My journey toward becoming a teacher has been shaped by a deep personal connection to education and the transformative impact it can have on a child’s life. I come to this profession not only with passion, but with lived experience—as a former child in need of support, as an immigrant adapting to a new world, as a mother raising a son on her own, and as someone who has continually fought to turn adversity into purpose. These experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of how education can uplift individuals and strengthen communities. Growing up in Poland, my early years were filled with love for learning, especially reading and literature. However, when I was just eleven, my father left our family, and my mother had to work multiple jobs to support us. I often felt emotionally and academically unsupported—until one literature teacher stepped into my life and became a guiding light. Her classroom was more than a place of learning; it became a safe haven where I was seen and heard. Her kindness and encouragement stayed with me long after I left her class and inspired my desire to one day be that kind of teacher for others. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Elementary Education because I want to offer that same kind of support, especially in under-resourced and culturally diverse communities like the one I now call home in New York City. As an immigrant and single mother, I understand the struggles many families face—navigating language barriers, economic hardship, and a lack of access to consistent educational support. I want to be an advocate for these families and a steady presence for their children. My goal as a teacher is to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, respected, and inspired to grow. I believe that academic learning thrives in a space where emotional needs are also met. I plan to use my education not only to deliver strong instruction but to foster inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms. I want every student—regardless of their background—to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, to feel their voice matters, and to know that their experiences are valid and valuable. Beyond the classroom, I plan to engage deeply with the community by building partnerships with families and local organizations. I want to bridge the gap between home and school by offering workshops, open communication, and collaborative events that celebrate culture and community. I believe that when educators work hand-in-hand with families, students benefit the most. My own journey has shown me that education is most powerful when it is shared and supported collectively. My background in the arts also plays a vital role in how I intend to serve my community. With a degree in Fine Arts and over 14 years of experience as a mosaic artist, I want to integrate creativity and self-expression into my teaching. Art has the power to heal, to connect, and to teach. I hope to use creative projects as a way to help students explore their identities, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. Pursuing higher education is more than a personal goal—it is the key to unlocking my ability to give back meaningfully. Through teaching, I aim to empower the next generation with the tools they need to believe in themselves and shape their own futures. My education will be a bridge—between struggle and opportunity, between generations, and between individuals and their potential. By becoming a teacher, I am not just fulfilling a dream—I am committing myself to a lifelong mission of service, growth, and impact.

Why I Am Pursuing a Career in Teaching My desire to become a teacher is rooted in personal experience, shaped by both hardship and the transformative power of education. I first realized the impact of teaching as a teenager in Poland, nervously reading to children at a community center. Though my hands trembled, I saw the joy on their faces and felt an undeniable connection. In that moment, I discovered that teaching wasn’t just about sharing knowledge—it was about making others feel seen, heard, and valued. My name is Monika Wojnarowska, and I am a 42-year-old single mother to a wonderful son, Jakub. I was raised in Poland in a home where education was a high priority. My father, who did not have the opportunity to attend college, pushed me to achieve what he could not. However, when I was eleven, he left our family, and my mother had to take on multiple jobs to support us. Emotionally and academically, I often felt alone—until one of my teachers stepped in. Her kindness and encouragement helped me find strength during a difficult time, and her classroom became a place of refuge. She made me feel like I mattered. That is the kind of teacher I aspire to be—someone who makes a lasting difference in a child’s life. Though I started college in Poland, my studies were interrupted when I moved to the United States to join my mother. Life in a new country required me to adapt quickly. I earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, became a mosaic artist, and worked for over fourteen years. Life brought many ups and downs—marriage, divorce, parenthood, financial struggles, and even a skin cancer diagnosis. But through it all, my passion for teaching never wavered. When I lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to see that moment as an opportunity to finally pursue my dream. I enrolled in an Elementary Education program and began the path I had waited years to follow. Teaching, to me, is more than a profession—it is a calling. It’s a chance to give back, to be the steady presence and guiding hand that I once needed. I want to work in classrooms where children face challenges similar to those I experienced—whether economic, emotional, or cultural. As an immigrant and someone who has lived in diverse communities, I also value inclusivity and empathy. I aim to build classrooms where every student feels respected and inspired, regardless of their background. I am pursuing a career in teaching because I believe in the power of education to change lives. I’ve lived that truth myself. I want to be a role model for my son and for my students—a reminder that perseverance, kindness, and learning can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Becoming a teacher is my way of giving back, paying forward the support I once received, and helping the next generation discover their strength and potential.

A Journey of Resilience and Purpose: Pursuing Higher Education to Serve and Inspire My journey toward higher education has been anything but traditional. Born and raised in Poland, I was shaped by both cultural expectations and personal adversity. From an early age, education was instilled in me as a pathway to a better future—an aspiration my parents never had the chance to pursue themselves. But my path was not straightforward. At eleven, my father left our family, and my mother worked multiple jobs to support us, leaving little time or energy for emotional support. It was during this difficult period that I found encouragement and stability through my teachers—especially one compassionate literature teacher whose classroom became a safe haven. Her belief in me changed my life. That experience planted the seed of a dream: to one day become a teacher who could offer that same hope to others. At fifteen, my mother immigrated to the United States, and I remained in Poland to finish high school and begin college. The years that followed were filled with uncertainty as I navigated between two countries. Eventually, I joined my mother in New York City and tried to rebuild my life in a new language and culture. My dream of becoming a teacher had to wait as I adapted to the realities of surviving in a new country. I earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, worked as a mosaic artist for over fourteen years, and became a mother. Life brought challenges—divorce, single parenthood, financial hardship, and even a skin cancer diagnosis—but through it all, my passion for education never faded. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything, it also gave me clarity. After being laid off, I saw an opportunity not to retreat, but to finally pursue what I had long set aside. I enrolled in an Elementary Education program, balancing coursework with raising my son. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. These life experiences have shaped my core values: resilience, compassion, and the belief in the power of education to transform lives. They have also solidified my career goal of becoming an elementary school teacher in underserved communities—spaces where students may not always have the resources or support they need at home, just as I once didn’t. I understand the struggles many of these children face because I’ve lived them. My background as an immigrant and my exposure to diverse cultures in New York City have also helped me grow into a more empathetic and inclusive person. I plan to use my education not just to teach, but to build trusting relationships with families, create culturally responsive classrooms, and nurture every child's sense of self-worth. To me, teaching is a form of community service—one of the most meaningful ways to give back. I want to help my students feel seen, heard, and capable of greatness, just as my teachers once helped me. Receiving this scholarship would provide critical support in helping me continue my education while caring for my son. It would ease financial burdens and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and field experiences. But more importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming an educator who uplifts her students and strengthens her community. Higher education is not just a personal goal—it is my way of turning struggle into purpose, and using my story to inspire and empower the next generation.

Finding Meaning Through Resilience – My Journey to Becoming a Teacher My journey toward becoming a teacher began years ago, not in a classroom of my own, but as a nervous teenager reading to children at a community center in Poland. I was anxious, my hands shaking, but the joy on the children’s faces as I brought the stories to life lit a spark in me. In that small moment, I realized the power of connection through teaching—it wasn’t just about delivering knowledge, but about being present and making others feel seen. Even then, I sensed that education would be my path. My name is Monika Wojnarowska. I'm a 42-year-old single mother to a wonderful son named Jakub. I was born and raised in Poland, where academic success was a priority in my household, particularly for my father, who encouraged me to achieve what he and my mother hadn’t—a college degree. I always loved school, especially literature and learning new things. But everything changed when I was eleven and my father left. My mother worked multiple jobs to keep us afloat, which meant I had little emotional or academic support at home. During that challenging time, my teachers became my anchor. One literature teacher in particular showed me kindness and encouragement. Her belief in me helped me find confidence and gave me a sense of belonging. Her classroom felt like a refuge, and the impact she had on me inspired my desire to be that kind of support for others. I’ve never forgotten the way she made me feel, and I hope to give that same sense of worth to my future students. When I was fifteen, my mother moved to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, while I remained in Poland to finish high school and begin college. However, the constant back-and-forth between the two countries eventually disrupted my education. I later joined my mother in New York City, leaving behind everything familiar. Adapting to a new culture and language was difficult, and my dream of teaching had to be put on hold. In time, I earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, became a mosaic artist, and worked consistently for over fourteen years. Life took many turns—I got married, divorced, and became a mother. Yet through all of it, the desire to teach never left me. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to job loss, I took it as a sign to finally chase that long-held dream. I enrolled in an Elementary Education program while continuing to raise my son on my own. The road has not been easy. I’ve faced a cancer diagnosis, financial stress, and the demands of single parenthood. But my passion for teaching has remained my guiding force. I want to be a role model for my son—to show him that learning and perseverance are lifelong pursuits. As an immigrant and someone raised in a traditional environment, living in New York City has opened my eyes to the richness of diversity. Engaging with people from many different backgrounds has made me more compassionate and culturally sensitive. I believe these qualities will help me create a welcoming and inclusive classroom, where every child feels valued and understood. I aspire to build a space where students thrive not just academically, but emotionally—a place where families feel respected and children feel inspired. I want to show my students that their voices matter, just as my teachers once showed me. Teaching is more than a profession for me. It is a calling deeply tied to my personal journey. I am committed to bringing empathy, resilience, and dedication into the classroom, and to helping every student realize their own strength and potential.

Finding Purpose Through Perseverance - Why I Chose to Teach. The first time I stood in front of a classroom was not as a teacher, but as a nervous teenager reading aloud to younger children at a community center in Poland. My hands trembled, but I remember how their faces lit up when I read with warmth and energy. That simple moment sparked something in me—a desire not just to teach, but to connect and make others feel seen. Even then, I knew I wanted to be an educator. My name is Monika Wojnarowska. I am a 42-year-old single mother to an incredible son named Jakub. I was born and raised in Poland, where my father placed a strong emphasis on education. I was expected to excel and pursue college, something my parents hadn’t been able to do. I loved school, especially reading and learning new things. But when I was eleven, my father left our family. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, often holding multiple jobs, which left little time to support me emotionally or academically. It was my teachers who stepped in to fill that gap. One teacher in particular—a kind and encouraging literature teacher—recognized my potential and made me feel valued. Her classroom became my safe space during difficult times. She reminded me that my voice mattered, and her support stayed with me long after I left her classroom. That kind of lasting impact is what I hope to one day have on my own students. At age fifteen, my mother immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. I stayed behind and completed high school in Poland, then began college. However, frequent travel between Poland and the U.S. disrupted my studies. Eventually, I joined my mother in New York City, leaving behind everything I knew. Life in a new country was challenging, and my dream of becoming a teacher had to wait. Over time, I earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, became a mosaic artist, and worked steadily for over fourteen years. I also got married, divorced, and became a mother. Through it all, my desire to teach never faded. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives, I was laid off, and I saw that moment as a second chance to finally pursue my dream. I am now studying Elementary Education while continuing to raise my son. It has not been an easy road—I’ve also faced a skin cancer diagnosis and financial hardship—but my passion for education continues to drive me forward. I want to be an example to my son: that hard work, resilience, and learning never stop. As an immigrant and someone who grew up in a culturally conservative environment, moving to New York opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity. Living and working alongside people from different backgrounds has taught me to be more empathetic and culturally aware. I believe this will make me a more inclusive and effective teacher. I want my classroom to be a space where students of all backgrounds feel supported and inspired. I want to build strong relationships with families, foster mutual respect, and create an environment where learning is joyful and meaningful. More than anything, I want my students to know that their stories matter—just as my teachers once helped me believe in mine. Teaching is more than a career goal—it’s a calling rooted in my life story. I am ready to bring compassion, understanding, and determination into the classroom and to help every student discover their own strength and potential.

The first time I stood in front of a classroom was not as a teacher, but as a scared teenager reading to a group of younger children at a community center in Poland. My palms were sweaty, my voice shook—but I remember the way their eyes lit up when I read with warmth and emotion. That moment sparked something in me. Even then, I knew I wanted to become an educator—not just to teach, but to connect, inspire, and make others feel seen. My name is Monika Wojnarowska, and I’m a 42-year-old single mother to an incredible boy named Jakub. Our journey together has been shaped by sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience. I was born and raised in Poland, but my life took a major turn at age 15 when my mother moved to the U.S. seeking better opportunities. Left behind, I had to grow up fast. Eventually, I made the move to New York myself to support her during an illness, setting aside my education and dreams in the process. Despite the hardships, I never let go of the vision I had as a young girl. I enrolled in a Preparatory Teachers College, but life’s challenges forced me to pivot. In New York, I earned a degree in Fine Arts while working as a mosaic artist for over 14 years. Art became my bridge between cultures, emotions, and people. During that time, I experienced marriage, divorce, motherhood—and through it all, my dream of becoming an educator never left me. When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, I was laid off. But rather than seeing that as a setback, I saw it as a second chance. With time to reflect, I finally committed to pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. It hasn’t been an easy road—especially after a skin cancer diagnosis and the financial burdens that followed—but I refuse to give up. Every challenge has strengthened my resolve. I believe that my life experiences—navigating immigration, single parenthood, illness, and cultural shifts—have uniquely equipped me to build a more empathetic and understanding global community. As a future educator, I will use my past not as baggage but as a toolkit. I know how to recognize children who are struggling, even when they don’t say a word. I know how to listen deeply, create inclusive spaces, and lead with compassion. By becoming a teacher, I am not just fulfilling a lifelong dream—I am committing to shaping the next generation with kindness, patience, and empathy. I want my son to see that education isn’t just about academics; it’s about heart. It’s about building a world where every child, no matter their background, feels valued. I am determined to be the kind of educator who not only teaches math or reading but who sees the whole child—their story, their struggles, and their strengths. With this degree, I will turn every classroom I enter into a safe space where empathy is just as important as the lesson plan. And one day, when my students go out into the world, I hope they will carry that same spirit forward, multiplying empathy far beyond what I could ever do alone.