The statement, "I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence," suggests that education and teaching is not just centered around acquiring knowledge, but also around developing a student's confidence and sense of identity in the world. Their presence helps an understanding of uniqueness, one's abilities, and place in the classroom or world evolve. For students with special needs, it is more important to help them develop their presence, as it encourages them to embrace their strengths, acknowledge their challenges, and feel empowered to further their self development and navigate the world. To guide the education of a special needs student in the best possible way, I would create and foster a classroom that makes every student feel valued and safe, despite any differences they may have. Special needs students may unfortunately feel isolated, and face social or emotional challenges, but by creating an environment that promotes inclusion, I can help my students feel that their presence matters. This environment would be a place where they can feel heard and valued, while also knowing that their unique needs are understood and their contributions are appreciated. To help foster self-advocacy and awareness in my students, I would encourage them to explore and understand their own styles of learning, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of possible growth. Providing many opportunities for self-reflection of myself and my students, while also setting personal learning goals, can help students gain insight towards their own abilities. It is important to help students understand the ways they learn best, which can help them become more confident academically and socially. Teaching students to advocate for themselves and communicate their needs would also be an effective part of this process. In my classroom, I would also provide many opportunities for personalized learning methods. By recognizing that each student has different abilities in the classroom, I would adapt my teaching strategies to meet each student's individual needs. Tailoring my lessons to be accessible and understandable for all learning styles and students, but still challenging them slightly, would help students develop their sense of accomplishment and grow their learning. I would use tools like visual aids, hands-on learning activities, and technology to cater to each learning style and help my students learn in the best way possible and ensuring everyone has the opportunity for success. A key aspect contributing to a student's sense of presence is addressing their emotional and social well-being. To do so, I would incorporate activities that promote emotional literacy, like role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions, which would help students understand their feelings and build empathy towards one another. Through the use of collaborative projects and peer interactions, I would also help guide students towards recognizing the value of working together, while also embracing their sense of belonging. In my classroom, I would also work to promote a growth mindset and properly model a growth mindset. Teaching students that intelligence and abilities have the opportunity to grow through effort and perseverance is a key component to learning. I would foster a positive growth mindset by encouraging my students to see challenges as learning opportunities for personal development. This mindset will help contribute to a stronger sense of presence and self. Guiding special needs students to experience a sense of their own presence means helping them develop their self-awareness, build confidence in themselves, and recognize their unique value. My mission in my educational studies and career would be to create a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment for every student to discover and embrace their identity and academic success.

As a freshman majoring in Psychology at Mercyhurst University I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare because I have always been fascinated by the mind and how it affects our overall well-being. Understanding mental health is crucial, and I want to be part of a field that helps people lead healthier, happier lives. Growing up, I watched how mental health issues affected people around me. It was clear that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often does not receive the same attention. This realization sparked my interest in psychology and inspired me to learn more about how I could help others. I believe that by understanding the mind, we can improve lives and communities. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for mental health awareness and support. I want to work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many people feel ashamed or afraid to seek help, and I want to change that. By promoting open conversations and understanding, I believe we can create a more supportive environment for those who need it. I also hope to contribute by bringing a compassionate and empathetic approach to my work. Women often bring unique perspectives to healthcare, emphasizing empathy and communication. I want to use these strengths to connect with patients and provide care that truly addresses their needs. Listening to patients and understanding their experiences is essential in providing effective care, and I am committed to honing these skills throughout my education and career. Furthermore, I am passionate about supporting other women in healthcare. The field has made significant progress, but there is still work to be done in achieving gender equality. By supporting and mentoring other women, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse healthcare environment. Diversity in healthcare is essential because it leads to better patient outcomes and a more innovative field. In the future, I aspire to work in a setting where I can focus on mental health, possibly in a clinical or counseling role. I want to help people navigate their mental health challenges and find ways to improve their quality of life. I am also interested in community outreach programs that educate people about mental health and provide resources for those in need. In conclusion, pursuing a degree in healthcare, specifically in psychology, allows me to follow my passion for understanding and supporting mental health. As a woman in this field, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for mental health awareness, providing empathetic care, and supporting other women in healthcare. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and am committed to making a difference in the lives of others.