participate fully in educational and societal activities. This understanding has highlighted the importance of diversity in education, revealing how a varied learning environment can foster empathy, respect, and collaboration among all students. Motivated by my experiences, I am inspired to actively contribute to my community, advocating for initiatives that promote an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Embracing challenges has become a vital part of my journey. Each obstacle I encounter serves as a stepping stone for personal and professional growth, reinforcing my belief in the importance of resilience and adaptability. These experiences have taught me to view difficulties not as setbacks but as opportunities for development. I encourage others to recognize their own capacity to overcome difficulties. Embracing the transformative potential of tailored education can lead to remarkable changes in one’s life. By acknowledging the power of perseverance and seeking the right support, anyone can unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Due to my cerebral palsy, I have faced unique challenges that have profoundly shaped my educational experiences and career aspirations. I have learned to navigate a world that can sometimes seem unaccommodating, but these obstacles have taught me resilience and determination to succeed. I have worked with numerous fantastic aides, teaching assistants, and special education teachers who have played a significant role in shaping my personality, work ethic, and determination. My disability has influenced my experiences and aspirations, and additional funds would enable me to overcome barriers and achieve my higher education goals. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain damage that affects coordination and muscle movement. It impacts motor skills, balance, posture, and speech, with symptoms and severity varying from person to person. I have never been able to walk without assistance, and for as long as I can remember, I have been involved in various therapies. I also have epilepsy as a complication from my brain damage. Despite these challenges, my family, teachers, and friends have treated me like any other child. I attended a preschool that included both children with disabilities and those without in integrated classrooms. When I entered kindergarten at a typical elementary school, I found the experience much more challenging. I started to realize there were certain things I couldn’t do. As I matured, I discovered creative ways to participate in activities I thought were beyond my reach, helping me engage more with my friends. Academically, I have always been an ambitious student. I was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior and have maintained grades in the 80s and 90s across all my classes. These achievements didn’t come easily; I had undiagnosed epilepsy for two and a half years and still managed to achieve good grades. My resilience and determination played a crucial role in that success. After earning a dual major in history and inclusive adolescent education, my career goals are to become either a high school history teacher or a special education teacher. Through my experiences with a disability, I have developed skills that will benefit me in the education field. I have learned to adapt to accommodate my own needs as well as the needs of others. I am open to trying new things and have always been aware of my requirements, enabling me to advocate for myself. This will be especially important in professional settings, where I will need to request accommodations. Compared to a typical college student, I face extra expenses associated with my disability. I require assistive technology and the assistance of a support person at all times, which incurs additional costs. Receiving extra funding would allow me to focus on my education without worrying about how my family and I will cover these extra expenses. It would also enable me to access more resources outside the classroom, enhancing my educational experience. This funding would open opportunities for me to participate in club activities, build connections with other students, and enjoy all aspects of college life. While I have encountered many challenges throughout my life, this journey has made me resilient. My disability has shaped my aspirations, and additional funding would help me achieve my goals. Throughout my education, inclusivity has allowed me to be a contributing member of my school community, and I aim to dedicate my career to fostering inclusion for all students. Access to resources that promote accessibility outside the classroom would allow me to fully invest my energy in learning how to achieve my career aspirations.

William Butler Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” I believe educational opportunities like this, where students are allowed to explore topics that interest them, are what learning is all about. My desire to pursue a career in education stems from a passion for fostering learning, making a positive impact on students’ lives, and contributing to the community. Throughout grade school, I was lucky to have many teachers and aides that I built relationships with and who encouraged my love of learning. More importantly, education was important in my family. My stepfather was a mechanical engineer who went on to start his own home inspection company. My mother is a successful hairdresser and business person. My dad’s parents were a microbiologist and a pediatric heart surgeon. My dad’s long-time partner is a jet engine mechanic. I come from a family of very smart, highly educated people so my parents and step-parents alike have always had high hopes for me. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and helping them succeed. However, I doubted whether I would be able to spend my life doing it. I have a disability called cerebral palsy, resulting from a brain injury at birth. My disability affects how I walk, talk, and do all of my daily living activities. My concern was that I would be able to do the physical aspects of teaching. Then, I started working at my childhood summer camp and I realized that everything that I had told myself about why I couldn’t be a teacher wasn’t true. Choosing a career that allowed me to work with kids was crucial when I was thinking about what I wanted to do. I love that becoming a teacher will also allow me to share my love of learning and create a positive and engaging learning environment. One of the things I look forward to most in my career is connecting with my students and getting to know them as unique individuals. Since every student is different, I will also cater my teaching methods to fit their learning styles. Beyond academics, educators have the power to shape students' personalities. My mock trial coach, Ms. Delaney, helped me become more confident and outgoing. Meeting new people and public speaking were two things that I was scared of up until ninth grade because I was worried people wouldn’t understand me due to my speech impediment. Working on mock trial with her helped me become less concerned about my speech and more outgoing. Because of my diverse family background, I know that education plays a crucial role in creating a strong, well-informed community. Teachers are mentors and leaders in and out of school. This comes back to building relationships. While still maintaining professionalism, teachers can help students through personal problems, providing support and guidance. Becoming a teacher is a career that will allow me to work with kids, connect with students, and be involved in my community. I want to become a teacher because of my passion for learning, my desire to make a positive impact on students lives, and because I want to contribute to my community.

Having Cerebral Palsy, I had always questioned whether I’d be able to ever be on any kind of competitive team in high school. As a freshman, I joined my school’s mock trial team. I knew that there would be a few bumps in the road but my coach, Ms. Delaney, and my case manager, Mrs. Young made it accessible to me despite my challenges. They automatically come to mind when anyone asks me to think of a teacher who has changed my approach to life. I’m interested in teaching because I want to share my love of learning with others. Teachers can be crucial positive role models for students. They can inspire and motivate their students to pursue their goals and not give up on them. Ms. Delaney was my history teacher freshman year and my mock trial coach for four years. She often used Google Slides to accompany our note packets and documentaries from the History Channel in class. Straight-up note-taking never helped me retain information well since I would always just sit and watch my one-to-one write them down. I’ve heard other people in our school complain that her classes are too easy, but I see her genuine commitment to her students’ success. Her lessons challenged us to the point where we were still learning and growing but she met us where we were and introduced new information in manageable amounts, never too much at once. This approach taught me that the best teachers are wholeheartedly invested in their students' success inside and outside the classroom. A great teacher is one who cares about every one of their students and sees them as people and not strictly as test scores. I will be an educator who cares deeply about my students as individuals. I understand that as an educator I will have the potential to make a difference in my students’ lives and I will make it my goal to make a positive impact on every student I meet. I will extend this team ideology beyond the classroom. Her constant commitment, encouragement, and support has shown me that in life we get farther by working together. In my career, I will make sure I extend a helping hand to my colleagues and students whenever they need one. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in teaching because teaching is a career where you can truly make a difference in another person’s life.

Having Cerebral Palsy, I had always questioned whether I’d be able to ever be on any kind of competitive team in high school. As a freshman, I joined my school’s mock trial team. I knew that there would be a few bumps in the road but my coach, Ms. Delaney, and my case manager, Mrs. Young, made it accessible to me despite my challenges. They automatically come to mind when anyone asks me to think of a teacher who has profoundly changed my life. I’m interested in teaching because I want to share my love of lifelong learning with others. Teachers can be crucial positive role models for students. They can inspire and motivate their students to pursue their goals and not give up on their dreams. Ms. Delaney was my history teacher freshman year and my mock trial coach for four memorable years. She often used Google Slides to accompany our note packets and documentaries from the History Channel in class. Straight-up note-taking never helped me retain information well since I would always just sit and watch my one-to-one write them down. I’ve heard other people in our school complain that her classes are too easy, but I see her genuine commitment to her students’ success and well-being. Her lessons challenged us to the point where we were still learning and growing, but she met us where we were and introduced new information in manageable amounts, never too much at once. This thoughtful approach taught me that the best teachers are wholeheartedly invested in their students' success inside and outside the classroom, especially those with diverse needs. In the area that I hope to pursue, this is especially crucial. While I will be pursuing a concentration in history, my degree will have a special education component as well, emphasizing inclusion. Special education goes far beyond academics; a great teacher cares about every one of their students and sees them as people and not strictly as test scores or grades. I will be an educator who cares deeply about my students as individuals, understanding their unique experiences and challenges. I understand that as an educator, I will have the remarkable potential to make a difference in my students’ lives. I will make it my goal to make a positive impact on every student I meet. I’m passionate about pursuing a fulfilling career in teaching because teaching is a career where you can truly make a significant difference in another person’s life, guiding them toward success.

Special education teachers have always played a crucial role in my education as a student with cerebral palsy. My high school special education teacher ensured that I had everything I needed to succeed academically and socially. She encouraged me to participate in activities outside school hours with my peers, allowing me to experience high school like any other student. Her support made my high school experience enjoyable and has inspired me to help others in the same way. Professor Harrold Bloom’s quote embodies a practice I’ve seen from some of my teachers that special education isn’t always just about academics but helping students grow personally, socially, and emotionally, too. “Sense of presence” means having awareness of self and individuality and recognizing one’s unique qualities. For special education students, this sense of presence builds confidence and self-esteem. This can help increase students’ engagement in the classroom, interacting with their peers more and taking a more active part in classroom activities. Special education teachers play a key role in their students’ success. They help create a safe and supportive environment. Through fostering positive relationships with their students, they can be a source of motivation. Taking the time to get to know each of their students individually equips them better to help their students succeed. Empathy and understanding are essential qualities for a special education teacher. These qualities enable me to listen to my students’ voices and value their perspectives. I will create opportunities for my students to gain independence, just as my special education teachers have done for me. I will encourage them to set personal goals and support them in working toward those goals. Additionally, I will guide them in evaluating their progress. I will incorporate my students’ Individual Education Plans by establishing meaningful and achievable goals. Special education is an extremely rewarding area of education. I feel excited to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. Professor Bloom’s quote embodies why I want to be a special education teacher. I want my students to see that they are unique individuals each with the potential to achieve great things. My career will be dedicated to guiding my students to become the people they are meant to be. I understand that learning and education are about more than grades. It will be my goal to bring my students to their sense of presence by helping them develop self-awareness and celebrating them for the unique individuals that they are.