I know what severe panic attacks feel like, and when I saw the child I was caring for face the same thing my heart broke. Shaking and with tears in his eyes, he was not sure what was going on or how to stop it. From what I learned through my own experiences, I was able to help guide him through it, and go on to teach him methods to deal with struggles such as this in the future. Throughout my time nannying for him so far, we continued to practice strategies to work through his emotions. Seeing him utilize what he learned in order to take control of his life was the most impactful moment of my summer. I am passionate about helping children. Between my volunteer work at my local elementary school, teaching in my church’s preschool, helping children who face food insecurity, and my work in childcare- I have learned a lot about the lasting outcome leadership in these communities can make, and have had many opportunities to practice this service. It is so rewarding to see academic growth, as well as development in integrity and character, when working with students in and out of the classroom. Helping children create their own bright future has resulted in meaningful connections I have had the pleasure of being a part of. There is no greater feeling I have experienced than a young child running up to me with a smile to come give me a hug. The community I have been able to become a part of through volunteering has driven my motivation to pour into it and help improve upon it. My experiences have helped me to see how important a life including helping children and prioritizing community are to me. From a young age, I have been able to see the impact teachers make on students first hand, through their hard work and compassion towards myself. Through my mother’s teaching career, I have gotten a close look at the profession and how involved she has become in families’ lives. Seeing this community connection, and the satisfaction in helping others, has made a big impact. With this, I have decided to pursue Elementary Education so I can practice my two passions of helping others and fostering community each day. A future that is centered around meaningful relationships and giving back to the community is of the utmost importance to me, and a college education will give me the required certifications and necessary tools to make that future dream a reality. Higher education would equip me with knowledge on how to truly best support my students, and be able to continue a life of giving back to my community. All that I have taught, I have learned. I was able to help the child I was watching through his panic attack because I had previously learned strategies from those who pour into my life. Becoming a teacher will help me create a life centered around compassion, community, and growth.