My inspiration for a career in special education came from my dyslexia diagnosis in second grade. I was in and out of standard classrooms, “specialized” classrooms, and yearly IEP meetings. During these meetings, I felt like I had no voice, and everything was chosen for me. No one explained why I think the way I do and why I am different than my peers. When looking back at my journey I remember never being alone in the process, because other peers had similar diagnoses and struggles. I was the student who always wanted to help my peers because I knew how difficult it was. Going into college, I knew I wanted to help people like me. I decided to study child development and minor in psychology to gain as much knowledge as I could, but also have the opportunity to be placed at schools to see firsthand how I can best support these children. The summer before the start of my junior year, I decided to work at the Meredith Autism Program. This opportunity allowed me to work one-on-one with a client and prepare them for kindergarten. I found this rewarding because I was in a unique and close teaching environment and I was able to learn with and from my client. In the spring semester of my junior year, I was placed at the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center. This allowed me to work with children with and without disabilities. It was amazing to see an environment in which children without disabilties avoided those with and could communicate with and play with each other. One of the children I worked with was nonverbal and nearing the end of my session he said my name. This sticks with me because when I first came in he avoided me, but then he became comfortable around me and trusted me to help him. I want to work with children with learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities because it is where I feel most comfortable. I can relate to them on a personal level and empathize with their frustrations. I want them to go through life having someone in their corner who sees all of them and not just their disability. I want them to know that they are special and their disability is their superpower, that’s how I see mine. We see the world completely differently than others and are here to create change and show the world a different and beautiful perspective. I want to make more opportunities for people with disabilities and give them the tools, resources, and respect they deserve in their lives. I want to work directly with students and help teachers create a safe, encouraging learning space for children who think and learn differently. I want to help them see that they are exceptional and extraordinary and belong in this world. I chose North Carolina State University because I was diagnosed at the Diagnostic Teaching Clinic in second grade. My parents are both alumni and it has always been my dream to go to State, so when I was accepted into the Graduate Program in Special Education, it was a full circle moment and a dream come true. I am thrilled to be earning my Master of Arts in Teaching degree and to becoming a licensed Special Education teacher in North Carolina representing NC State as another alumnus in my Wolfpack family! Going back to State in the same building where my journey began when I was a struggling reader in elementary school is like going back home; this is where I was meant to be.