Balancing my education with my commitment to my family as a single parent is one of the greatest challenges I have faced, but it is also one of the most meaningful. I am currently a fifth-grade teacher and a full-time graduate student at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition to working and studying full time, I am also parenting full time as the primary caregiver to my daughter. Managing these responsibilities requires careful planning, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to both my professional goals and my family’s well-being. Being a single parent is not easy, especially while navigating a demanding career and graduate studies. My daughter and I have both experienced trauma over the past year, which ultimately led to my decision to pursue a divorce. Because of this, her emotional and mental well-being is my top priority. We both attend therapy every other week, which has helped us heal, grow stronger, and develop healthy coping strategies. While balancing work, school, and parenting can be exhausting, I remain intentional about creating routines and boundaries that allow me to be present for my daughter while also staying committed to my education. I approach balance by modeling perseverance and responsibility for my child. I want her to see that education matters, even when life is difficult. I am teaching her to be strong, to stand up for herself, and to believe in her own abilities. Although this path has not been easy, I hope that by watching me pursue my degree with determination, she will one day feel empowered to make strong, confident decisions for herself if she faces challenges of her own. My education is not just for me—it is an investment in our future and an example I want her to carry with her. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me achieve my goal of earning my graduate degree. As a teacher in North Carolina, financial challenges are a reality. Unfortunately, our state ranks among the lowest in teacher pay nationwide. Despite this being my second year of teaching, I did not receive a salary increase as expected. With the cost of tuition, living expenses, and raising a child on a single income, finances are often stretched thin. Any scholarship support I receive would go directly toward reducing my student debt, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and my family without the constant stress of financial strain. Ultimately, earning my degree will allow me to grow professionally and better support my daughter in the long term. This scholarship would not only ease my current financial burden, but also help me continue building a stable, meaningful future for both of us. I am committed to this journey, and with support, I know I can continue to succeed as a student, educator, and mother.

Giving back to my community is important to me because I believe positive change starts where you are. I have learned that even small efforts, when done with care and teamwork, can make a meaningful difference. One of the most impactful ways I currently give back is through my involvement in school-based projects that directly improve the learning environment for students. The most recent giveback project at my school raised $2,500, which was used to enhance and beautify our school campus. Through this project, we were able to provide brand-new picnic tables, fresh paint, trees, flowers, and birdfeeders. The goal was not only to improve the physical appearance of the school, but also to create a welcoming and uplifting environment where students could feel proud of their surroundings. A clean, inviting school environment plays a major role in how students feel about coming to school each day. One of the most meaningful parts of this project was the involvement of the students themselves. Students helped move and arrange the picnic tables, which gave them a sense of ownership and responsibility. Seeing their excitement and pride was incredibly rewarding. They absolutely love sitting at the picnic tables, whether they are eating lunch, talking with friends, or working outside. This experience showed me how powerful it can be to include students in service projects that directly affect them. When students feel connected to their school, they are more likely to respect it and take pride in their learning. Looking toward the future, I plan to continue giving back by serving students and communities through education. As an educator, I have the opportunity to positively impact the world by helping shape the next generation. I want to be someone who not only teaches academic skills, but also models kindness, leadership, and service. I believe that when students see adults giving back, they are inspired to do the same. In the future, I hope to take on leadership roles that allow me to create more opportunities for service and community involvement. I want to help organize projects that support schools, families, and local communities, especially those that may lack resources. Whether it is improving school environments, supporting student well-being, or creating programs that encourage growth and confidence, I want my work to have a lasting impact. Ultimately, I plan to positively impact the world by creating spaces where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. By giving back now and continuing this mindset in the future, I hope to make a difference not only in schools, but in the lives of the people within them. I believe that service, leadership, and education together can create lasting change, and I am committed to being part of that change.

Teaching is more than a profession to me; it is a calling rooted in the belief that every child deserves equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. I believe that students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and genuinely loved. When students walk into my classroom, I want them to know that they are entering a space where they belong—a home away from home. My goal is for every child to feel supported emotionally and academically, so they are confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and discover their potential. My passion for teaching comes from understanding how powerful a positive learning environment can be. Children come to school with different backgrounds, abilities, and challenges, and it is my responsibility as an educator to meet them where they are. I want my students to be excited about learning and to believe in themselves, even when learning feels difficult. I strive to encourage them to set goals and understand that success is possible when they put in effort and remain determined. Teaching allows me to make a lasting impact by helping students develop not only academic skills, but also confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. Teaching is important to me because education is the foundation for opportunity. When students feel safe and supported, they are more willing to engage, grow, and challenge themselves. I believe that learning should be meaningful and inclusive, and that every child deserves an educator who is willing to advocate for them and adjust instruction to meet their needs. I understand that students are all on different academic levels, and success should not be defined by a single measure. However, I am committed to helping each student grow and perform to the best of their ability. For my students, I hope to achieve academic growth, confidence, and a strong sense of self-worth. While I would love for all of my students to pass the End-of-Grade assessments, I recognize that progress looks different for each learner. My goal is to continually improve my teaching strategies so I can support students more effectively and help them achieve higher outcomes in ways that are meaningful and attainable for them. For myself, I aspire to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and eventually become a principal. I want to expand my impact beyond the classroom by leading a school that prioritizes student success, teacher support, and a positive school culture. As a leader, I hope to inspire others the same way I strive to inspire my students—by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, capable, and motivated to succeed. Teaching matters to me because it has the power to change lives, and I am committed to being the kind of educator—and leader—who makes that difference every day.

Becoming a single parent reshaped my understanding of responsibility, resilience, and purpose. It required me to balance the roles of provider, caregiver, and role model while continuing to pursue personal and professional growth. As a fifth-grade elementary school teacher, my experience as a single parent has deeply influenced my pursuit of higher education by strengthening my commitment to lifelong learning—not only for myself, but for my daughter and the students I serve. Navigating parenthood on my own has taught me how to manage time intentionally, persevere through challenges, and remain adaptable in moments of uncertainty. These same skills guide me in my academic and professional pursuits. Higher education represents opportunity, stability, and growth, and I view it as a pathway to expand my impact as an educator and community leader. My daughter is my greatest motivation. I am intentional about spending quality time with her and allowing her to see what I do beyond the classroom. I want her to understand the value of hard work, service, and education by watching me live those values every day. In my professional role, I strive to uplift not only my students but also future educators. I work closely with the North Carolina Association of Educators to support aspiring teachers as they prepare for their Praxis exams. Helping others build confidence and succeed in their certification journey reinforces my belief that strong educators are the foundation of strong communities. By supporting future teachers, I am contributing to the long-term success of schools and students across our state. My commitment to service extends beyond academics. I have led multiple giveback projects designed to improve our school and surrounding community. Most recently, I secured a $2,500 grant to support a school beautification initiative. Through this project, we were able to purchase picnic tables for students, creating welcoming outdoor spaces for learning and connection, as well as provide new paint for our hallways to foster a more positive and inspiring environment. These changes may seem small, but they significantly impact how students feel about their school and themselves. As a single parent and educator, I understand the importance of creating spaces where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. My pursuit of higher education is driven by a desire to expand my leadership skills, advocate more effectively for students and teachers, and continue developing programs that meet the needs of diverse learners. Looking ahead, I plan to make a positive impact in my community by continuing to mentor aspiring educators, lead service-based initiatives, and model perseverance for my daughter and students. I want them to see that challenges do not limit potential—they refine it. Through education, service, and leadership, I am committed to building stronger schools and a brighter future for the next generation.

Have you ever thought about the impact of spending a few hours helping someone without getting paid for your time? That is the most valuable gift you can give someone, your time. The thought of helping someone out in need when they need it is truly a humbling experience. I know I live a life of service. Through my work (Lowe's Home Improvement), schooling (college education Salem College), organizations (Student North Carolina Association of Educators), and so many other opportunities. I have assisted in assisted living homes from volunteering to donating beautiful flowers, and during COVID times I donated masks, hand sanitizers, magazines, and other cleaning products when I was able. Throughout my years, I have always given back in some way or another. I have donated to title I schools in my time of working at Lowe's Home Improvement. I have helped Habitat for Humanity build houses for 7+ families, because of our donations. I have helped Crossnore children's home with their lawn care, as well as Cash Elementary for making an accessible outdoor classroom for students that were in wheelchairs. It doesn't stop there either, we made a outdoor gardening space with picnic tables for elementary students to go for fresh air and learn by growing vegetables right at their very own elementary school. We have painted picnic tables for the school's colors too. I volunteered at a book fair for an elementary school. I also have volunteered to the Salvation Army with Gifts for Kids through Fox 8 multiple times. With the Student North Carolina Association of Educators, I have helped remodeled Rankin Elementary School. There have been numerous elementary schools in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools that I have donated items to for helping multiple gardens, spaces, outdoor classrooms, and even my time in reading to students, helping with bookfairs, and many more opportunities. My favorite would have to be the time my college class went to a children's home. We purchased Christmas gifts for the children, and we even did a play for them. It was my absolute favorite for giving my time, and we even got time to speak to the children too! Overall, ever since I can remember, I have been giving back in some way or another. Life is about helping those in need when they need it, and even when they don't ask. Time is more valuable than money, and I have volunteered numerous times throughout my lifetime. I will be a fifth-grade teacher next year, and I hope I am able to receive donations for my classroom as I once donated to many schools in my area!

The dream version of my future self is a highly educated (at least Master’s degree level) Media Specialist in an Elementary Public School.