As someone passionate about reading and education, I strongly believe in incorporating meaningful reading instruction into my future classroom. Along with earning a bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education, I am also working towards a master's degree in reading education. Reading and language arts have always been areas of interest and subjects I’ve performed well in throughout my schooling. I desire to become a reading specialist to help children who are struggling become stronger and more confident readers. I plan to base my reading instruction on the structured literacy approach to support the various learners within my classroom. When teaching the five pillars of reading, I will use explicit and implicit instruction to model skills and present topics in a sensical order. Using both approaches will cater to diverse learning styles and promote critical thinking. I intend to teach phonics using the ‘bottom-up’ approach to allow students to build upon their prior knowledge and skills. I will also use differentiated instruction to meet each student at their instructional level and assist those who need extra support. To differentiate instruction, I will plan activities that cater to different intelligences and have students participate in activities such as shared reading. My differentiated instruction would also include centers for groups of students to work at according to their needs. While it’s important for reading instruction to be explicit and implicit, it must be fun and engaging for students! I will share my passion and enthusiasm for reading with my students to associate reading with positivity. When reading texts in class, I will create many opportunities for read-aloud, independent, and partner reading to allow for various reading experiences. I feel partner reading is particularly beneficial for students because it invites them to relate to and help one another strengthen their reading skills. When selecting stories for read-alouds, I will make sure to choose diverse and relatable texts that are of interest to my students. Stories students can connect to will allow for a deeper understanding and richer experience. I will also incorporate activities such as readers' theater into the classroom to help students practice reading and fluency skills in a relaxed setting. In conclusion, my philosophy for teaching reading is using an explicit and implicit structured literacy approach to support all levels of readers. To keep students engaged and motivated, my reading instruction also includes hands-on and multi-sensory activities that cater to multiple learning styles. I hope to inspire a love of reading in my students as my teachers did for me.

As Winnie the Pooh once said, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”. Having faith in one's self isn’t always easy, as mental health conditions such as anxiety can cause feelings of isolation as individuals are tormented by thoughts of self doubt and insignificance. Though anxiety shouldn’t be taken lightly, it’s crucial that those affected by the disorder prevent anxiety from consuming their lives and spirits. Personally, my battle with anxiety began when I started middle school. Since properly acknowledging my struggle with anxiety, I made the decision to attend counseling once a month. In the past, I’ve let anxiety hold me back. I was always too nervous to auction for district band or to attend certain social events. Once I graduate from college, I plan to become an elementary school teacher. Though I am barely able to handle giving speeches in front of an audience, I am determined to pursue my passion to educate and care for children. Through counseling I’ve learned multiple techniques to help better manage my anxiety. Though I still have a long road ahead in my journey with anxiety, I’m doing my best to take a deep breath and focus on the present. With orientation day on the horizon, my mind is constantly racing as I contemplate the uneasiness and changes that are soon to come. I’m anxious about the adjustment from high school to college, as I will be living with a stranger and will have to get to know new people. Interacting with my peers and talking to people outside my immediate circle was difficult for me in high school. I was extremely lucky to have a small, but solid group of friends. Two of these friends in particular had a profound impact on my high school experience. One of my two closest friends is cool and collected like I am. Our friendship blossomed in seventh grade, as we were considered “outsiders” who didn’t fit in with the rest of our popular classmates. Our relationship was beneficial to us both, as we were both in need of a friend to make school more bearable. My other friend is the opposite of me when it comes to social situations. Known for her striking confidence, she’s never afraid to speak her mind. Under her influence, I didn’t just sit around alone in my room. I attended multiple events at my school, such as dances and bonfires. I was practically forced by this friend to go to a meeting with a group called Campus Life. Looking back now, I realize that joining Campus Life was one of the best decisions I ever made. The group helped me get to know my spiritual self and allowed me to form deep relationships with other members. The encouragement and support from my friends was the best treatment to challenge my anxiety. Initially, I wouldn’t go to certain events if my two best friends weren't going to be present. Now, I am able to go places without them and enjoy myself. During the pandemic, it was difficult to be kept away from my friends and school. On top of it, I had a lot of personal issues, such as coping with loss, that added to the feeling of isolation which weighed me down. During this time, I got my first job, as there wasn’t much else I could do to keep myself busy. I was nervous at first, but I ended up liking my job eventually. Interacting with the customers became easier and felt more natural over time. I barely talked to my coworkers in the beginning, but was able to have real conversations with them after some time. My job at Dunkin Donuts was a turning point for my social anxiety. Though I’m still shy and reserved, I can now look an individual in the eye when conversing with them, as before I’d peer down at the floor or stare at the wall. Though my social skills have drastically improved, I still have a lot to do when it comes to interacting with my peers. In college, I plan to get to know my classmates by joining the band and multiple clubs. Though I’m apprehensive about the next stage of my life, I try to remind myself that I am not alone, as everyone is afraid and will have to adjust to college life. In conclusion, though anxiety is part of me, I will not let the condition consume me or affect future accomplishments. I will continue to attend counseling and will work hard to preserve my current relationships while forming new bonds with my peers and mentors in college. If anxiety has taught me anything, it’s to never judge a book by its cover. Regardless of their outside appearance, you never know what someone may be struggling with on the inside. Someone who appears bright and cheery may very well have depression or anxiety. On the flip side, someone who is shy and reserved may be wrongly assumed to be a cold and snobbish person. It’s never a good feeling to be wrongly judged, or to be shamed for an uncontrollable condition like anxiety. For this reason, the human race should refrain from judging one another. Regardless of gender, race, sexuality, and mental health struggles, we are above all else human. Ultimately, hate and judgment don't stand a chance against a world of love and understanding.