I am an empathetic and passionate individual who believes in the power of education to change lives. As a single parent, my journey has been shaped by both the challenges and the resilience that come with it. Raising my children while balancing education and work has taught me time management, perseverance, and the importance of finding balance. I’ve learned to be resourceful and creative in making the most of my time and energy, and this experience has only deepened my commitment to education, both for myself and for others. Being a single parent has undoubtedly affected my education in several ways. There have been times when juggling family responsibilities with my academic work was overwhelming. But it has also given me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for others in similar situations. It’s taught me the value of flexibility, patience, and the understanding that success doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Even at the times I wanted to give up because the load of juggling parenthood, and going to school became somewhat overwhelming at times, I continued to pursue my dream. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and my experiences have reinforced my belief that learning is not just about grades, but about growing through adversity and embracing the journey. As a recent graduate of Sam Houston State University, December 2024, I have decided to further my education by obtaining my master's degree in Special Education, as well as obtaining my teacher's certification. My goal is to make a positive impact in my community by becoming a role model and advocate for those who may face similar struggles. I want to show others that, no matter the obstacles, education is always within reach. I plan to contribute by offering support to single parents, creating programs that provide educational resources, and offering mentorship to students who may feel isolated or unsupported. I believe in the power of community, and I want to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their fullest potential, no matter their circumstances. In the classroom, I will use my personal experiences to inspire and encourage my students, helping them to see their own potential. I will create a safe, inclusive space where students feel seen and supported, helping them to overcome their challenges and feel confident in their abilities. Through this work, I hope to leave a lasting, positive impact, not just on my students, but on the community as a whole. By sharing my story and showing resilience, I want to encourage others to believe in themselves and know that, with determination, they can make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

Professor Harold Bloom's statement, "The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her presence," speaks to a profound aspect of education: helping a student develop an awareness of who they are and their unique place in the world. The "sense of their presence" refers to the understanding of one's identity, value, and existence about the broader world. It is about fostering self-awareness, confidence, and a belief in one's worth, no matter the challenges they face. For special education students, this can be particularly transformative, as it empowers them to navigate the world with dignity and self-respect. To guide my students to experiencing a sense of their presence, my mission would be to create an inclusive, supportive, and personalized learning environment that nurtures self-awareness and self-advocacy. I would work to establish a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are as individuals. This involves not only teaching academic skills but also providing opportunities for emotional and social growth. I would encourage each student to explore their strengths, celebrate their uniqueness, and realize their potential. In practice, this might look like: Building Relationships: Establishing trust and a sense of safety within the classroom so students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Differentiated Instruction: Tailoring lessons to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that learning is accessible and engaging for all. Celebrating Strengths: Focusing on what each student excels at and using that as a foundation for building confidence. Encouraging Self-Advocacy: Teaching students how to communicate their needs and preferences, giving them a voice in their education. Promoting Emotional Awareness: Integrating social-emotional learning to help students understand and manage their feelings, which is key to developing a sense of presence. Fairy Tale: The Journey of Light and Presence Once upon a time, in a kingdom filled with magic and mystery, there was a wise and kind-hearted teacher named Ms. Aurelia, who lived in the heart of the Enchanted Forest. The forest was home to many creatures, some of whom felt invisible and misunderstood. These were the students of the forest: a gentle dragon named Theo who couldn’t fly, a timid unicorn named Luna who had trouble finding her voice, and a small, quiet sprite named Pippin who often felt lost in the shadows. Ms. Aurelia, with her glowing lantern of wisdom, knew that each creature, no matter how different, had a unique light within them. Her mission was to help her students discover this light—help them experience the presence of their true selves. One day, she gathered her students under the tall, whispering trees. "Your light is inside you," she said, "and I will help you find it. Together, we will make it shine." She first turned to Theo, the dragon. "Theo, your wings may not fly yet, but they are strong. They hold the power to protect and guide others." Ms. Aurelia helped him build confidence in his strength and unique abilities, reminding him that he didn’t need to soar like others to be special. Slowly, Theo's wings began to unfurl, not in flight, but in the quiet understanding that his presence alone was enough. Next, she turned to Luna, the unicorn. "Luna, your voice is gentle, but it carries wisdom in every word." Ms. Aurelia taught her how to speak up for herself, not just in words, but through actions that showcased her courage and grace. Luna learned that her silence was not weakness, but a thoughtful pause before she spoke with clarity and kindness. Finally, Ms. Aurelia approached Pippin, the sprite. "Pippin, your light is small, but it is bright. You don’t need to be loud to be noticed, for your presence radiates in the quietest moments." Ms. Aurelia helped Pippin see how much he was appreciated by others. He learned to shine through his quiet actions, spreading joy to those around him. Over time, each of Ms. Aurelia’s students discovered their unique presence. They no longer felt lost or invisible but stood tall and proud of who they were. They knew their value and their place in the world, for they had found their light within. And so, the kingdom flourished, as every creature, big or small, spoke and acted with confidence, knowing that their presence was needed. Ms. Aurelia’s work was done, but the forest continued to shine brightly, a testament to the power of discovering one’s true self. And they all lived happily, confidently, and brightly ever after.

Pursuing My Education as a Mother and Aspiring Educator Continuing my education is more than a personal achievement—it is a mission fueled by my passion for mental health advocacy and special education. As a mother and a behavior support specialist, I have witnessed how proper intervention and guidance can change lives. My goal is to become a special education teacher and mental health advocate, ensuring that children with behavioral and learning challenges receive the support they need to succeed. However, my journey has been anything but easy. Balancing work, school, and motherhood has been a test of strength, patience, and resilience. I have faced financial hardships, overwhelming responsibilities, and moments of self-doubt, but each challenge has only reinforced my determination. Juggling multiple roles means late nights, early mornings, and sacrificing personal time, yet I embrace these struggles because I know that education is the key to building a better future—not just for myself, but for my child and the students I will one day serve. To manage these responsibilities, I rely on strong time management, self-discipline, and an unshakable support system. I set clear goals, stay organized, and remind myself daily why I started this journey. Every sacrifice is a step toward making a lasting impact in the lives of children who need an advocate—someone who truly understands their struggles and believes in their potential. I also believe in educating the parents, a lot of parents who have children with special needs/mental issues lack education on how to help those students, I would like to help provide those resources to those parents to help them obtain reliable information. Often, children are left unsupported because the strain that it can take on the parents or caregivers. I have seen these challenges become very difficult and sometimes causing parents to lose faith in their children, they will give up on them, causing them to have more issues. My experiences as both a mother and an educator have taught me that empathy, patience, and perseverance are the most valuable tools in helping children succeed. I have learned that every child, no matter their background or challenges, deserves a chance to grow and thrive. This belief drives me to continue pushing forward, knowing that my education will allow me to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for future generations. Through my experiences, I have learned that perseverance, passion, and purpose can overcome any obstacle. My journey is not just about obtaining a degree; it is about becoming the kind of educator who inspires, uplifts, and creates opportunities for students who deserve a chance to thrive. I am committed to this path, and I look forward to making a difference—one student at a time.

As a single mother, balancing work and caregiving has been both challenging and transformative. Juggling a full-time job while raising my children has required resilience, adaptability, and strong time management skills. The constant demands of providing financial stability, emotional support, and educational guidance have tested me, but they have also fueled my determination to create a better future for my family. One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining financial stability while ensuring my children receive the attention and care they need. Without a dual-income household, I’ve had to make sacrifices and work diligently to provide security. At times, I’ve struggled with feelings of guilt, wondering if I was doing enough in both my professional and personal life. However, these challenges have strengthened my ability to multitask, solve problems under pressure, and stay focused on long-term goals. My experiences have shaped my passion for working in special education and behavior support. As a behavior support specialist, I have witnessed the impact of individualized interventions on children’s growth. I have a true passion for working with children with special needs as well as those who struggle with mental health. Working as a behavior support specialist has given me a strong foundation in supporting students who struggle with behavioral challenges. I have seen how crucial it is for children to have structured guidance, compassionate educators, and individualized interventions to thrive. My experiences as a caregiver have strengthened my ability to empathize with families navigating these challenges, making me a more effective advocate for both students and their support systems. Furthermore, my ability to balance responsibilities and remain compassionate despite obstacles has prepared me to work effectively in educational and therapeutic settings. I am eager to apply my lived experiences to my future profession, ensuring that I can relate to, support, and empower both students and their families. I am currently applying to Sam Houston State University to pursue a master’s degree in Special Education while obtaining my teacher’s certification. My goal is to enhance my skills, support students in need, and serve as a resource for families navigating similar struggles. I recently graduated from Sam Houston State University in December 2024. It was one of the most glorious days of my life. Despite the difficulties of balancing work and caregiving, these experiences have given me purpose and direction. They have reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in education, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Growing up I wasn't born into a loving mother's arms. My biological mother was 16 when she had me still young and vibrant raising a child was the last thing on her mind. She was wild and ambitious a " street runner" and a drug addict. It was by the grace of God that I wasn't a drug baby, it was also by his grace and mercy that I had a family that took care of me when she abandoned to go live her young and free life as if she had no responsibilities. I grew up being raised by my grandfather, my paternal grandmother, and three aunts. One who was a freshman in high school when I was born. She mainly took on the responsibility of raising me with the help of the others. Upon her completing high school she was awarded a full track scholarship which meant she would have to leave me behind, my grandmother's health had failed her, and she passed away. She was faced with a difficult decision to leave me behind with my aunt. She came and got me every time she could every holiday when should could be having fun she and her college friends were dragging me along. It is something that I will never forget. She graduated and married and ended up with custody of me when I was 8 years old. it was she who gave me the willpower and love that I have today. Growing up I remember not always having the finer things because of my situation. That is what made me be grateful for the things that I have worked so hard for today. I work with less fortunate children, some who don't have mothers to teach them the necessities, like how to change their pads, how to take care of their skin, and how to be a woman, being a single mother myself I don't always have the funds but I have sacrificed somethings so that my students can have some nice things. Picking up clothes, taking them to church with me, whatever I can do to show them that you don't have to be a product of your community. I'm often told I was too soft when it came to the kids but I remember how it was to long for the love of a mother and not get it. I take my children with me when I go to the less fortunate communities to do volunteer work or when I go pick up the girls to take them to do stuff so that they can see that some people have it hard and that even though I'm a single parent myself you still can help out because it will come back to you. One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 37:25 and David talks about how he's seen many things over his life but through it all, he has never seen the righteous go without or having to beg. I believe God puts certain people in our path to help along the way, and I know that he has chosen me to be one of those people for the kids in my community my heart will forever be gold and I will forever give out because I remember how it was for me growing up. I know they will never forget me and how much I never gave up on them no matter what.

Hello, Going to college used to be scary for me. Being a single parent of twins with no help only from my parents has been very challenging. However, I have never given up on myself, I knew if I put my mind to it, I could complete college. Over the last 3 years, I think I have shocked myself, working a full-time job, going to school, and taking care of my children has not been easy, but with the help of God and encouragement from my family and friends I have made to my last and final class. I will be graduating from Sam Houston State University in December of 2024. I am currently facing some financial difficulties paying for the class, rather than getting down about it I decided that I would apply for every scholarship and tell my story in hopes of getting some support to cover the cost of my upcoming class. Financially it is tough for me. Even with my current job I barely make enough to make ends meet and meet the daily needs of my daughter and me, my daughters are twins and are currently freshmen in High school. I have searched every avenue at the school, and my only option is to pay out of pocket. Which will be very difficult for me to do I don’t know if I will be able to pay it off before the end of the semester and maintain my bills and care for my daughters without struggling. I currently work as a behavior specialist for Connally Primary School, I plan on using this degree to advance in the district so that I can make a bigger impact on the students and the community in which we serve. Without a degree, I am limited in the interactions I can make with parents and students. In my current position provide social skills and techniques to help students deal with the daily challenges of going to school. Most of the students that I work with suffer from some sort of disability or mental disability such as ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, bipolar, and defiance disorder just to name a few. Upon completion of my degree, I will be able to speak with the parents one-on-one, provide counseling to the students, and provide resources that will help parents deal with having a child with these disabilities. I will also have access to different community organizations that help assist with getting counseling and providing families with food, housing assistance, and things of that sort that may be affecting the students. My main hope when I am finished with school is to educate people on mental health, the importance of counseling, and how it is nothing to be ashamed of if you need additional help to be able to function from day to day, especially when it comes to children. Thank you for your time. I pray that you will accept my application and choose me for this scholarship as it will be used to help for the advancement of my education so that I can give back to my community, and Single mothers trying to complete school and let them know that you don’t have to give up on your dreams, keep pushing and praying because it will pay off in the end. I tell my daughters every day don’t ever give up you never know who’s watching and how you may help them by showing the success you will have when you fight through the odds and don’t give

Going to college used to be scary for me. Being a single parent of twins with no help only from my parents has been very challenging. However, I have never given up on myself, I knew if I put my mind to it, I could complete college. Over the last 3 years, I think I have shocked myself, working a full-time job, going to school, and taking care of my children has not been easy, but with the help of God and encouragement from my family and friends I have made to my last and final class. I will be graduating from Sam Houston State University in December of 2024. I am currently facing some financial difficulties paying for the class, rather than getting down about it I decided that I would apply for every scholarship and tell my story in hopes of getting some support to cover the cost of my upcoming class. Financially it is tough for me. Even with my current job I barely make enough to make ends meet and meet the daily needs of my daughter and me, my daughters are twins and are currently freshmen in High school.I have searched every avenue at the school, and my only option is to pay out of pocket. Which will be very difficult for me to do I don’t know if I will be able to pay it off before the end of the semester and maintain my bills and care for my daughters without struggling. I currently work as a behavior specialist for Connally Primary School, I plan on using this degree to advance in the district so that I can make a bigger impact on the students and the community in which we serve. Without a degree, I am limited in the interactions I can make with parents and students. Most of the students that I work with suffer from some sort of disability or mental disability such as ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, bipolar, and defiance disorder just to name a few. Upon completion of my degree, I will be able to speak with the parents one-on-one, provide counseling to the students, and provide resources that will help parents deal with having a child with these disabilities. I will also have access to different community organizations that help assist with getting counseling and providing families with food, housing assistance, and things of that sort. My main hope when I am finished with school is to educate people on mental health, the importance of counseling, and how it is nothing to be ashamed of if you need additional help to be able to function from day to day, especially when it comes to children. I feel if more people were educated in mental health and understood the disorders, and how they function they would be more accepting of getting the help they need for their children to be successful. I pray that you will accept my application and choose me for the advancement of my education so that I can give back to my community. Not only to my community but to other Single mothers trying to complete school and let them know that you don’t have to give up on your dreams, keep pushing and praying because it will pay off in the end. I tell my daughters every day don’t ever give up you never know who’s watching and how you may help them by showing the success you will have when you fight through the odds and don’t give