When I first read this quote, I paused. It didn’t sound like the typical definition of teaching. It wasn’t about test scores, reading levels, or behavior charts. It was about something deeper and more human. To me, Professor Bloom’s statement means that the true purpose of teaching is to help students recognize their own value, voice, and identity. It is about guiding them to become aware of who they are, what they can contribute, and how they belong in the world. As a future special education teacher, this idea resonates deeply with me. Students with disabilities are often spoken about in terms of what they lack. They are labeled with deficits, goals, and plans that focus on the things they cannot yet do. While documentation and accommodations are important, they should never define a child. My mission as a special education teacher is to flip that lens. I want to help my students discover their strengths, feel confident in who they are, and understand that their presence matters. I want them to feel seen, valued, and included not as guests in the classroom, but as equal members of their school and community. I didn’t come to this profession by accident. My mother was a special education paraeducator and raised my sister and me on her own in a low-income household. Every summer, she worked at an inclusive day camp for children of all abilities, and she brought us with her to help. From ages eight to eighteen, I spent every summer building friendships with campers who had a wide range of disabilities. I learned how to communicate with children who were nonverbal, how to adapt games so everyone could participate, and how to celebrate every win, no matter how small. These experiences shaped how I see people and helped me discover my passion for teaching. Later, as a paraeducator myself, I continued to see how powerful it is when a student begins to believe in themselves. I’ve witnessed quiet students gain the confidence to raise their hands, and others proudly master tasks they once avoided. The key was never about fixing them. It was about recognizing and supporting the person they already were. That is what Professor Bloom meant by presence. It is that moment when a child realizes, “I matter. I belong. I have something to offer.” For me, teaching is not just about academic achievement. It is about connection. I want to create a classroom where every student’s abilities are celebrated and where learning looks different for everyone. My classroom will be a space where progress is measured not only by data, but also by smiles, relationships, and growth in confidence. I want my students to leave each day knowing they are capable, important, and loved. My journey has not been without challenges. Just three years ago, in my thirties, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. That diagnosis turned my world upside down. I had to step away from everything and fight for my life. It was terrifying, painful, and at times, incredibly isolating. But through it all, my mom stood by me. She came to appointments, helped manage my care, and remained strong even when I felt like I couldn’t be. Her support during that time was a lifeline. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through without her. Surviving cancer changed me. It reminded me how precious time is and how important it is to live with purpose. After recovering, I knew I had to return to what had always been in my heart: education. I started working again as a paraeducator, just like my mom, and now I’m pursuing my teaching certification in special education. I carry with me not only the knowledge I’ve gained from my own experiences, but also the lessons she passed down through her quiet example. Now that I work in education myself, I have an even deeper appreciation for everything my mom did. Being a paraeducator is hard work. It takes incredible patience, energy, and heart. I see now how much she gave to her students, and how little recognition or pay she received in return. But she never did it for recognition. She did it because she believed in the kids. She believed they deserved a fair shot, and she worked every day to help make that happen. My mom didn’t have an easy life, but she built one full of meaning and impact. She raised two daughters with very little, yet she gave us everything that mattered. She showed us that being strong doesn’t mean never struggling. It means pushing forward even when it’s hard and doing it with love. Because of her, I believe in the power of education to change lives. I believe in inclusion, in advocacy, and in the importance of showing up for students who need someone to believe in them. My mom didn’t just influence my career. She shaped my values, my goals, and the way I view the world. To help my students discover their presence, I will take time to know them as individuals. I will listen to their stories, understand their challenges, and celebrate their interests. I will give them choices so they feel agency in their learning. I will teach social-emotional skills so they understand how to express themselves and connect with others. I will advocate for inclusive practices not just in my classroom, but throughout the school. Most of all, I will remind them every day that they are enough, just as they are. Now, for a bit of fun, here is a short fairy tale that reflects my mission. The Whispering Wood: A Fairy Tale of Belonging Once upon a time, in a quiet village near the edge of a deep forest, there lived a girl named Rachel. She had once been very sick, and although she had healed, she carried invisible scars that reminded her of how hard the journey had been. But Rachel also had a gift. She could see the light inside others, even when they could not see it themselves. In the heart of the forest was a school like no other, hidden from the rest of the world. It was called the Whispering Wood, and it was where children with differences of all kinds went to learn. Some students had wings that didn’t work properly. Some had voices that came out in colors instead of sounds. Others moved in ways that seemed strange to the world outside. The school had many teachers come and go, but few stayed long. The magic of the forest made the job difficult, and many believed the students were just too hard to teach. But Rachel was different. When she arrived, she didn’t try to make the students fit into neat little boxes. She sat with them by the fire. She asked questions. She listened. She celebrated every effort and reminded them that their magic was real. Over time, the students began to shine. The boy with broken wings learned to glide with the wind. The girl with colorful speech learned to paint her words. The quiet ones found comfort in their voices, and the loud ones learned to listen. Other teachers came to watch, amazed at what they saw. “How did you do it?” they asked. Rachel smiled and said, “I did not fix them. I helped them remember who they are.” And so, the Whispering Wood was no longer hidden. People from far and wide came to learn from its students, and the world slowly changed. Rachel became known not as the hero who changed the children, but as the one who helped them see they had always belonged. This story may be simple, but it reflects exactly what I hope to do as a special education teacher. The students are not broken. They are full of light and potential. My role is not to change who they are, but to help them realize how important and powerful their presence truly is. That is why I am passionate about this profession. Because every child deserves someone who sees them, believes in them, and helps them discover the magic they already hold.

If I could create a class that every student in grades K-12 had to take, it would be called "Understanding Differences: Inclusion and Empathy." This class would focus on helping students learn about disabilities, neurodiversity, and the importance of inclusion from a young age. The goal wouldn’t be just to raise awareness, but to build a culture of kindness, understanding, and equity throughout every stage of a child’s education. The idea for this class comes from my own experiences growing up around children with special needs. My mom was a special education paraeducator who worked every summer at an inclusive day camp. From the time I was eight until I turned eighteen, my sister and I helped at the camp alongside the counselors. We built friendships with campers who had disabilities, learned how to communicate in different ways, and saw firsthand how valuable it is when all kids are welcomed and supported. It shaped the way I see the world and led me to pursue a career in special education myself. Unfortunately, not every student gets this kind of experience. Too often, kids with disabilities are isolated or misunderstood in school. And sometimes, it’s not out of cruelty but because other students simply don’t understand what those differences mean. That’s why I believe this kind of class is so important. When students learn from a young age that everyone has different needs, strengths, and ways of learning, they grow into more compassionate and inclusive classmates and eventually, adults. The curriculum would change depending on the grade level. In early elementary, the focus would be on kindness, empathy, and understanding that not everyone learns the same way. Through stories, songs, and play, students would explore the idea that every person is unique and that differences should be celebrated, not feared. As students move into middle school, the class would include more in-depth lessons about different disabilities, both visible and invisible. High school students would learn about advocacy, accessibility, and how to be allies in their schools and communities. This class would include guest speakers, activities that simulate various challenges like navigating the school with low vision or trying to communicate without speaking, and collaborative projects between general and special education students. It would give students the chance to connect with peers they may not normally interact with and build relationships that go beyond surface-level understanding. I believe the impact of a class like this would be huge. It would create a stronger sense of belonging for students with disabilities and foster leadership and empathy in students without them. It would reduce bullying, encourage teamwork, and help schools become more inclusive places for everyone. Most of all, it would help students understand that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. In a world that often overlooks or underestimates those who are different, teaching kids to understand and value those differences is one of the most powerful things we can do. This class would be a step toward a more compassionate and inclusive future, and I would be proud to help make it a reality.

The person who has had the most profound impact on my decision to pursue a career in education is my mom. She raised my sister and me on her own, working as a special education paraeducator while navigating the many challenges that come with being a single parent in a low-income household. Despite the struggles, she led with love, strength, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Her example not only inspired me to pursue a career in special education but showed me how to face life’s hardest challenges with compassion and resilience. My mom never made a lot of money, but she gave us a childhood full of care, support, and meaningful lessons. We didn’t go on fancy vacations or have the latest things, but what we did have was a mom who made sure we felt safe, loved, and seen. She worked long days in classrooms supporting students with special needs, and then came home to be fully present for us. Her days were long and exhausting, but she never complained. Instead, she found ways to show up for her students and for us every single day. One of the most formative parts of my childhood was the summer day camp my mom worked at every year. It was a camp designed for children of all abilities, but most of the campers had special needs. From the time I was eight until I turned eighteen, my sister and I went with her every summer. We weren’t just tagging along. We were involved. We helped the counselors, played games with the campers, did crafts, served snacks, and most importantly, made real friendships with the kids. Those summers changed me. Spending time with the campers taught me how to be patient, how to communicate in different ways, and how to celebrate progress, no matter how big or small. I learned that every child has strengths, and that inclusion is not just a word. It is a way of treating people with dignity and respect. Watching my mom work at camp was one of the first times I really understood what it meant to be a teacher in the fullest sense. She wasn’t just instructing. She was encouraging, connecting, advocating, and making sure every child felt seen and supported. Her work at the camp was just one part of her dedication. During the school year, she worked as a paraeducator in special education classrooms. I remember her coming home and telling us stories. She never used names, but her stories were full of heart. She would talk about the challenges her students faced, the little victories that made her day, and the ways she tried to help them grow and succeed. What stood out most to me was how deeply she cared. Her students weren’t just part of her job. They mattered to her in a real and personal way. Because of her, I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with children, and specifically with those who often get overlooked or underestimated. She made it clear that teaching isn’t just about academics. It’s about building trust, being consistent, and showing up for kids who need someone in their corner. I didn’t just admire her. I wanted to be like her. My path to becoming an educator has not been a straight or easy one. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. That diagnosis flipped my world upside down. I had to stop everything and fight for my life. It was terrifying, painful, and at times, isolating. But through it all, my mom was there. She came to appointments with me, helped manage my care, and stayed strong even when I felt like I couldn’t be. Her support during that time was a lifeline. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through without her. Surviving cancer changed me. It reminded me how precious time is and how important it is to live with purpose. After recovering, I knew I had to return to what had always been in my heart: education. I started working as a paraeducator, just like my mom, and now I’m pursuing my teaching certification in special education. I carry with me not only the knowledge I’ve gained from my own experiences but the lessons she’s passed down through her example. Now that I work in education myself, I have an even deeper appreciation for everything my mom did. Being a paraeducator is hard work. It takes incredible patience, energy, and heart. I see now how much she gave to her students, and how little recognition or pay she received in return. But she never did it for the recognition. She did it because she believed in the kids. She believed they deserved a fair shot, and she worked every day to help make that happen. My mom didn’t have an easy life, but she built one full of meaning and impact. She raised two daughters with very little, yet she gave us everything that mattered. She showed us that being strong doesn’t mean never struggling. It means pushing forward even when it’s hard and doing it with love. Because of her, I believe in the power of education to change lives. I believe in inclusion, in advocacy, and in the importance of showing up for students who need someone to believe in them. My mom didn’t just influence my career. She shaped my values, my goals, and the way I view the world. As I move forward on my path to becoming a special education teacher, I do so with her in my heart. I hope to make her proud by carrying on her legacy of compassion and commitment. She is the reason I do this work, and the reason I know I can.

I am a non-traditional student because a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My cancer journey started when I had a seizure. I went to the emergency room, and they told me I had a spot on my brain and would need brain surgery. They admitted me to the hospital and kept running more tests. This led to the doctors discovering an 8 cm tumor on my cervix. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer that spread to my brain. It was also determined that my cancer was glassy cell carcinoma that is extremely rare and very aggressive. I could have approached this challenge as a roadblock stopping me in my tracks. I could have succumbed to my disease and let it take over and take away my life. Instead, I chose to fight, and I fought hard. There was never a day when I said that I was not going to make it out alive. Facing this adversity made me realize that I was not happy in the career path I am currently in. I have wanted to be an educator since I was young but fell into the banking world when I graduated High School. I was making decent money for someone of my age, and I decided to stay in banking instead of going to school for my degree. I excelled at my job and went from a teller to assistant manager through a series of promotions. From there, I went to a back-office servicing position. My diagnosis led me to reevaluate my job and lead me back to education. I am currently working full time while going to school full time and financially supporting my disabled mother. I believe that I was given a second chance at my life, and I am going to take advantage of this opportunity by pursuing my passion and become an educator. I want to make an impact on my students lives and help them to discover and pursue their own passions and I want to be the teacher that I needed as a student. This scholarship would mean that I am able to continue to work towards my degree and ultimately my dream career where I can make a lasting impact on the lives of every child I work with.

I am a non-traditional student because a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My cancer journey started when I had a seizure. I went to the emergency room, and they told me I had a spot on my brain and would need brain surgery. They admitted me to the hospital and kept running more tests. This led to the doctors discovering an 8 cm tumor on my cervix. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer that spread to my brain. It was also determined that my cancer was glassy cell carcinoma that is extremely rare and very aggressive. I could have approached this challenge as a roadblock stopping me in my tracks. I could have succumbed to my disease and let it take over and take away my life. Instead, I chose to fight, and I fought hard. There was never a day when I said that I was not going to make it out alive. My treatment included three rounds of CyberKnife brain radiation, thirty-three rounds of external radiation, four rounds of internal radiation, and seven chemo treatments. I was unable to drive due to my seizure and the hospital I was getting my treatments at is about a thirty-minute drive each way. I am extremely lucky that I have a best friend who dropped everything to help me. She drove me to my appointments and made sure that my disabled mother was taken care of. If she was unable to drive me, she made sure I had someone else there to drive me. I had a large support system of family and friends who brought meals, did yard work, sent cards and flowers, went grocery shopping, and provided more support than I could ever ask for. Facing this adversity made me realize that I was not happy in the career path I am currently in. I have wanted to be an educator since I was young but fell into the banking world when I graduated High School. I was making decent money for someone of my age, and I decided to stay in banking instead of going to school for my degree. I excelled at my job and went from a teller to assistant manager through a series of promotions. From there, I went to a back-office servicing position. My diagnosis led me to reevaluate my job and lead me back to education. I am currently working full time while going to school full time and financially supporting my disabled mother. I believe that I was given a second chance at my life, and I am going to take advantage of this opportunity by pursuing my passion and become an educator. I want to make an impact on my students lives and help them to discover and pursue their own passions and I want to be the teacher that I needed as a student. This scholarship would mean that I am able to continue to work towards my degree and ultimately my dream career where I can make a lasting impact on the lives of every child I work with.

I am a non-traditional student because a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My cancer journey started when I had a seizure. I went to the emergency room, and they told me I had a spot on my brain and would need brain surgery. They admitted me to the hospital and kept running more tests. This led to the doctors discovering an 8 cm tumor on my cervix. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer that spread to my brain. It was also determined that my cancer was glassy cell carcinoma that is extremely rare and very aggressive. I could have approached this challenge as a roadblock stopping me in my tracks. I could have succumbed to my disease and let it take over and take away my life. Instead, I chose to fight, and I fought hard. There was never a day when I said that I was not going to make it out alive. My treatment included three rounds of CyberKnife brain radiation, thirty-three rounds of external radiation, four rounds of internal radiation, and seven chemo treatments. I was unable to drive due to my seizure and the hospital I was getting my treatments at is about a thirty-minute drive each way. I am extremely lucky that I have a best friend who dropped everything to help me. She drove me to my appointments and made sure that my disabled mother was taken care of. If she was unable to drive me, she made sure I had someone else there to drive me. I had a large support system of family and friends who brought meals, did yard work, sent cards and flowers, went grocery shopping, and provided more support than I could ever ask for. Facing this adversity made me realize that I was not happy in the career path I am currently in. I have wanted to be an educator since I was young but fell into the banking world when I graduated High School. I was making decent money for someone of my age, and I decided to stay in banking instead of going to school for my degree. I excelled at my job and went from a teller to assistant manager through a series of promotions. From there, I went to a back-office servicing position. My diagnosis led me to reevaluate my job and lead me back to education. I am currently working full time while going to school full time and financially supporting my disabled mother. I believe that I was given a second chance at my life, and I am going to take advantage of this opportunity by pursuing my passion and become an educator. I want to make an impact on my students lives and help them to discover and pursue their own passions and I want to be the teacher that I needed as a student. This scholarship would mean that I am able to continue to work towards my degree and ultimately my dream career where I can make a lasting impact on the lives of every child I work with.