Education has shaped my life in numerous ways and has always been important to me. As the child of a teacher, I was able to see firsthand the power of education and how it can change lives. Watching my mother teach and provide inspiration to her students gave me a glimpse of how rewarding teaching can be, as it can help students learn and grow. Her dedication to her students and their education gave me the belief that education's purpose is not only knowledge, but it is also preparing students for their own lives where they can be successful and confident individuals. During my personal education, there have been moments that further pushed my passion for both teaching and learning. With each step, whether it was analyzing a difficult literary work or collaborating with my fellow peers in college, I have always been reminded of the value of education, perseverance, and curiosity. As a student at JSU, I find myself constantly being inspired by my professors, who bring their own knowledge to the classroom. As a secondary education major, I try to pay close attention to their teaching styles, as in the future, I may be able to enhance my own classroom with their methods. In some form, I see all of my professors as a model of what I strive to be, as they provide different approaches when engaging with students as well as different strategies for engaging with material. Each experience has motivated me to set goals for myself that challenge me to be both a productive learner and future educator. Through education, my overall goal is to both inspire and empower my future students. I aspire to create a classroom that fosters a sense of value for my future students. As an English and language arts teacher, I want to share my love of literature and writing with students and encourage them to use stories and ideas to explore the world. I believe that the most powerful way to prepare students for the "real world" is by helping them understand different perspectives and develop their voice. Apart from the classroom, I also hope to contribute to my community. I believe education can bring people together and create a permanent change. I would like to use my career as an educator to not only make a difference for my future students but also for their families and the community as a whole. Whether it is through after-school and extracurricular programs or mentoring opportunities, I will be committed to making sure that students are given the opportunity to succeed. As I look back on my own experiences, I know that without the guidance and support from my former teachers and mentors, I would not be in the position that I am in today. They showed me the power that education has to not only open doors but also create a passion for learning. I hope that one day, my students will view me the same way and see me as a teacher and someone who believed in them and helped them achieve their highest potential. I like to think that education is not just a career choice for me, but also a calling. In a way, it is a foundation that I have built my dreams on. For me, education is a tool that I would like to use to help others achieve their own dreams. Through my time at JSU, and even beyond, I will push myself to be dedicated to continuing my own learning, sharing my knowledge with my future students, and inspiring others to become leaders.