From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine. Having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. However, as a teacher, I strive to learn more about my students through one-on-one interviews to implement their interests and background cultures so they are reflected in the material. This approach encourages students to crave the interest in learning and feel included in classroom material. Volunteering and working as a tutor at my local library influenced me to study education. I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on contacting me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers preventing students from succeeding in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter daily. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school for a short period. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on contacting me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers preventing students from succeeding in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter daily. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

Never did I imagine facing mental and physical health challenges that would inspire me to change my career path. As a first-generation college student, former caregiver, and part-time worker, I thought I had everything under control. However, I learned the hard way the importance of prioritizing mental well-being after a traumatic experience that left a lasting impact on my life. These struggles have fostered resilience and inspired me to switch my major from Nursing to Education, where I hope to positively influence students' lives. Growing up in a Mexican household, I was instilled with the values of hard work and perseverance. My parents, particularly the male figures, exemplified this by pushing through challenges. My family members who immigrated from Mexico shared stories of their sacrifices to provide opportunities for my siblings and me. I am grateful for the privilege of receiving an education, which has fueled my determination to succeed academically and pursue higher education. As a first-generation college student, navigating the process without guidance has been challenging. I am fortunate to have my younger brother by my side, motivating each other to stay on track and achieve our career goals at separate universities. In addition to my college studies, I have responsibilities such as tutoring children at the local library and caring for my nephew every other week, all while juggling assignments and virtual classes. Before my nephew's birth, I worked part-time in a residential disability home and attended community college, often feeling overwhelmed. During this time, I lost balance in my life, leading to mental health struggles that I never thought I would experience as a young, first-generation student. While working as a part-time resident tech, I realized the toll that caregiving took on my mental and physical health. This experience highlighted the demands of supporting others, especially when neglecting one's own needs. I felt pressured to present myself as strong to my family, even as I struggled with my mental and physical health, school, and financial responsibilities. Eventually, the weight of these demands became too much, forcing me to quit my job, continue my part-time community college courses, and withdraw from social interactions. When I initially tried to confide in my family about my struggles, they dismissed my concerns. I learned that seeking help, even when it feels like no one believes you, is crucial. I took steps to prioritize self-care independently, as my friends and family, who I thought would be supportive, were not. After almost a year of isolating myself, skipping classes, and avoiding family gatherings, I began to heal by engaging in activities like nature walks, cooking, and reconnecting with loved ones. These habits became the foundation of my recovery and reinforced my belief in the importance of mental health. These experiences have also transformed my relationships. I now approach others with a deeper sense of empathy, recognizing that everyone faces their challenges. This understanding has strengthened my connections with family, friends, and the students I tutor. As a bilingual tutor, I have worked closely with Spanish-speaking students and witnessed how language barriers and self-doubt affect their confidence. My struggles have made me more attuned to their needs, and I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment. My mental health journey has reshaped my career aspirations. While I initially aspired to become a nurse, I realized that my true passion lies in education. As a future high school math teacher, I aim to create a classroom that fosters academic growth and supports students' emotional well-being. I aim to make learning accessible and relatable while encouraging students to embrace their unique experiences.

Based on Sabrina Carpenter's history, I know that she shared her talent through YouTube videos. I started uploading videos to YouTube starting around 2020, differently from Sabrina, as I post life vlogs. Honestly, I hope to not gain much attention to those videos, but I hope that others relate to my life, inspiring them to be vloggers and share their stories with the rest of the world. I know that Sabrina's talent was discovered through YouTube videos and inspires me and many of her other fans to use social media as a platform to level up from there and be recognized for their talents. I grew up watching Sabrina on TV as an amazing actor in "Boy Meets World," now look at her doing an absolutely awesome job singing songs that have made it to be on the radio. She is truly an inspiration, letting the world know it takes time to be where they want to be. I think that it is okay for things to take time because it will be worth the wait. Her music and talent motivate me to pursue what I want to truly do with my life which continues with uploading YouTube videos and finishing up my college credits to obtain my bachelor's degree.

As a first-generation Hispanic college student, I grew up with a father who had and currently has an alcohol addiction. I, quite frankly, even avoid communicating with my father because I am scared of encountering him, especially when he is intoxicated. Not too long ago, my father was caught drinking under the influence and driving, which could have cost someone's life. Thankfully, no one was involved or included at the scene when the police and paramedics caught him sleeping behind the wheel with his car off, near a private property by the train tracks. I was woken up by a phone call from the police nearly at 4 in the morning, telling me to head over to pick up the car and car keys with my younger brother. The number of times that I have seen my father sleep on the floor while intoxicated is countless, but I never imagined him sleeping behind the wheel near the train tracks with a person in his passenger seat, both intoxicated. I have witnessed countless times when my father would start causing problems or being bold enough to confront his friends and family while intoxicated. It always seemed like alcohol was the way he could front people about issues. It hurts me so much that I grew up with a father figure who relies on alcohol to solve his problems. Mind you, his older brother also faced an alcohol addiction, which led him to time in prison. My uncle is now out of prison, hanging out and surrounding himself with my father, who is an alcohol addict. Even after my father was locked up for 24 hours after that incident where the police caught him sleeping behind the wheel, my dad started sobering up when my mother got back from Mexico. I really hoped that he would stop drinking for good and reflect on the damage he could have caused after completing a DUI course. His addiction affects me because he lives in the house where I have to clean up after his mess and take care of him while my mother is away in Mexico. At this point, I have gotten used to his rants, but there are days where it becomes overwhelming because I do the best I can as a full-time college student to focus on my academic goals. On top of that, my mother takes care of my nephew during the week, but this upcoming week, my dad is supposed to help out with taking care of him because my mother is out of the country. I have no clue how exhausting this upcoming week is going to be, and obviously, I am not going to let my father take care of my nephew if he is intoxicated. Not only do I have to take care of my nephew, but my father as well, while trying to manage college as a full-time student and part-time tutor. I have no clue how to support my father when he has declined to attend classes of rehabilitation. However, I know that I will take the necessary steps to not follow his path because I know jail or prison is not where I want to end up, nor will I make alcohol a source that I have to rely on to get through life. I will make sure to do things that I enjoy, like nature walks, venting with friends, or painting, to help me destress and avoid those pathways to have a sober life.

A piece of technology that I find beneficial to have in education, as I plan to become a teacher one day, would be computer devices. These devices support English language learners and early readers in developing literacy skills. Nowadays, we have access to computers to listen to audiobooks and access multiple websites. It is such a fantastic technology that allows readers to listen and follow along with the printed text. School districts often lack the resources to support their students in developing the literacy skills necessary to become successful readers and writers. I believe that with the help of today's technology, such as computers, we can support students in developing literacy skills. Students can listen to read-aloud stories through headphones or without headphones, which supports them in improving their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Computers can be used to access a wider range of books and promote digital literacy skills. With this type of technology, students do not have to rely heavily on seeking help from teachers, parents, guardians, or siblings to read them a book. When no one is available to help with pronouncing words, we can easily turn to our computer friend to assist individuals in correctly pronouncing words. Comparing today's elementary generation teaching skills is so uniquely different from when I was in school because of resources like laptops that exist to help students learn the skills needed to teach students with different needs. Every student is at a different level in the classroom, but with technology, we can support students in reaching their goals by assigning them the necessary material that other students may not need.

My mental health experiences have significantly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Never did I imagine facing mental and physical health challenges that would inspire me to change my future career path. As a first-generation college student, former caregiver, and part-time worker, I thought I had everything under control. However, I learned the hard way the importance of prioritizing mental well-being after a traumatic experience that left a lasting impact on my life. These struggles have fostered resilience and inspired me to switch my major from Nursing to Education, where I hope to positively influence students' lives. Growing up in a Mexican household, I was instilled with the values of hard work and perseverance. My parents, particularly the male figures, exemplified this by pushing through challenges. My family members who immigrated from Mexico shared stories of their sacrifices to provide opportunities for my siblings and me. I am grateful for the privilege of receiving an education, which has fueled my determination to succeed academically and pursue higher education. As a first-generation college student, navigating the process without guidance has been challenging. However, I am fortunate to have my younger brother by my side, motivating each other to stay on track and achieve our career goals at separate universities. In addition to my college studies, I have responsibilities such as tutoring children at the local library and caring for my nephew every other week, all while juggling assignments and virtual classes. Before my nephew's birth, I worked part-time in a residential disability home and attended community college, often feeling overwhelmed. During this time, I lost balance in my life, leading to mental health struggles that I never thought I would experience as a young, first-generation student. While working as a part-time resident tech, I gradually realized the toll that caregiving took on my mental and physical health. This experience highlighted the demands of supporting others, especially when neglecting one's own needs. Rooted in the values I was raised with, I felt pressured to present myself as strong to my family, even as I struggled with my mental and physical health, school, and financial responsibilities. Eventually, the weight of these demands became too much, forcing me to quit my job, continue my part-time community college courses, and withdraw from social interactions. When I initially tried to confide in my family about my struggles, they dismissed my concerns. This was one of the most challenging periods of my life, but it taught me invaluable lessons. I learned that seeking help, even when it feels like no one believes you, is crucial. I took steps to prioritize self-care independently, as my friends and family, who I thought would be supportive, were not. After almost a year of isolating myself, skipping classes, and avoiding family gatherings, I began to heal by engaging in activities like nature walks, cooking, and reconnecting with loved ones. These habits became the foundation of my recovery and reinforced my belief in the importance of mental health. These experiences have also transformed my relationships. I now approach others with a deeper sense of empathy, recognizing that everyone faces their own challenges. This understanding has strengthened my connections with family, friends, and the students I tutor. As a bilingual tutor, I have worked closely with Spanish-speaking students and witnessed how language barriers and self-doubt can affect their confidence. My own struggles have made me more attuned to their needs, and I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment. My mental health journey has reshaped my career aspirations. While I initially aspired to become a nurse, I realized that my true passion lies in education. As a future high school math teacher, I aim to create a classroom that not only fosters academic growth but also supports students' emotional well-being. My goal is to make learning accessible and relatable while encouraging students to embrace their unique experiences.

I am Pamela, born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I grew up in a Mexican household with three siblings and my parents and surrounded with limited family in the United States. Both of my parents emigrated from Mexico to the United States years before I was born, seeking opportunities to build a better future for their family. My family and I grew up in a bilingual household where I embraced Mexican roots and adapted American holidays and food such as Halloween, pizza, American breakfast (pancakes, sausages, and eggs), and the Fourth of July. As I grew older we took frequent trips to my parents' hometown in Michoacán, Mexico, where I connected with my family members: grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These visits shaped my perspective on education and privilege. In Michoacán and parts of the United States, I witnessed and heard about children, like my parents when they were young had worked to support their families instead of attending school. My parents often share their stories about their experiences growing up in poverty and the sacrifices they made to provide me and my siblings with the opportunities they never had. Both my parents were unable to finish their education to support their families. These shared stories and experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the privilege of receiving a free K-12 education and earning a high school diploma. My educational journey has been anything but smooth. I often question whether I should continue my education. Balancing school as a full-time student with personal responsibilities has been a significant challenge. I am a full-time college student, a part-time tutor, and a caregiver for my nephew, I often feel overwhelmed by juggling multiple roles. There are times when the stress feels overwhelming to the point where I want to give up. I can not give up because I know I can do it despite the challenges that make it feel impossible. Adding additional work to pay for my education will negatively impact my mental health if I seek an additional role while in school. I plan to work a seasonal job after my tutoring contract before Thanksgiving break. This will allow me to save money while organizing my life to prepare for the next semester, winter 2025. I have created a habit of budgeting carefully to cover my car insurance, daily expenses, and tuition costs. While this path is not easy, I am fortunate to have my parents’ support by providing me a roof over my head and not having to pay rent. My ability to manage my time and finances has become essential for navigating each day and planning for the future. As a first-generation Hispanic college student at Davenport University, I am majoring in secondary education with a focus on mathematics. Choosing this career path was not a decision I made coming out of high school. During high school, I volunteered in educational settings, working closely with students and later discovering my passion for teaching. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others, as a teacher instead of becoming a registered nurse. Many educators have helped me succeed which I want to be able to do for the next generations. The privilege of receiving an education has always been a driving force in my life. I hope that future generations, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel empowered to pursue their own educational goals as I did. The subject of Math has always intrigued me. I know that many students will feel that math might be irrelevant to their lives, but my goal as a future middle or high school math teacher is to change that perception. I want to make math engaging and relatable by incorporating real-life scenarios that resonate with students, allowing them to make connections from their experiences. I will show students how math applies to their everyday lives using different teaching strategies to best help students learn. In addition, I am passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students even those with a unique diverse background. I have witnessed my parents’ struggles with the language barrier, I understand the challenges faced by non-native English speakers. As a tutor, I work with students whose first language is Spanish, and I see how their confidence grows when they feel understood and supported. I communicate with them in their native language, Spanish, when needed and encourage them to express themselves in our tutoring sessions. As a teacher, I will create a safe space where students from all backgrounds feel valued by implementing their background into their learning so students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. This helps create a diverse classroom for each one of my students to learn from each other's diverse backgrounds. I hope to give back to my community by empowering the next generation of learners. Whether it’s breaking down barriers for non-native speakers, or making math accessible. I am committed to creating a classroom where every student can thrive.

Teachers have the power to inspire students to make a positive impact on the environment. My former teachers, for instance, made a real effort to teach us about reducing our carbon footprints through lessons, worksheets, and videos aimed at fostering environmental awareness. Personally, I have taken what my teachers taught and applied it to my life. To reduce my carbon footprint, I walk to local stores instead of driving farther away. If I need to buy groceries, I shop right after my college classes, since the store is on my way home by car. Taking most of my classes online also reduces my car use, and I choose to walk around my neighborhood with my dog rather than to drive to a park. This helps reduce transportation emissions, which is the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. I know that many people in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and around the globe rely on cars to get around. This topic isn’t discussed often enough, but it’s extremely important to inform our community about the issues that come with it. As a first-generation Hispanic and future multicultural educator, I plan to go in-depth on this topic in my future lesson plans. There are many ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprints: avoiding plastic bags, voting for leaders who prioritize environmental issues, donating clothes instead of discarding them, using reusable water bottles, cycling to destinations, unplugging unused devices, and more. Discussing this topic with students can inspire them to take action for the environment. Even though I will be a high school or middle school teacher, I do not have to be a science teacher to educate students about carbon emissions. I can bring up these issues through math word problems and other relevant activities, helping students understand real-world challenges. Taking steps to reduce our carbon footprints is essential, as our planet is heating up due to greenhouse gases trapped in our atmosphere. Rising carbon footprints lead to climate change, which drives global warming. This increase has worsened natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather events, which are expected to continue rising if emissions are not reduced. One community activity I can implement as a teacher to help the environment is dedicating a class period to planting trees in our community. Before this activity, I will briefly go over the benefits of planting trees, such as providing fresh air, increasing oxygen levels, and helping protect our environment from floods. Grand Rapids has experienced flooding within the past few years. I want students to understand that even simple actions can make a big difference in supporting our environment.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school for a short period. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on contacting me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers preventing students from succeeding in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter daily. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

I never really considered volunteering in my community until I reached high school, where students were required to complete 60-120 volunteer hours to graduate. Attending a high school with this requirement opened my eyes to how even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It was especially rewarding for me to use my bilingual skills in both Spanish and English to connect with people in my community who might otherwise feel isolated due to language barriers. During high school, I volunteered at food pantries, after-school centers, and local events. These experiences gave me a great sense of accomplishment after each shift. Not only did I feel proud of the work I was doing, but I also gained valuable experience in different roles that have since strengthened my resume. Volunteering helped me feel more connected to the people around me, building relationships with other volunteers and community members. After completing over 120 hours of community service in high school, I’ve become inspired to continue giving back, especially here in Roosevelt Park. I never dreamed of becoming a teacher until I left my volunteer position at the Cook Art Center a couple of years ago. Volunteering in different places helped me figure out the right career path for me. Over time, I realized that I wanted a career where I could make a lasting impact on others, and teaching felt like the perfect fit. When I volunteer, I learn about all kinds of local services, and I envision using this knowledge in my future classroom. I plan to set up a bulletin board to display resource flyers so that students can easily access help if they need it. I also want my students to know they can always come to me if they’re seeking any type of support because I’m committed to connecting them with resources. I believe we need teachers who work closely with their communities to support students in every way possible. One of the organizations that truly stands out to me is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, which provides many essential resources to Roosevelt Park residents. A great example of how I can contribute to my community is by volunteering at their upcoming coat distribution event. This event requires just a few hours of my time, but it will make a significant impact by helping families prepare for the colder months. Having previously volunteered with Feeding West Michigan, one of the Hispanic Center’s partners, I know how effective these events can be in providing for families in need. By volunteering, I also learn about available resources, so I can help spread the word to those who might not be aware of them. As a first-year, full-time college student and part-time tutor at my local library, I am still dedicated to serving my community. I plan to volunteer at the next coat drive and continue using my Spanish and English skills to connect with families. Additionally, I hope to volunteer one or two times a week at a food pantry where I previously volunteered during high school. Helping my community motivates me to get out of my comfort zone, stay active, and engage with a wide range of diverse people. I feel that by serving others, I gain invaluable experience and build meaningful connections that make a lasting impact on me and those I support.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege, as neither of my parents finished their education. Both left school in Mexico due to financial hardships and poverty, eventually coming to the United States with nothing but family support. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I am committed to earning my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I recently transferred from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University, where I am a full-time student pursuing my Bachelor’s in Education. I aspire to work as a middle or high school math teacher. I had incredible math teachers in middle and high school who made the subject enjoyable and engaging. Although some problems take time to solve, math has always intrigued me. I am aware that there are very few teachers of color, as most are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American and a person of color in the education field, I hope to serve as a role model for students from underrepresented communities. I believe that my shared background with students can create a foundation of trust and connection, encouraging them to feel comfortable and open in my classroom. My passion for teaching was also influenced by my volunteer work at my local library, where I helped bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist several high school students who had recently arrived from Guatemala and spoke little English. These students relied on me for help with their English homework, and despite the language barrier, they showed resilience and determination. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of removing obstacles that hinder students’ educational success. Teachers have a profound impact on students’ lives, often providing them with a safe, supportive environment where they can face unique challenges. I look forward to creating a welcoming classroom for all my students, embracing diverse backgrounds and fostering a culture of inclusion. Currently, I’m paying for school out of pocket, with no financial support from my parents, though they provide me with a place to live. I recently bought a car to commute to work and school, but finances have become a significant concern after losing my Michigan grant. This setback left me devastated, as I now have to find additional ways to cover college expenses by winter 2025. As a first-generation college student, I feel incredibly privileged to be pursuing higher education. Although my journey has been challenging, especially after changing my major, I am determined to continue. I’ve applied to over 22 part-time jobs since September with little success. My current part-time tutoring position doesn’t fully cover my school, gas, food, and other expenses. However, I remain hopeful that I can find a solution to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming an impactful educator.

As a child of immigrant parents and a first-generation Hispanic college student, I understand that education is a privilege. My parents, who both came to the United States to build a better future for my siblings and me, were not able to obtain high school diplomas because they had to work to support their families. Despite this, they have made great strides in learning English, a language they didn’t know when they arrived over 20 years ago. Today, they use English to communicate with others, including their coworkers. My siblings and I are among the first in our family to earn high school diplomas, alongside a few cousins who also live in the United States, and we are all incredibly proud of how far we have come together. Choosing to further my education in STEAM, specifically as a high school math teacher, was a decision that came after meaningful experiences working with students in after-school programs and multicultural school settings. Each student I have worked with brings a unique background, and I have had the privilege of supporting them in their educational journeys. I have also made it my priority to create inclusive environments where students feel heard and valued, understanding that students’ voices are crucial to their academic success. By listening to their concerns, I can help them overcome barriers that may interfere with their learning. I am beyond grateful to be majoring in secondary education, especially because there is a strong need for multicultural teachers who can relate to students from diverse backgrounds and adjust teaching strategies to fit their learning needs. My courses at Davenport University are incredibly valuable, as my professors are preparing future teachers like me to effectively teach students with unique backgrounds. Alongside my studies, I also tutor students at a local library, helping them with homework. I have been teaching English to Spanish speakers, applying the strategies I’ve learned from my coursework such as using visual aids. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education at Davenport University for the upcoming semesters, winter 2025 and fall 2025. This support would enable me to pursue my goal of becoming a dedicated and culturally aware teacher who can meet the diverse needs of my future students. This scholarship would help me make a difference in the lives of students by giving them a teacher who understands their challenges and supports them on their educational journey.

As someone who has experienced mental health challenges as both a college student and a part-time resident tech in a long-term adult disability residential home, I've learned firsthand the importance of self-care. As a first-generation college student, I always felt a need to appear like everything in my life was going smoothly. I wanted to make my family proud and show I could handle the responsibilities I’d taken on. Since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a nurse, but I never realized how much impact the journey would have on my life, especially while balancing stressful studies and the demands of caring for four residents during each shift. Paying for most of my tuition out of pocket, I chose to work in healthcare to see if it was the right career path for me. However, amidst the many responsibilities in my life, I neglected to take care of myself, which led to a challenging recovery process. Writing about this now is painful because it reminds me of the times I ignored my own needs, pushing through exhaustion instead of taking breaks. Eventually, this took a heavy toll on my mental health. I reached a point where I had to quit my job, overwhelmed by everything I was dealing with. By then, it felt late to start recovering and taking steps to improve my mental well-being. I reduced my course load to part-time for the second semester, often spending my days isolated, lying down in my room, feeling numb. I rarely discussed mental health with others, especially because people around me dismissed it as “not real.” I knew I was struggling, but I needed a supportive group, and instead, I faced ridicule. It was a lonely and frustrating time. After a few months, I realized I needed a different path, one that wasn’t as mentally and physically draining. I also recognized the importance of surrounding myself with positive, supportive people rather than those who only added negativity. Making changes like these isn’t easy, but prioritizing yourself is essential, especially when others can’t or won’t understand. Taking care of our mental health is crucial, as it affects how we interact and function day to day. My recovery journey started with small steps, like going on nature walks, taking breaks to get out of my room, and gradually improving my diet by preparing nutritious meals which was an important shift after I had gotten used to skipping meals. Now, as a full-time secondary education student, I make it a point to prioritize my mental well-being. I limit my work hours, take breaks when studying, spend time outdoors, and see friends and family at least once a week. Doing the things we enjoy and managing stress helps maintain mental health and overall balance in life.

I am currently in college, majoring in Secondary Education with a focus on Math. When I started college, this wasn't the career path I initially intended to pursue. From a young age, I was passionate about helping people, and I always dreamed of becoming a nurse to assist those in need. However, I realized that as a teacher, I could also help others by supporting students academically and making a significant impact on their lives. My journey toward education began when I volunteered at my local library and art center, where I helped students with their academic goals. I loved witnessing the progress students made and felt proud to be a part of their achievements. This experience sparked my interest in teaching and showed me the profound impact I could have on students' lives. After high school, I chose to work in a manufacturing facility with my parents instead of attending college immediately due to the high cost of tuition and feeling unprepared for the demands of higher education. However, a few months into the job, I realized I wanted to pursue something I was truly passionate about rather than producing cardiovascular materials for surgery. I decided to attend community college to complete my prerequisites for nursing. During this time, I observed math tutors helping students, and I couldn’t help but think about how rewarding it would be to support students in their studies. Although I did not take a math course that winter semester, I found myself missing the subject deeply. In high school, math was the one subject I looked forward to because my teachers made it so engaging and enjoyable. I realized that I had a genuine passion for math and a desire to share that passion with others. Currently, I am working at the YMCA in an after-school program with K-8 students, assisting them with homework and activities. Spending time in summer school classrooms with experienced teachers and observing how they manage their classes has been incredibly inspiring. It makes me excited to imagine myself as the teacher in front of the classroom one day. I also enjoy being a teacher’s assistant, as it allows me to help both students and teachers throughout the day. To achieve my goal of becoming a math teacher, I plan to work two tutoring jobs and continue my role as a teacher assistant while attending university full-time. This will help me support myself financially and gain valuable experience in education. I am eager to see how everything unfolds this semester and plan to continue taking these steps until I reach my goal of becoming a teacher.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University as a full-time student to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter daily. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom. This is my third year at Grand Rapids Community College since I'm working part-time to pay for school out of pocket with no support from my parents. I just brought a car to get around to work and school daily. Last month I was able to afford college until I got my Michigan grant removed. I feel very devasted because now I have to look into ways to pay for college next month.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

Why have you chosen to pursue a degree in STEM? How do you hope to have an impact in the STEM field as a person of color? From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.

From a young age, I viewed attending school as a privilege because neither of my parents finished their education. Both of my parents left school in Mexico due to expenses and living in poverty. They came to the United States with nothing but the support of family. Who knows if I would have continued my education in Mexico, but one thing I do know is that I will obtain my degree in Secondary Math Education at Davenport University. I have attended school my whole life. I am transferring from Grand Rapids Community College to Davenport University to earn my Bachelor's in Education. I aspire to work in the education field as a middle or high school math teacher. My middle and high school math teachers made the subject easy for me to learn. Although some problems take forever to solve, math never bores me. I am aware that there are few teachers of color, as most of them are white. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and a person of color in the education field, I can serve as a role model for students in underrepresented communities. I can make a significant impact on students who share a similar background to mine, as having commonalities encourages students to trust and open up more easily. As a teacher, I aim to empower future generations to succeed both in my classroom and in life. Volunteering at my local library influenced me to study education. For a short period, I volunteered to help bilingual students with their homework after school. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allowed me to assist a few high school students who had recently arrived in the United States from Guatemala and knew very little English. These Hispanic students came to me after school to receive the help they needed to complete their English homework. Despite the language barrier, they never gave up on reaching out to me when they needed help. If I was not there to help them, they mostly relied on Google Translate. This experience showed me the importance of eliminating barriers that prevent students from being successful in their education. Teachers make a significant impact on students' lives. Most of the time, they are the ones creating a safe place for their students in the classroom. They also help students overcome the different and unique challenges they encounter on a daily basis. I look forward to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all students who come from different backgrounds in my future classroom.