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Olivia Lewis

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Bio

Hi! My name is Olivia Lewis. Some of my life goals are to graduate college with a Master’s Degree in education, travel, and become a Kindergarten or First Grade teacher. I am passionate about both personal and career growth, physical and mental health. I believe that I am a good candidate for scholarships because I example good morals, leadership skills, and creativity. I was a part of Student led organizations throughout High School such as Student Council, Varsity Lacrosse, and Social Studies Programs such as I.C.E. I am now in my sophomore year of college and was nominated for President of my dorm hall’s Council for the 2022-2023 school year and will be running again this year.

Education

Montclair State University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Education, General

West Orange High School

High School
2019 - 2022

West Orange High School

High School
2019 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Senior Counselor

      Summer Camps
      2017 – Present7 years

    Sports

    Lacrosse

    Varsity
    2019 – Present5 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Newark YMCA Birthday Club — Voulenteer
      2017 – 2019
    Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship
    As an African American female, I find that becoming a teacher can be extremely beneficial in today's society. Teachers can advocate for and contribute to the development of curricula that reflect diverse perspectives, histories, and contributions. This helps create a more comprehensive and culturally responsive educational experience for all students. Having diverse role models in the classroom is essential for students' academic and personal development. African American female teachers serve as powerful role models who demonstrate that success in education is attainable for everyone, regardless of their background. This representation helps students, especially those from similar backgrounds, envision their own potential and possibilities. African American female teachers bring a unique cultural perspective to the classroom. They can better understand and relate to the experiences, challenges, and strengths of African American students. This cultural competence fosters a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, where students feel seen, heard, and understood. The achievement gap, which refers to disparities in academic performance between different groups of students, is a persistent issue in education. African American female teachers can contribute to closing this gap by employing culturally responsive teaching methods, understanding the specific needs of their students, and implementing strategies that promote equitable learning opportunities. Exposure to diverse educators helps all students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. African American female teachers can educate students about different cultures, histories, and perspectives, fostering a sense of appreciation for diversity and promoting inclusivity. African American female teachers can positively impact the identity development of African American students by affirming their cultural heritage, instilling confidence, and challenging stereotypes. This positive reinforcement contributes to a strong sense of self and resilience in the face of societal challenges. The presence of African American female teachers challenges stereotypes about who can be an educator. By breaking down these stereotypes, they inspire students to pursue careers and aspirations that may not have seemed achievable without representation in those roles. African American female teachers contribute to improved communication and understanding between diverse groups of students. Their presence can bridge cultural gaps, promote dialogue, and create a more inclusive and harmonious school community. African American female teachers can advocate for and contribute to the development of curricula that reflect diverse perspectives, histories, and contributions. This helps create a more comprehensive and culturally responsive educational experience for all students. In summary, African American female teachers are not only essential for providing quality education but also for fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable educational system. Their impact extends beyond academic achievement, influencing students' self-perception, cultural understanding, and the overall atmosphere within schools. Educators face various challenges in the classroom, and possess the ability to adapt to diverse situations and persevere in the face of difficulties sets a positive example for students. Teachers model effective communication skills, not only in conveying information but also in listening and understanding the perspectives of others, fostering a healthy and respectful learning environment.
    Patricia Ann Whelan Memorial Scholarship
    Recognizing the diverse learning needs within a classroom, I plan to employ differentiated instruction techniques. This involves assessing students' reading levels and designing activities that are tailored to their individual needs. By incorporating a range of texts with varying difficulty levels, I can ensure that each student is appropriately challenged and supported in their reading development. Creating literacy centers will be an integral part of my instructional strategy. These centers will offer students the opportunity to engage with different aspects of reading, including independent reading, guided reading, vocabulary building, and comprehension activities. The centers will be designed to be interactive and dynamic, allowing students to rotate through various stations to enhance different aspects of their reading skills. Regular read-aloud sessions will be incorporated into the daily routine. These sessions not only expose students to rich language and diverse genres but also provide a model for fluent reading. I will carefully select a variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, to broaden students' exposure to different writing styles and content. To encourage collaborative learning and critical thinking, I will introduce literature circles where students can engage in small group discussions about a shared reading experience. This approach fosters a sense of community in the classroom, allows for meaningful dialogue, and enhances comprehension as students share their perspectives on the text. Recognizing the role of technology in modern education, I will integrate digital resources into reading instruction. Online platforms, educational apps, and interactive e-books can provide additional avenues for students to explore texts, reinforce comprehension skills, and offer personalized learning experiences. Continuous assessment is vital for monitoring students' progress and adjusting instruction accordingly. Formative assessments, such as reading conferences, quizzes, and discussions, will be conducted regularly. These assessments will inform my instructional decisions and help identify areas where additional support or enrichment is needed. Building a strong partnership with parents is essential for reinforcing reading skills outside the classroom. I will regularly communicate with parents about the importance of reading at home, suggest book recommendations, and provide strategies for supporting their child's literacy development. Staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction is crucial. I will actively seek professional development opportunities, attend workshops, and collaborate with colleagues to refine and enhance my teaching methods. In conclusion, my plan for incorporating reading instruction into the classroom is multifaceted, aiming to address the diverse needs of students, foster a love for reading, and cultivate lifelong learners. By combining traditional methods with innovative approaches, I aim to create a dynamic and engaging reading environment that empowers students to become proficient and enthusiastic readers.
    Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
    User 200 words why you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching. ChatGPT Teaching is a vocation that resonates deeply with my intrinsic values and aspirations. The prospect of shaping young minds and contributing to the intellectual and personal development of students excites me. Education has the power to transform lives, and I am impassioned by the idea of being a catalyst for positive change through knowledge dissemination. Having experienced the profound impact of dedicated educators in my own academic journey, I recognize the influential role teachers play in fostering a love for learning. The prospect of inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong thirst for knowledge is a compelling motivation for me to pursue a career in teaching. Moreover, the dynamic and diverse nature of the classroom environment appeals to my innate desire for continual learning and adaptability. The opportunity to engage with students, understand their unique perspectives, and tailor my approach to meet their individual needs is both challenging and rewarding. Teaching, to me, is not merely a profession but a calling to contribute meaningfully to society. It is about nurturing a future generation that is not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the world. In essence, the prospect of being a positive influence and playing a pivotal role in shaping the future propels my enthusiasm for a career in teaching. Teachers serve as mentors and guides, offering support and encouragement to students as they navigate academic challenges and personal growth. By exemplifying integrity, honesty, and responsibility. Educators face various challenges in the classroom, and possess the ability to adapt to diverse situations and persevere in the face of difficulties sets a positive example for students. Teachers model effective communication skills, not only in conveying information but also in listening and understanding the perspectives of others, fostering a healthy and respectful learning environment. A teacher that I had exemplified all of these important qualities and her name was Ms. Connors. Throughout my years of high school, I was a part of the student council and Ms. Connors was the teacher/supervisor in charge. She motivated me to stay on top of my school work, offered me a place to study when things got hard with my family and I wasn't ready to go home after school. The reason why I want to become a teacher is so I can be a safe space and positive role models for my future students to go to if needed. If it weren’t for Ms. Connors being a safe haven for me I don’t know what I would've done or if I would have graduated with the rest of friends and peers.