My journey toward higher education at this stage of my life has been shaped by growth, faith, and the realization that purpose does not always reveal itself early in life. I am a 42-year-old mother of two who has worked in several industries over the years, including banking, customer service, and sales. While each experience taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and perseverance, none of those careers truly fulfilled me. It was not until the pandemic that I began to reconsider the direction of my life and the impact I wanted to make in my community. During that time of reflection, I felt a strong calling to pursue education. Shortly after, I interviewed for positions at a local elementary school and began working as a special education teacher’s assistant. What started as a job quickly became something much more meaningful. Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work with students from preschool through elementary grades, many of whom are nonverbal or face significant developmental challenges. Supporting these students has shown me how powerful patience, encouragement, and understanding can be in helping children grow and succeed. These experiences have shaped my personal values in profound ways. I have learned that service to others is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in the world. I have also learned the importance of advocacy, particularly for students who may not always have the ability to speak for themselves. Watching my students accomplish new tasks, communicate their needs, and develop confidence has strengthened my commitment to becoming a licensed special education teacher. Returning to school later in life has also been deeply personal for me as a parent. My daughter is currently pursuing her own college education with hopes of becoming a lawyer, and my younger son is watching closely as I continue my educational journey. By pursuing my degree, I hope to show both of my children that learning and personal growth never stop, no matter what stage of life you are in. My career aspirations extend beyond the classroom. I hope to use my education to advocate for children with special needs and to expand opportunities for families who may struggle to find supportive resources. One of my long-term goals is to open or lead a daycare program that specifically supports children with developmental differences. Many families face challenges finding childcare programs equipped to meet their children’s needs, and I would love to help create a space where those children can learn, grow, and thrive. In addition to working directly with students, I also hope to serve my community through advocacy and leadership. One day, I would like to serve on a school board so I can help ensure that students with special needs and their families have strong representation and access to the resources they deserve. This scholarship would help make these goals possible by easing the financial burden of completing my degree. As a working mother balancing employment, family responsibilities, and school, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the knowledge and skills needed to serve my students and community. My journey toward higher education may have begun later than most, but it has given me clarity, purpose, and determination. I am pursuing this degree not only to advance my own career, but to advocate for students who deserve patience, opportunity, and a chance to succeed. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue working toward a future where I can make a lasting and meaningful impact in my community.

My journey toward higher education at this stage of my life has been shaped by growth, faith, and the realization that purpose does not always reveal itself early in life. I am a 42-year-old mother of two who has worked in several industries over the years, including banking, customer service, and sales. While each experience taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and perseverance, none of those careers truly fulfilled me. It was not until the pandemic that I began to reconsider the direction of my life and the impact I wanted to make in my community. During that time of reflection, I felt a strong calling to pursue education. Shortly after, I interviewed for positions at a local elementary school and began working as a special education teacher’s assistant. What started as a job quickly became something much more meaningful. Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work with students from preschool through elementary grades, many of whom are nonverbal or face significant developmental challenges. Supporting these students has shown me how powerful patience, encouragement, and understanding can be in helping children grow and succeed. These experiences have shaped my personal values in profound ways. I have learned that service to others is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in the world. I have also learned the importance of advocacy, particularly for students who may not always have the ability to speak for themselves. Watching my students accomplish new tasks, communicate their needs, and develop confidence has strengthened my commitment to becoming a licensed special education teacher. Returning to school later in life has also been deeply personal for me as a parent. My daughter is currently pursuing her own college education with hopes of becoming a lawyer, and my younger son is watching closely as I continue my educational journey. By pursuing my degree, I hope to show both of my children that learning and personal growth never stop, no matter what stage of life you are in. My career aspirations extend beyond the classroom. I hope to use my education to advocate for children with special needs and to expand opportunities for families who may struggle to find supportive resources. One of my long-term goals is to open or lead a daycare program that specifically supports children with developmental differences. Many families face challenges finding childcare programs equipped to meet their children’s needs, and I would love to help create a space where those children can learn, grow, and thrive. In addition to working directly with students, I also hope to serve my community through advocacy and leadership. One day, I would like to serve on a school board so I can help ensure that students with special needs and their families have strong representation and access to the resources they deserve. This scholarship would help make these goals possible by easing the financial burden of completing my degree. As a working mother balancing employment, family responsibilities, and school, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the knowledge and skills needed to serve my students and community. My journey toward higher education may have begun later than most, but it has given me clarity, purpose, and determination. I am pursuing this degree not only to advance my own career, but to advocate for students who deserve patience, opportunity, and a chance to succeed. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue working toward a future where I can make a lasting and meaningful impact in my community.

My journey toward higher education has not been a straight path. After graduating from high school with good grades, I enrolled in college with the intention of completing my degree. However, life took a different turn. I got married, started a family, and focused on raising my children. Like many people, my priorities shifted, and I never finished my degree. Years later, at the age of 40 and going through a divorce, I realized it was time to make a change and get my life back on track. I wanted to build a more stable future for myself and my children, and returning to school became an important step in that process. Around that same time, I experienced a moment of reflection that changed my direction. I felt a quiet calling asking if I had ever considered teaching. Shortly afterward, I applied for a position at a local elementary school and began working as a teacher’s assistant in the special education department. I often believe that this opportunity came at exactly the right time, giving me the chance to see the daily realities of education and decide whether it was truly the path for me. Five years later, I can confidently say that I love this work. I have had the opportunity to work with students from preschool through sixth grade in special education, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Helping students learn, communicate, and gain confidence has confirmed that this is the field where I want to build my career. Today, I am committed to returning to school to complete my degree and continue growing in the field of education. As I pursue this goal, I am also learning that financial aid does not cover everything, which is why I am saving money and applying for scholarships to support my education. My journey may not have followed the traditional timeline, but it has given me clarity about the path I want to take. I am grateful for the experiences that brought me here, and I look forward to continuing my education so I can keep doing work that truly makes a difference. Being awarded this scholarship would help me achieve my dreams of being a licensed special education teacher. I am confident that I am one of the best candidates for this scholarship due to my determination, diligence and love for the field. That’s exactly what the world needs more of.

Being a special education teacher to me means helping students recognize that they matter. It means helping them discover that their voice, their thoughts, and their abilities have value. The true purpose of teaching is not only to share knowledge, but to help students realize their own presence in the world—to understand that they belong, that they are capable, and that they can grow. In special education classrooms, this purpose becomes especially meaningful. Many students with special needs face challenges that make learning, communication, and independence more difficult. Some are nonverbal, some learn at a different pace, and some need extra guidance to complete everyday tasks. Because of this, their victories may look different from those of other students, but they are just as powerful. As a special education teacher’s assistant for nearly five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing those victories every day. I have worked with students from preschool through elementary grades, many of whom communicate through gestures, visuals, or assistive tools rather than spoken words. In these classrooms, success can be a student pointing to a picture to express a need, putting on their coat by themselves, or participating in a classroom activity with confidence. These moments represent more than progress—they represent a child realizing that they are capable. My mission as a future special education teacher is to create a classroom environment where students feel safe exploring their abilities and developing independence. I want my students to learn that they can solve problems, communicate their needs, and accomplish tasks step by step. Through patience, encouragement, and structured routines, I want to guide them toward confidence in their everyday lives. Teaching students to recognize their presence often begins with helping them master the small routines that build independence and self-belief. When students learn that they can accomplish daily tasks, they begin to see themselves as capable individuals. I often imagine this journey as a simple fairy tale. Once upon a time there was a child who had a list of important things to do each day. The list was simple, but each step helped the child grow stronger and more confident. First, the child woke up and brushed their teeth, learning to take care of their body. Next, the child got dressed and prepared for the day ahead. Then the child went to school, where they worked their brain by learning new things, asking questions, and solving problems. During the day, the child ate healthy food to give their body energy and played with friends to practice kindness and communication. Step by step, the child completed each item on their list. At first, some tasks were difficult. But with guidance, patience, and encouragement, the child learned that each small accomplishment was a victory. Over time, the list no longer felt impossible. It became a path toward independence. And the child realized something important: they were capable all along. As a special education teacher, my role is to help students write their own story of success. By guiding them through learning, routines, and confidence-building experiences, I want every child to understand that their presence matters and that they have the ability to grow, learn, and succeed.

For most of my life, I never imagined becoming a teacher. My career path moved through several different roles—from working as a bank teller at Bank of America to positions in customer service and sales. While those experiences taught me valuable skills, none of them truly felt like my purpose. That changed during the pandemic. In a quiet moment of reflection, I felt God whisper a simple question to my heart: “Do you want to teach?” When I thought about that question, memories from my childhood came rushing back. I remembered playing “school” in our bedroom with my younger sisters, teaching them math lessons I had just learned in my own algebra class. Even then, I loved helping others understand something new. So I answered with a simple yes. Within a month, I interviewed for two positions at a local elementary school—one in general education and one in special education. I was offered both roles, but the principal felt I would be a better fit in special education. Looking back, I truly believe that moment was divine timing. This year marks my fifth year working as a special education teacher’s assistant. I have worked with students from preschool through fifth grade, and I currently support preschoolers. Many of the children I work with are nonverbal, which means communication often requires patience, observation, and creativity. Every day becomes an opportunity to understand how each child learns and how I can help them succeed. I often joke that I get paid to play with Play-Doh and Legos all day, but those moments are where real learning happens. Through play, encouragement, and consistency, we help children develop communication, confidence, and independence. While my calling to teaching came later in life, I realize now that educators had been inspiring me all along. One teacher who made a lasting impact on me was Miss Joyner, my gym teacher. She was always present in our lives, taking time to talk with students outside of class and even bringing children from our neighborhood to Bible study at her church. She showed me what it looks like when a teacher truly cares about their students beyond the classroom. Another teacher who inspired me was my English teacher, Mrs. Scott. Her love for literature—especially Shakespeare—was contagious. Because of her, I developed an appreciation for storytelling and learning that has stayed with me throughout my life. As I continue my education, my goal is to become a licensed special education teacher so that I can continue serving students who learn differently. I also hope to further my studies in psychology to better understand how the brain works and how to support children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. In the future, I hope to use my degree to advocate for students with special needs in even greater ways. I would love to one day open or lead a daycare program that intentionally supports children with special needs, since many families struggle to find programs equipped to serve them. I also hope to advocate for special education at a broader level, possibly serving on a school board so I can be a voice for students and families whose needs are often overlooked. Teaching has become more than a career for me—it is a calling. With the help of this scholarship, I will continue the journey I began when I answered that quiet question with faith and said yes.

For most of my life, I never imagined becoming a teacher. My career path moved through several different roles—from working as a bank teller at Bank of America to positions in customer service and sales. While those experiences taught me valuable skills, none of them truly felt like my purpose. That changed during the pandemic. In a quiet moment of reflection, I felt God whisper a simple question to my heart: “Do you want to teach?” When I thought about that question, memories from my childhood came rushing back. I remembered playing “school” in our bedroom with my younger sisters, teaching them math lessons I had just learned in my own algebra class. Even then, I loved helping others understand something new. So I answered with a simple yes. Within a month, I interviewed for two positions at a local elementary school—one in general education and one in special education. I was offered both roles, but the principal felt I would be a better fit in special education. Looking back, I truly believe that moment was divine timing. This year marks my fifth year working as a special education teacher’s assistant. I have worked with students from preschool through fifth grade, and I currently support preschoolers. Many of the children I work with are nonverbal, which means communication often requires patience, observation, and creativity. Every day becomes an opportunity to understand how each child learns and how I can help them succeed. I often joke that I get paid to play with Play-Doh and Legos all day, but those moments are where real learning happens. Through play, encouragement, and consistency, we help children develop communication, confidence, and independence. While my calling to teaching came later in life, I realize now that educators had been inspiring me all along. One teacher who made a lasting impact on me was Miss Joyner, my gym teacher. She was always present in our lives, taking time to talk with students outside of class and even bringing children from our neighborhood to Bible study at her church. She showed me what it looks like when a teacher truly cares about their students beyond the classroom. Another teacher who inspired me was my English teacher, Mrs. Scott. Her love for literature—especially Shakespeare—was contagious. Because of her, I developed an appreciation for storytelling and learning that has stayed with me throughout my life. As I continue my education, my goal is to become a licensed special education teacher so that I can continue serving students who learn differently. I also hope to further my studies in psychology to better understand how the brain works and how to support children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. In the future, I hope to use my degree to advocate for students with special needs in even greater ways. I would love to one day open or lead a daycare program that intentionally supports children with special needs, since many families struggle to find programs equipped to serve them. I also hope to advocate for special education at a broader level, possibly serving on a school board so I can be a voice for students and families whose needs are often overlooked. Teaching has become more than a career for me—it is a calling. With the help of this scholarship, I will continue the journey I began when I answered that quiet question with faith and said yes.

I never planned to become a teacher. My career path originally took me in very different directions. I worked as a bank teller at Bank of America, in customer service, and in sales for a phone company. While those experiences taught me many valuable skills, none of them truly felt like my purpose. During the pandemic, I experienced a moment that changed my life. In a quiet moment, I felt God ask me a simple question: “Do you want to teach?” When I reflected on that question, I remembered playing “school” as a child with my younger sisters. I would teach them math lessons I had just learned in my own algebra class. Helping others understand something new always brought me joy, even back then. So I answered God with a simple yes. Within a month, I interviewed for two positions at a local elementary school—one in general education and one in special education. I was offered both, but the principal believed I would be a better fit in special education. Looking back, I truly believe that was divine timing. That decision led me to a career I absolutely love. This year marks my fifth year working as a teacher’s assistant in special education. I have worked with students from preschool through fifth grade, and I currently work with preschoolers. Many of the children I support are nonverbal, which requires patience, creativity, and careful observation to understand how they communicate and learn. Helping each child discover their abilities and grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I often joke that I get paid to play with Play-Doh and Legos all day, but those moments are where real learning happens. Through play, encouragement, and consistency, we help children develop the skills they need to succeed. My goal is to become a licensed special education teacher so that I can continue serving students who learn differently. I also hope to further my education in psychology to better understand how the brain works and how to support students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. I truly believe that this career is my calling. The only barrier standing between where I am today and becoming a licensed teacher is the financial support needed to complete my degree. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing the work I feel called to do—helping students learn, grow, and believe in themselves.