
Rylea Hinebaugh
1x
Finalist
Rylea Hinebaugh
1x
FinalistBio
I want to become a 1st grade teacher, along with Special Education!
Education
Southeastern Community College (Iowa)
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Education, Other
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Education, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Teaching
Barista
O-town Nutritiom2023 – Present3 years
Sports
Volleyball
Club2014 – Present12 years
Research
Education, Other
SCC — Student2025 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
School — Coach2022 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Learner Mental Health Empowerment for Health Students Scholarship
As a student, I place a high value on mental health because it has an impact on all aspects of my life, including relationships, academic performance, and my ability to compete in collegiate athletics. There is a lot of pressure to participate in collegiate athletics. I want to give everything I do my all, and I frequently have quite high expectations for myself. Although such motivation can be constructive, it can occasionally become too much to handle. Even if I'm doing my best, there are times when the strain builds up and overwhelms me, leaving me feeling emotionally spent or as though I'm not doing enough.
My interactions with other people can be affected when I feel that way. I've observed that pressure and stress can occasionally have an impact on my friendships and family ties. Even when I don't mean to, I can get quiet, aloof, or overwhelmed. I really care about the people around me, and I never want my worry to drive them away, so it is one of the most difficult parts. As a student-athlete, I've grown to realize that mental health is just as vital as physical health because everything else becomes more challenging when my mind isn't doing well.
Reminding myself that it's acceptable to feel bad is one thing that helps me. I frequently tell myself that, particularly when I'm under pressure. I often remind myself that everything occurs for a reason and that obstacles or difficult times are necessary for personal development. Even when things seem overwhelming, these ideas give me the motivation to persevere and keep me grounded. I'm still learning how to deal with stress in a healthy way, but I know that recognizing my feelings rather than disregarding them is a crucial first step.
My future aspirations also make mental wellness crucial to me. I want to work as a coach and an elementary school teacher. I will be working closely with kids and young athletes in each of these positions, who might go through similar stress, anxiety, or self-doubt as I do. I therefore want to be someone who genuinely comprehends what they are going through and is able to provide them with significant assistance.
I want to be a mental health advocate in my future coaching and educational settings. I want my athletes and students to feel comfortable discussing their emotions without worrying about criticism. My goal is to establish a setting where children understand that their value is not solely determined by their performance, grades, or accomplishments. I want to remind them that asking for assistance is a show of strength rather than weakness and that suffering does not equate to failing.
Additionally, I want to be the type of adult that students can turn to when they need someone to listen. Sometimes all someone needs are someone who will genuinely listen to them and comprehend them. I will consider it a success if I can be that person for even one athlete or student. My mission is to help young people develop into resilient, self-assured adults who recognize the value of their own mental health by providing them with emotional support in addition to academic and athletic support.
Special Needs Advocacy Inc. Kathleen Lehman Memorial Scholarship
At Southeastern Community College in Iowa, where I am presently enrolled, I am attempting to establish a solid foundation in education. My long-term goal is to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa in order to fulfill my ambition of teaching elementary and special education. I have selected this course of action because I want to significantly impact children's lives, particularly those who require additional assistance to thrive in school and in life. As I juggle education with everyday living at home, my online courses have helped me develop independence, responsibility, and good time management skills.
Working with youngsters has never failed to capture my interest. Helping a youngster grasp a topic for the first time, develop self-confidence, or feel included in a school setting may be immensely fulfilling. Because I think every child should have tailored support and the opportunity to realize their full potential, I am particularly passionate about special education. I want to be a teacher that is patient, imaginative, and adaptable enough to meet students with special needs where they are because they frequently learn in different ways. Every kid should feel appreciated, respected, and capable of succeeding in my classroom.
Elementary school is such a crucial period in a child's development, I am also interested in special education. Students' perceptions of learning, themselves, and their skills are shaped by their early education. I want to provide my kids with a solid intellectual and emotional basis as a future educator. In order to enhance students' academic and social development, I intend to employ stimulating lessons, encouraging communication, and support. In addition to teaching reading, writing, and math, my objective is to assist kids in developing self-assurance, compassion, and tenacity.
Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family and am more of a homebody. My family has been a huge source of support and guidance in shaping who I am now. Even when things seem difficult, they have inspired me to continue my study and seek my objectives. Being near my family reminds me of the value of having a solid support network and keeps me motivated and grounded. In order to make my kids feel like they belong and are inspired to develop, I wish to implement the same level of caring and support in my future classroom.
Ultimately, I want to become a special education and elementary school teacher who supports all students in order to have a positive social influence. In addition to helping students thrive academically, I want them to feel good about themselves. I want to have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the kids I teach and the community I serve by being patient, compassionate, and committed.
RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
My desire to become a special education teacher stem from my belief that every student should feel respected, understood, and capable in a classroom that accommodates them rather than expecting them to fit into a predetermined mold. Special education is about identifying a student's complete identity, including their skills, problems, personality, and potential, and then creating an environment where they may thrive both academically and emotionally. It is not only about changing assignments or making accommodations. The comment made by Professor Harold Bloom encapsulates a potent concept that is closely related to this mission: teaching is about assisting students in becoming aware of their own presence.
Professor Bloom describes something more profound than academic learning when he states that "the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence." A student who has a "sense of their own presence" recognizes themselves as a valuable, competent person in the world. It's the point at which a pupil understands, "I matter here." My opinions are important. I am able to learn. I am able to develop. I have something to contribute. This sense of presence can occasionally be challenging for special education students to cultivate because they may have had recurring difficulties, miscommunications, or instances in which they feel "different" in ways that are seen negatively.
I would initially concentrate on developing sincere relationships with kids in order to help them develop this sense of presence. I would put trust first before any lesson or academic objective. Pupils must feel valued, safe, and recognized as unique persons rather than just labelled learners. I would spend time getting to know their strengths, communication preferences, and areas of interest. For instance, a kid who has trouble reading might be very good at verbal storytelling, creative work, or practical assignments. Students start to see themselves more positively when such strengths are acknowledged and celebrated.
I would then employ extremely customized and adaptable education. When special education meets children where they are and offers several avenues for success, it works best. This could include visual aids, practical exercises, detailed instructions, assistive technology, or other methods of demonstrating comprehension outside of written exams. Students are more likely to succeed when they are provided with accessible learning opportunities. A strong sense of personal presence is intimately linked to confidence, which is developed via those little victories.
Classroom instruction how to advocate for themselves is equally vital. In addition to understanding what they are learning, I want my pupils to know how they learn best. A kid is starting to identify as a learner when they can say things such, "I need instructions read aloud," or "I learn better with examples." Feeling present in the classroom and in life is mostly dependent on that awareness. It transforms them from passive learners into engaged learners.
Additionally, I would foster an environment in the classroom where diversity is respected and appreciated. Students should understand that variation in learning is normal and that each person has distinct strengths and problems. Students are encouraged to be proud of who they are, and stigma is lessened as a result. Students are more inclined to participate, ask questions, and take chances when they feel free to express their difficulties, all of which enhance their sense of presence.
Regular support and insightful criticism would be crucial components of my mission. I would emphasize effort, advancement, and growth rather than just what needs to be improved. Although progress may not always match grade-level expectations, it is nonetheless significant and real for many special education kids. Students start to regard themselves as capable learners who are making progress when they hear explicit, sincere acknowledgement of their progress.
Ultimately, my mission as a special education teacher would be to help students build confidence, independence, and self-awareness so they can recognize their own value. I want them to leave my classroom not only with academic skills but also with the belief that they belong, that they are capable of learning, and that their voice matters. That is what it means to help a student develop a sense of their own presence.
Fairy Tale
A young teacher named Elara once dreamed of creating a school where every child might shine in a peaceful world that was not too dissimilar from our own. Many children in this kingdom were misinterpreted. Some people pick things up rapidly through graphics or music, others through movement, and yet others through narrative. However, only one kind of education was valued in the majority of schools, and many kids started to think they weren't "smart enough."
Elara was determined to change this.
All she had with her when she arrived at a small school on the outskirts of the kingdom was a bag of books, colorful markers, and the unwavering conviction that every child possessed a spark. She walked into a classroom full of kids who had been told they were "too slow," "too distracted," or "too different" in various ways. But when Elara glanced at them, she didn't see any of those labels. She saw stories that were just waiting to be told, wonder in their eyes, and energy in their hands.
As the days went by, Elara constructed lessons that connected each child to learning in a way that made sense to them. She employed narrative, dance, singing, and drawings. Something altered gradually. The kids who had previously refrained from speaking started to raise their hands. People who had previously felt invisible started expressing their opinions.
However, the most significant shift was in their eyes rather than their grades. A child who had previously declined to take part looked up one day and stated, "I think I understand this." I'm capable of it. Elara realized that they were starting to sense their own presence in the environment at that very time.
Years later, the school gained notoriety throughout the kingdom for producing "best" students in the conventional sense, but rather for producing self-assured kids who understood their identity and felt important.
Knowing that every youngster who realizes their own existence is a story worth more than any fairy tale ending, Elara carried on teaching.
Future Nonprofit Leaders Award
I want to work in the nonprofit sector because I think it's important to serve people and provide chances for those who might not otherwise have them. Nonprofits concentrate on strengthening communities, assisting families, and tackling pressing issues including poverty, unequal access to resources, and education. I find it significant to be a part of that kind of job since it is about changing people's lives in a lasting way rather than just achieving personal success.
As someone who intends to teach elementary school, I believe there is a close relationship between nonprofit work and education. Numerous charitable organizations concentrate on helping schools, giving students tools, and assisting educators in improving learning environments. I wish to contribute to that purpose since I am aware of how crucial early education is in determining a child's future. Students gain self-assurance, acquire fundamental skills, and start to realize their potential in elementary school. They may be impacted for years if they do not receive the proper assistance at this period.
Throughout my career, I want to establish a classroom setting where each kid feels secure, accepted, and inspired to achieve. I want to work in areas where students might not always have equal access to opportunities, and I want to contribute to closing that disparity. I might assist in bringing in extra resources like school supplies, tutoring programs, or after-school activities that enhance student learning by collaborating with charitable organizations. This would enable me to help the child as a whole rather than just imparting knowledge.
By developing close bonds with each of my students and their families, I also hope to have a good influence. Nonprofits frequently emphasize community involvement, and I think that when families are involved and encouraged, education is most effective. I want to establish a friendly atmosphere where parents feel at ease participating in their child's education, communicate effectively, and offer useful resources. Students may feel better supported at home and at school as a result.
I also want to help my kids recognize their potential and have confidence in themselves. Having a teacher who is understanding and supportive of the difficulties that many kids face outside of the classroom might make learning more challenging. I want to assist students become more self-assured and develop a passion for studying by being persistent, patient, and supportive.
All things considered, I can combine my love of teaching with my aim to strengthen communities by pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector in addition to elementary education. I want the community at large as well as the classroom to benefit from my work. I want to help create a future where every child has the chance to thrive by helping students, assisting families, and working with nonprofits
Learner Math Lover Scholarship
I enjoy math because it forces me to think critically and imaginatively. Finding the appropriate answer is only one aspect of math; another is figuring out how to get there. The fact that there are frequently multiple approaches to an issue is what most intrigues me. It is possible for two persons to approach the same problem or idea from very different perspectives and nevertheless reach the same conclusion. Math feels alive and personal because of this versatility; it's more than simply memorization—it's discovery. Math's special beauty comes from comprehending that different roads might lead to the same truth. One answer may be simple, while another may be brilliant or exquisite.
The fact that math promotes continuous improvement is another reason I adore it. No matter how skilled you are, there's always another idea to grasp, a quicker approach to find, or a more profound comprehension to acquire. There is always more to learn in the vast field of mathematics. Every time I solve an issue, I gain fresh perspective, and every error teaches me something worthwhile. I am inspired to keep pushing myself by that sense of accomplishment. I want to know why it works and how I can do it better the next time, not just the solution.
Additionally, math fosters confidence and perseverance. Sometimes issues appear overwhelming at first, but after the reasoning makes sense, it feels very satisfying. I am reminded of why I enjoy it so much when everything suddenly makes sense. It demonstrates that hard work pays off and that progress is always achievable. I see math as a lifelong quest for development, learning, and excellence. I can always work to improve in this area, and that challenge is what most motivates me.
Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship
Education has played a defining role in shaping both my goals and my sense of direction. For as long as I can remember, school has been more than just a place to learn—it has been a place where I discovered who I am, what I value, and who I want to become. Through my experiences in the classroom, on the court, and within my community, I have come to understand the power that education holds, not only in building knowledge but in shaping lives. Because of the teachers who have guided and supported me, I now aspire to become a teacher myself and create that same impact for others.
I have had an excellent opportunity to have instructors that did much more than just impart knowledge during my time in school. They took the time to get to know me as a person, to sympathize with my struggles, and to support me when I had self-doubt. I felt free to ask questions, make errors, and develop in these instructors' safe and encouraging surroundings. They demonstrated to me that education is about developing resilience, confidence, and character rather than just grades or test results.
Academically, socially, or athletically, there were moments when I didn't think I was good enough. I frequently put a lot of pressure on myself to be flawless, and it was hard for me to deal when I didn't live up to those standards. But I was often reminded by my teachers that effort, not perfection, is what leads to advancement. They taught me to consider failure as a chance to grow and to welcome difficulties rather than be afraid of them. Even in times when it seemed impossible, their faith in me gave me the confidence to start believing in myself.
Along with academic difficulties, I have experienced personal struggles that have put my fortitude and resiliency to the test. Losing both of my grandparents in a terrible car accident was one of the worst things I have ever gone through. I felt numb and confused of how to deal with such intense anguish for a long time after that devastating loss. School became a source of stability as well as a challenge at that period. Even though it was really difficult, I had to find a way to continue since I still had obligations as a student and an athlete.
As before, my teachers were really helpful to me during that time. They were patient, understanding, and compassionate with me. They encouraged me to be involved while checking in on me, offering support, and giving me the space I needed. Their generosity served as a reminder that I wasn't alone and that it was acceptable to have difficulties. They taught me the value of helping people both intellectually and emotionally. My ambition to become a teacher who can provide the same kind of assistance to students going through challenging times was further strengthened by this experience
Additionally, education has given me the chance to develop as a leader and to help others. I have personally witnessed the impact that support and encouragement can have through volunteering and teaching younger pupils in sports. I have a sense of purpose whether I am teaching a child a new volleyball skill or just boosting their self-esteem. These encounters have strengthened my enthusiasm for working with kids and demonstrated to me that teaching goes well beyond the classroom. It is about fostering connections, boosting self-esteem, and assisting kids in reaching their full potential.
As I consider my future, I want to work as an elementary school teacher. Every kid should feel appreciated, supported, and capable of succeeding in my classroom. In addition to imparting knowledge, I aspire to be a teacher who listens, comprehends, and supports students. I want my pupils to understand that they are more than their grades and that their character, progress, and effort are just as important as their accomplishments.
Additionally, I want to use my education to influence my community more broadly. I want to contribute to the development of supportive situations where kids can flourish by continuing to coach, mentor, and volunteer with young pupils. Every child should, in my opinion, have someone who believes in them, just as my instructors did. I'll know I'm having an impact if I can be that person for even a small number of students.
My life has been profoundly impacted by education, which has given me purpose, direction, and the will to seek a fulfilling job. It has enabled me to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and find my love for serving others. Most significantly, it has demonstrated to me the enduring influence that a single compassionate instructor can have on a student's life. As a result, I am committed to becoming that educator for upcoming generations, utilizing my training to improve both my own and the students' futures.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
My perspectives on myself, my relationships, and my future objectives have all been significantly impacted by my experience with mental health. I've battled feeling unworthy of those around me for a very long time. I have frequently put a great deal of pressure on myself to be flawless, whether it is from my family, friends, or teammates. I thought that the only way to be loved, respected, and accepted was to be flawless.
This way of thinking has affected almost every aspect of my life. It has made me more cautious and, perhaps, unreasonably critical of myself in my relationships. I often worry about whether I am doing enough for other people and overthink what I do. I want to be someone that people can trust, yet occasionally that desire becomes a burdensome pressure. I find myself worrying about whether I am living up to expectations, both my own and those of the people I care about, rather than just savoring moments with them.
This pressure gets heightened in sports. I have high expectations for myself as an athlete and work hard to get better all the time. Although this desire has aided in my development and success, it has also made it challenging for me to accept my faults. I have the tendency to be my own worst critic, reliving instances in which I feel inadequate. Sometimes I simply think about what I could have done better rather than acknowledging my development. I've come to understand over time that this style of thinking might detract from the enthusiasm and excitement that initially inspired my love of sports.
But these difficulties have also positively influenced my objectives. Having gone through these experiences has increased my awareness of the significance of mental health for everyone, not just myself. It has motivated me to make a positive difference in other's lives, particularly those of young people. I want to be someone who inspires people to have confidence in themselves, despite feelings of inadequacy. I understand how heavy that feeling can be, and I want to help others carry it in a healthier way.
These encounters have also altered how I perceive the world. I've discovered that a lot of people suffer with issues that aren't always apparent. It's not always the case that a person's external appearance reflects their internal emotions. I'm now more patient and sympathetic as a result of this insight. I make an effort to treat people with compassion and understanding because I am aware of the impact that can be made.
Above all, I am starting to see that a person is not defined by their level of perfection. Resilience, growth, and effort are significantly more important. Even though I still occasionally feel inadequate, I'm learning to confront those feelings and remind myself that I don't need to be flawless in order to be appreciated. I'm still working on this mindset change every day, even though it's difficult and takes time.
Ultimately, my experience with mental health has influenced both who I am and who I aspire to be. I now have a better understanding of both me and other people, and it has inspired me to work toward a future in which I can change the world. I'm choosing to use these difficulties as a source of strength, development, and purpose rather than allowing them to negatively define who I am.
Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
I don't think being the loudest person in the room or holding a title are important aspects of leadership. It has to do with how you support other people, particularly in trying times. My ability to maintain my composure, encourage people around me, and set an example with both my behavior and my attitude is what makes me a leader.
During one of the most difficult periods of my life, one of the most significant events that influenced my leadership style occurred. Just before my junior year in high school, I lost both of my grandparents in an unexpected vehicle accident. I was totally transformed by that moment. I initially felt numb, as if I was unable to comprehend how much pain I was going through. Even though I was in awful pain, I felt obligated to support my family since I knew they were as well. I had to maintain my strength for everyone around me as much as for myself. I learned from that experience that leadership may be quiet at times—it's about being the person people can turn to when things seem to be falling apart.
My participation in sports is another way I show leadership. I've learned the value of accountability, teamwork, and communication from being a student-athlete. I try to support my teammates on the court, particularly when they are having difficulties or self-doubt. I am aware that being a leader is more about encouraging and assisting people than it is about being flawless. I provide an example for others by demonstrating how to handle difficult circumstances, whether it's calling out plays, maintaining a positive attitude following a mistake, or maintaining a high level of energy.
Outside of sports, I have taken on leadership roles through community service. I have volunteered hundreds of hours coaching younger athletes, helping run camps, and supporting community events. Working with kids has shown me that leadership is about being a role model. Younger athletes look up to me, and I take that responsibility seriously. I strive to be someone who is patient, encouraging, and supportive, because I know the impact a positive leader can have on someone’s confidence and growth.
My ability to persevere in the face of adversity is another trait that makes me a leader. Even if things in life don't always go as planned, I've learnt to overcome obstacles and maintain my focus on my objectives. I still show up and try my hardest, whether it's juggling school, athletics, or personal challenges. That tenacity serves as a model for others and demonstrates that progress is feasible even in the face of challenging obstacles.
In the end, my courage, empathy, and dedication to having a positive influence are what define me as a leader. I try to be someone that people can rely on and trust, set a good example, and help those around me. Making a difference in other people's lives is what leadership is all about, and I strive to do that every day.
Brooks Martin Memorial Scholarship
The summer before my junior year of high school, I experienced a loss that changed everything about how I see life and myself. My two grandparents, who had always been a constant source of love and support in my life, were killed in a sudden car accident. They were stopped when a semi-truck hit the back of their vehicle. In an instant, they were gone.
I was numb when I in the beginning heard. My mind seemed incapable of comprehending the truth of what had transpired. I couldn't really feel the pain as I had anticipated because it was so intense all at once. Rather, everything simply stopped working. In the days that followed, I felt detached, as though I was observing rather than living my own life.
Realizing how many moments they would miss was the most difficult aspect. My prom, my graduation, and now my upcoming wedding are all on my mind. These are the turning points I've always anticipated them reaching out to encourage me, snapping photos, and feeling pleased. There will always be a place in my life where I wish they could be since losing them means losing the way I imagined those experiences.
I latched to what they offered me—their unwavering faith in me—even in the midst of that sorrow. In whatever I accomplished, especially sports, my grandparents were my biggest supporters. They never questioned my abilities, supported me, and showed up. They made volleyball more than just a sport. I started playing it with intention.
I decided to play volleyball in college in part because of them. I consider them each time I take the court. I still feel like I'm performing for the humans who first had faith in me. I consider them to be a part of every practice, every game, and every obstacle I encounter. Their support did not end when their lives did.
My perspective on life has changed in a few significant ways as a result of this event. I no longer take people or time for granted as I used to. I make an effort to live more fully in the present since I am aware of how rapidly things can change. Additionally, it has increased my drive to put in a lot of effort and pursue my objectives, particularly becoming someone they would be proud of.
Most importantly, their loss has taught me that love and influence don’t disappear. They are a part of who I am even when they are not physically there. I keep their support in mind when I set goals, adopt a positive outlook, and strive for success. I may always feel like there's a piece missing from my life, but I also sense their influence in everything I do.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
I plan to make a positive impact on the world by continuing to serve my community and helping young people build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. With over 300 community service hours—and ongoing volunteer work—I have learned that small actions can create lasting change in people’s lives. My experiences have shown me that service is not just about completing tasks, but about investing in people.
Working with young athletes has been a big part of my voluntary activity. I've coached softball, basketball, and volleyball, and these experiences have shown me how effective encouragement can be. Many children are still learning how to have confidence in themselves, particularly in the face of failure or self-doubt. I've made it a point to help them through those times by reminding them that development requires time and effort in addition to imparting skills. I attempt to impart to every athlete I coach the lesson I've learned from sports: confidence is developed with patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement.
Beyond athletics, I also volunteer. I have led youth sports camps, assisted with Wapello County Clover Kids, and worked as a counselor at an elementary science camp. I've worked with kids in a variety of situations where they're encouraged to experiment, learn, and explore. I have witnessed firsthand how crucial it is for children to feel secure while venturing beyond their comfort zone. I discovered that when children feel encouraged rather than evaluated, their confidence develops, whether I was supporting them during an activity or assisting them in understanding a science idea.
Additionally, I have participated in community service events that help underprivileged families and individuals. I organized a Christmas store at a church for people who might not otherwise have access to gifts during the holiday season, and I assisted with managing a food pantry for those in need. In order to maintain my neighborhood safe and clean, I have also helped organize resource fairs that assist people with disabilities and have picked up trash along roads. I learned from these encounters that service is about dignity—making people feel appreciated, respected, and noticed regardless of their circumstances.
As I've grown older, I've personally struggled with self-confidence, which is one of the most significant aspects of my path. As a result, I recognize the significance of early self-belief and encouragement for young people. I am motivated to be the one who uplifts others since I understand what it's like to doubt your talents. When I deal with children, I want them to feel competent, significant, and proud of who they are growing into.
I intend to keep growing my influence through youth development and education in the future. In addition to imparting knowledge, I hope to assist develop self-assured, compassionate, and driven people. I want to start a chain reaction whereby the confidence I assist others develop spreads to their lives and the world around them by continuing to serve my community and invest in young people.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
My name is Rylea Hinebaugh, and I am a sophomore at Southeastern Community College in Iowa. I am going to school for education, and I soon want to be a 1st or 2nd grade teacher. I have played all kind of sports growing up, but my favorite is volleyball and I am playing volleyball in college right now as well. I would probably not be playing college sports if it was not for my grandparents. They were my biggest supporters, and I could not be where I am today without them. They have though both passed from a car accident the summer before my junior year. Everything I do in life is for them. I hope I am making them proud, and I would not be here if it was not for them.
I love to volunteer, during my time it high school I had 300+ community service hours, I still do volunteer to this day. Here are my volunteer activities: Coach youth in volleyball, basketball and softball, Wapello County Clover kids, helped run a Food Pantry for the less fortunate,
Referred sporting events, pick up trash on the highway, ran youth sporting camps, helped run a Christmas store at a church for the less fortunate, was a counselor for a science camp for elementary students, helped set up for resource fairs that assist those with disabilities.
After my time at SCC, I plan to transfer to a 4-year university. I am undecided at the time what college I will be attending but I do know that I will be going back home and doing it all online to earn my bachelor's degree! While I am at home I plan to work at O-town Nutrition, I have worked there since 2023 and I love it! I will also be applying for a high school volleyball coaching job!
By lowering the cost of continuing my study, this scholarship would be significant in assisting me in reaching my long-term objectives. Financial assistance would enable me to concentrate more on my studies, extracurricular activities, and personal development rather than worrying about how to pay for tuition and other costs. I intend to continue my education in order to develop a secure and fulfilling job. I would be able to make the most of my studies and better position myself for the future with this chance.
I am committed, hardworking, and determined to take advantage of any chance I am given, I think I am a worthy candidate. I constantly work hard at my education and aim to advance both intellectually and personally. I also participate in programs that support my development as a community member and leader. I've learned responsibility, determination, and the value of making a positive impact on others from these experiences.
In my case, financial need plays a significant role. This scholarship would make it easier for me to pay for my education, which is a big obstacle. It would enable me to keep pursuing my objectives without putting undue strain on my family or forcing me to take on significant financial responsibilities.
All things considered, this scholarship will inspire me to keep working hard and aiming for achievement in addition to providing me with financial support. This opportunity would help me realize my goal of using my knowledge to improve my own future and give back to my community.
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
I want to positively impact children's lives during some of their most critical developmental years, which is why I am interested in becoming a teacher. Whether it's explaining homework to a classmate or assisting younger pupils with reading or math, I've always enjoyed helping people comprehend subjects that might initially appear challenging. Teaching seems like a profession where kindness, patience, and inventiveness join together to support pupils in developing self-confidence. I also think that a person's future is shaped by their education, and I want to contribute to that foundation. My dream is to work as an elementary school teacher and establish a classroom where students feel encouraged, included, and eager to learn every day.
My third-grade teacher comes to mind first when I consider educators who have impacted me. Even though I had trouble with several areas, she made studying seem enjoyable and doable. I used to find reading aloud to be really scary, and I would frequently avoid it out of fear of making mistakes. When she saw this, she gently supported me by providing me with brief opportunities to read in a secure setting. She concentrated on effort and growth rather than mistakes. She would always remind me that learning is a process and doesn't have to be flawless at first, and she would applaud even the little victories. She treated each kid with dignity and consideration, and her classroom had a friendly atmosphere.
Her encouragement helped me gradually gain more self-assurance as a student. I started contributing more to class and even developed an interest in reading, which I had previously shunned. I learned from that experience how effective a teacher can be in influencing a student's attitude toward learning and sense of self. Not only did she help me academically, but she also gave me hope that I could get better. I want to have that kind of influence on my pupils in the future. When a student is quietly struggling, I want to be the teacher who recognizes it and takes the time to make them feel heard and competent.
I want to give others that same sense of support and community, which is why I am pursuing a career in teaching. I want to create a classroom where each child's unique learning style is valued and encouraged. In addition to teaching academic skills, I want to foster in my students a love of learning, curiosity, and self-assurance. By assisting in the positive development of the upcoming generation, teaching would enable me to meaningfully give back to my community.