My journey with the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal, rooted in love, advocacy, and the belief that everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are. I am a proud mother to a gay son, and from the moment he came out to me, my role in the community evolved from simply being an ally to becoming a more active advocate and supporter. Raising my son, Jakub, has been the greatest blessing of my life. When he shared with me that he is gay, I knew my only job was to continue loving him unconditionally and to support him in discovering his identity. As a parent, nothing is more important than making your child feel safe, valued, and heard. I have always made sure that our home is a place where he can fully be himself without fear of judgment. I have educated myself on LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and history so that I can better understand the challenges he and others in the community face. My support for the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t stop at home. I actively support small LGBTQ+-owned businesses in New York City, whether it's dining at queer-owned cafés or shopping from artists and makers who are part of the community. I believe that economic empowerment is a powerful form of allyship, and I want to contribute to spaces where queer individuals can thrive, be creative, and express themselves freely. In addition to supporting my son, I’ve also become a trusted adult for many of his friends. Several of them, especially those who don’t have accepting families, have confided in me over the years. I offer them guidance, emotional support, and mentorship—whether they’re struggling with identity, bullying, coming out, or simply trying to navigate life as queer teens. It’s deeply important to me that they know someone is in their corner, believing in them. I never had that kind of safe adult growing up, so I make it my mission to be that person for them. My long-term goal is to continue this work within my future classroom. As an aspiring elementary school teacher currently earning my degree in Elementary Education at WGU, I am deeply committed to creating inclusive, welcoming environments for all. Representation and acceptance matter! I want every child who walks into my classroom to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing for me. As a single mother who has worked tirelessly to support my son while going back to school, the financial strain is real. The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted my life—I was laid off from my job as a mosaic artist, and in the years that followed, I also underwent surgery for skin cancer, which left me with overwhelming medical bills. Every dollar counts right now, not just for my education, but for our household and my son’s future. Despite these challenges, I am determined to earn my degree and begin a meaningful career as an educator. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies and training, worry less about how to pay for tuition or textbooks, and move forward with my dream of becoming a teacher who uplifts all students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. My lived experiences as a Polish-born immigrant, an artist, a mother, and an ally give me a unique and compassionate lens. I know how important it is for LGBTQ+ youth to feel accepted, not just at home but in school and in their communities. I am committed to being the kind of educator who not only teaches but also listens, supports, and empowers every child to be their authentic self.

Some people are lucky enough to discover their calling early in life. For me, the dream of becoming a teacher bloomed in childhood and continued to grow, even as life led me through unexpected paths. I’ve worn many hats—immigrant, artist, mother—but the role I’ve always longed for is that of an educator. As I reflect on who had the most profound impact on my decision to pursue a career in education, I see two guiding lights: my mother, who taught me the value of perseverance and sacrifice, and the teachers who shaped my life through their care and dedication. Their combined influence helped me stay connected to my passion, and shaped the kind of educator I aspire to be. Growing up in Poland, education wasn’t just encouraged—it was essential. My mother instilled this value in me from a very young age. We didn’t have much. My father left us when I was just 11 years old. But my mom made sure I had what I needed to succeed in school. I remember her staying up late to help me with homework and reminding me to give my best, no matter how hard things seemed. Her unwavering belief in education shaped my understanding of its power. For her, education was a path to independence and opportunity—especially for women. From the beginning, I was drawn to the classroom. I admired my teachers not just for what they taught, but for how they made me feel—safe, encouraged, and valued. One teacher in particular, my elementary school homeroom teacher, Mrs. Nowak, left a lasting impression. She was warm and patient, but also consistent and fair. She never raised her voice, yet commanded respect through her kindness and integrity. More than her teaching, it was the way she made each student feel seen that stayed with me. When I felt uncertain or discouraged, she encouraged me. She created a space where every child—no matter their background—had a chance to grow. That classroom felt like home. I wanted to one day build the same kind of space for others. Inspired by Mrs. Nowak, I enrolled in Preparatory Teachers College after high school with the goal of becoming an elementary teacher. But life intervened. My mother became ill, and I made the difficult decision to leave my studies and move to the United States to support her emotionally and financially. Starting over in New York City was not easy. I had to learn a new language, culture, and way of life—all while trying to find stability. Once my mother’s health improved, I began thinking about returning to school. But I worried that the language barrier and unfamiliar education system would be too difficult. I shifted directions and studied Fine Arts—another lifelong passion of mine. I’ve always been creative. I worked with my hands, loved painting, and found joy in color, texture, and movement. I became a professional mosaic artist and spent over 14 years working for one of the top marble and stone companies on the East Coast. During this time, I also danced, indulged in music and cinematography, and enjoyed exploring the flavors of New York City. Although art became my livelihood and creative outlet, the dream of teaching never left me. Life continued unfolding. I got engaged, married, divorced, and became a mother. Raising my son is both the most challenging and most fulfilling part of my life. Watching him grow, helping with his homework, and being involved in his education reignited something in me. I realized how naturally I connected with young learners and how passionate I was about their development—not just academically, but emotionally. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I lost my job. While that period was full of uncertainty, it gave me time to reflect on what I really wanted in life. That time of pause brought clarity. I knew it was finally the moment to return to my original dream. I enrolled in Western Governors University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Even this chapter hasn’t been easy. Last year, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. I went through surgery and had to take time off from work and studies. The physical and financial toll has been heavy. Medical bills continue to pile up. But despite it all, I don’t give up. I’m more determined than ever to complete my education, become a teacher, and build a better life for myself and my son. My mother’s sacrifices—and the strength she showed during her illness—remain a constant source of motivation. Her belief in education and her resilience shaped who I am today. She taught me to be strong, resourceful, and never lose sight of what matters most. Her influence is one of the biggest reasons I’m still on this path, even after years of detours. Equally powerful were the teachers who believed in me. Their voices echo in my memory. Their patience, encouragement, and guidance helped me feel valued and capable. They showed me what a profound impact a teacher can have on a child’s life. I want to be that person for my students. As I work toward becoming an educator, I carry the lessons I’ve learned from both my mother and my teachers. I want to create a classroom that’s not just about academics, but about belonging. A space where every child—regardless of their background, abilities, or struggles—feels seen, heard, and respected. I also want to incorporate my creativity into the classroom. Whether through art, music, movement, or hands-on activities, I believe learning should be engaging, multisensory, and joyful. I want to encourage students to explore who they are, discover their talents, and develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Beyond the classroom, I hope to serve the broader community. I want to advocate for inclusive education, support family engagement, and bring arts-based programs to under-resourced schools. I want to give back in every way I can—just as my educators and my mother once gave to me. This path has not been easy. My journey has been marked by hardship, uncertainty, and long pauses. But I believe that everything I’ve experienced—immigration, caregiving, motherhood, personal and professional challenges—has prepared me to be a more compassionate, resourceful, and effective educator. I want to be the kind of teacher who makes a lasting difference—not just in students’ test scores, but in their confidence and self-worth. I want to teach my students that they are capable of achieving great things. I want to help them see that they matter. At the center of it all is my son. I want to set an example for him—to show him that dreams are worth chasing, that it’s never too late to start again, and that perseverance pays off. I want him to see that his mother believed in something bigger than herself and never gave up. So, who had the most profound impact on my decision to work in education? My mother, who taught me the power of resilience and love. And my teachers, who believed in me and lit the spark that never went out. Their influence continues to guide me every day as I work toward becoming the kind of educator I once needed—and the kind every child deserves.

My name is Monika Wojnarowska, and I’m a proud Polish-born New Yorker, a dedicated mother, and a lifelong learner with a deep passion for education, creativity, and community. My journey has been anything but linear, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher—someone who nurtures, uplifts, and inspires young minds. I spent the first part of my life in Poland, where I was raised with strong values around education, hard work, and the arts. After high school, I enrolled in Preparatory Teachers College with the goal of becoming an elementary educator. Teaching was always my calling—I admired my own teachers deeply and aspired to give back to society in the same way they gave to me. But life intervened. When my mother became ill, I made the difficult decision to move to the United States to support her both emotionally and financially. Leaving behind everything familiar and starting over in New York City was incredibly challenging. After my mother recovered, I enrolled in college here, but out of fear of academic difficulties and language barriers, I switched my major to Fine Arts. Art had always been my second love. I'm a mosaic artist with over 14 years of experience. I also danced ballroom and hip-hop for ten years, and I find joy in painting, music, and cinematography. My creativity has been a lifeline and an outlet during both joyful and difficult times. Despite personal setbacks, including a divorce and becoming a single mom to my incredible son, Jakub, I never gave up on my dream of becoming a teacher. During the pandemic, after being laid off, I took time to reflect and realized it was finally time to return to my true path. I enrolled at WGU to earn my degree in Elementary Education, and while the road has been rocky—including a recent skin cancer diagnosis and surgery—I continue to move forward with resilience and purpose. I believe I should be selected for this scholarship not just because of my perseverance, but because of the unique perspective and passion I bring to the field of education. As an immigrant, artist, and mother, I understand the importance of empathy, creativity, and resilience—qualities I aim to bring into my future classroom. My life experiences have taught me the value of hard work and the power of believing in oneself. As a teacher, I want to create a learning environment that celebrates every child’s background and potential. I plan to use art, movement, and multisensory learning to help students engage in meaningful ways. I also want to serve as a role model—especially for students who may feel unseen or unheard. My goal is to empower children to believe in their abilities, embrace their individuality, and understand that their voice matters. Beyond the classroom, I hope to give back to the community by organizing arts programs and family engagement nights in under-resourced schools. I want to advocate for inclusive education and mental health awareness, both of which are close to my heart. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of continuing my education—especially in light of ongoing medical bills—but would also bring me one step closer to a lifelong dream I’ve fought hard to reclaim. I want to show my son, and my future students, that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and make a difference. With your support, I will become the educator I was always meant to be—and in doing so, I hope to positively impact the lives of many children and families for years to come.

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.