Cancer has always been a sensitive subject for me. When I was younger, cancer was something that was distant. Something I would never see in my personal life. In August of 2020, my pepaw passed away from lung cancer. Losing him was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it also shaped who I am today and the path I want to take in my future career. My grandpa was the kindest person I ever met. He treated others with respect, and he always made people feel seen. When I had watched him go through cancer, I was terrified. He was not someone I wanted to lose, but even as he was going through this, he showed me how important it was to be kind and loving. After losing him, I began to think. I was entering middle school at the time, freshly in 7th grade, and I really wasn't a great person. I realized that I was being a rude individual, someone who overlooked people without a second thought. Students in special education are often a part of the overlooked group. Many people don't take the time to understand or even be patient with them. I want to be a part of the change, to see their potential, help through their challenges, and celebrates their growth no matter how small. I aspire to be like my pepaw and show my future students how it feels to feel important, loves, capable, and understood. Cancer didn't just bring loss into my life, it brought perspective. It taught me how important it is to be a caring individual and to support people, especially through hard times. It also made me appreciate the opportunities I have. It motivated me to work hard, not just for myself, but so I can make a difference in the lives of others. Pursuing a career in special education is more than just a goal, it's a way to carry my Pepaws kindness and generosity with me, I want to create a classroom environment that is so inviting and warm, that these students will feel loved and appreciated. I want to be the kind of teacher who truly makes an effort to understand each student and help them succeed at their full potential. although losing my pepaw was incredibly difficult, his life's impact on mine will continue to guide me. through my career in special education, I hope to honor his legacy. To be just as kind, patient, and caring as he was to everyone around him.