Growing up, I idolized Alex Morgan for her hard work, dedication, and incredible accomplishments. As the youngest player on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, an Olympic gold medalist, and a two-time World Cup champion, she became my inspiration. I followed her journey closely, reading her book series The Kicks, watching her movie Alex & Me, and decorating my room with an Alex Morgan fathead, a signed jersey, and her famous quote, "Dream big, because dreams do happen," proudly displayed on my wall. I vividly remember a collaboration between Nickelodeon and Alex Morgan, where she shared stories of her rise to stardom—especially one about her dad making her wear ankle weights during sprints to get faster for soccer. The next day, inspired by her story, I begged my mom to buy me ankle weights so I could train like Alex. Her relentless drive and accomplishments taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, and I, Sarah Ostrowski, will always look up to her as I continue to grow and pursue my own dreams. This lesson in hard work and dedication shaped my path. I plan to attend West Chester University in the fall as an elementary education major, believing that the lessons I learned from soccer will help me become an exceptional teacher. Though soccer will always have my heart, growing up I also played basketball, softball, and even competed in mountain bike races. But it was soccer where my true passion blossomed. I’ve played soccer my entire life—on travel teams, hometown teams, high school teams, and club teams. It wasn’t until I began playing competitively that I understood the true meaning of hard work. I learned to push through exhaustion, keep going when my body ached, and work relentlessly when no one was watching. One defining moment in my journey came during club team tryouts, when I didn’t make the cut. The team was packed with talented players, and I wasn’t selected. Instead of giving up, I doubled down on my efforts. I trained for hours every day—juggling the ball in my living room, using my refrigerator door for passing practice, and even hauling my heater into the garage during the winter to practice in the cold. By spring tryouts, I was confident and determined. I made the team. That experience taught me the value of resilience and determination, and showed me that setbacks are just opportunities to work harder. Soccer has taught me more than just the importance of hard work—it has also equipped me with skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. These qualities will be invaluable as I pursue my career in education. Through sports, I learned the importance of listening to others, collaborating effectively, and motivating those around me to be their best. I plan to bring these lessons into my future classroom, creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels supported, loved, and encouraged to succeed. As I embark on my journey in teaching, I often think back to my younger self—pretending to be a teacher with my stuffed animals. I feel immense excitement now that I am on the path to fulfilling that dream. Inspired by Alex Morgan’s quote, “Dream big, because dreams do happen,” I am more motivated than ever to pursue my goals and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of my future students.

My name is Sarah Ostrowski, and I want to pursue a career in elementary education because I believe every child deserves someone who supports them and shows them unconditional love, no matter what. I want to be that person for as many children as I can, guiding them through their educational journey and ensuring they feel valued and cared for. I am a hardworking, compassionate individual who strives for excellence in everything I do. Whether it’s being part of clubs like Morgan’s Message and Key Club, challenging myself with AP-level classes while balancing a job, volunteering, or playing sports, I am committed to making the most of every opportunity. I owe my passion for learning and teaching to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram. From kindergarten through sixth grade, I was fortunate enough to be her student. Whenever Mrs. Bram taught, her students’ eyes were glued to the board, captivated by her engaging lessons. She created a joyful learning environment, filled with activities that sparked our creativity and excitement. We would make up and act out our own plays, create “movies” on iPads, and play fun educational games on computers. Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun in her class, but we also learned valuable life skills. Mrs. Bram taught us how to be technically proficient, a skill that has proven invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. By the time I left her class in sixth grade, I could type 60 words a minute and had gained essential computer knowledge that continues to help me today. As I grew older, Mrs. Bram allowed me to take on a leadership role in the library. During recess, I would eagerly volunteer to help restock the bookshelves, read stories to the kindergarteners, and assist them in checking out books. I looked forward to Tuesdays more than any other day of the week. There was something special about the way the younger students would rush up to me, eager to share their excitement, and the way they looked up to me just as I had once looked up to Mrs. Bram. I loved every moment of working with those kids. Just as Mrs. Bram inspired me, I want to inspire my students to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners. In my classroom, I will strive to cultivate an environment where every child feels loved, heard, and encouraged to explore their passions.I plan to make a positive impact on the world through teaching by creating an inclusive, engaging classroom where students feel respected and motivated to reach their full potential. My work at an after-school program has further confirmed my passion for teaching. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the kids rush in, barely able to catch their breath, and excitedly exclaim, “Ms. Sarah, guess what happened at school today!” or “Ms. Sarah, I missed you over the weekend!” It is in these moments that I am reminded of the joy I felt when I helped Mrs. Bram in the library. These small, yet meaningful, interactions are the subtle reminders of why I chose this path, and I am grateful for them every day. Inspired by Mrs. Bram, I am dedicated to being a positive influence in the lives of my students, supporting their growth both academically and personally. As I begin my journey at West Chester University, I am excited to build on the passion for teaching Mrs. Bram sparked in me. I want to give my future students everything that Mrs.Bram gave to me.

My name is Sarah Ostrowski, and I want to pursue a career in elementary education because I believe every child deserves someone who supports them and shows them unconditional love, no matter what. I want to be that person for as many children as I can, guiding them through their educational journey and ensuring they feel valued and cared for. I am a hardworking, compassionate individual who strives for excellence in everything I do. Whether it’s being part of clubs like Morgan’s Message and Key Club, challenging myself with AP-level classes while balancing a job, volunteering, or playing sports, I am committed to making the most of every opportunity. I owe my passion for learning and teaching to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram. Similar to Teri Schulze, Mrs.Bram is a kind, horse loving, and compassionate soul. From kindergarten through sixth grade, I was fortunate enough to be her student. Whenever Mrs. Bram taught, her students’ eyes were glued to the board, captivated by her engaging lessons. She created a joyful learning environment, filled with activities that sparked our creativity and excitement. We would make up and act out our own plays, create “movies” on iPads, and play fun educational games on computers. Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun in her class, but we also learned valuable life skills. Mrs. Bram taught us how to be technically proficient, a skill that has proven invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. By the time I left her class in sixth grade, I could type 60 words a minute and had gained essential computer knowledge that continues to help me today. As I grew older, Mrs. Bram allowed me to take on a leadership role in the library. During recess, I would eagerly volunteer to help restock the bookshelves, read stories to the kindergarteners, and assist them in checking out books. I looked forward to Tuesdays more than any other day of the week. There was something special about the way the younger students would rush up to me, eager to share their excitement, and the way they looked up to me just as I had once looked up to Mrs. Bram. I loved every moment of working with those kids. Just as Mrs. Bram inspired me, I want to inspire my students to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners. In my classroom, I will strive to cultivate an environment where every child feels loved, heard, and encouraged to explore their passions.I plan to make a positive impact on the world through teaching by creating an inclusive, engaging classroom where students feel respected and motivated to reach their full potential. My work at an after-school program has further confirmed my passion for teaching. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the kids rush in, barely able to catch their breath, and excitedly exclaim, “Ms. Sarah, guess what happened at school today!” or “Ms. Sarah, I missed you over the weekend!” It is in these moments that I am reminded of the joy I felt when I helped Mrs. Bram in the library. These small, yet meaningful, interactions are the subtle reminders of why I chose this path, and I am grateful for them every day. Inspired by Mrs. Bram, I am dedicated to being a positive influence in the lives of my students, supporting their growth both academically and personally. As I begin my journey at West Chester University, I am excited to build on the passion for teaching Mrs. Bram sparked in me. I want to give my future students everything that Mrs.Bram gave to me.

My name is Sarah Ostrowski, and I want to pursue a career in elementary education because I believe every child deserves someone who supports them and shows them unconditional love, no matter what. I want to be that person for as many children as I can, guiding them through their educational journey and ensuring they feel valued and cared for. I am a hardworking, compassionate individual who strives for excellence in everything I do. Whether it’s being part of clubs like Morgan’s Message and Key Club, challenging myself with AP-level classes while balancing a job, volunteering, or playing sports, I am committed to making the most of every opportunity. I owe my passion for learning and teaching to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram. From kindergarten through sixth grade, I was fortunate enough to be her student. Whenever Mrs. Bram taught, her students’ eyes were glued to the board, captivated by her engaging lessons. She created a joyful learning environment, filled with activities that sparked our creativity and excitement. We would make up and act out our own plays, create “movies” on iPads, and play fun educational games on computers. Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun in her class, but we also learned valuable life skills. Mrs. Bram taught us how to be technically proficient, a skill that has proven invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. By the time I left her class in sixth grade, I could type 60 words a minute and had gained essential computer knowledge that continues to help me today. As I grew older, Mrs. Bram allowed me to take on a leadership role in the library. During recess, I would eagerly volunteer to help restock the bookshelves, read stories to the kindergarteners, and assist them in checking out books. I looked forward to Tuesdays more than any other day of the week. There was something special about the way the younger students would rush up to me, eager to share their excitement, and the way they looked up to me just as I had once looked up to Mrs. Bram. I loved every moment of working with those kids. Just as Mrs. Bram inspired me, I want to inspire my students to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners. In my classroom, I will strive to cultivate an environment where every child feels loved, heard, and encouraged to explore their passions.I plan to make a positive impact on the world through teaching by creating an inclusive, engaging classroom where students feel respected and motivated to reach their full potential. My work at an after-school program has further confirmed my passion for teaching. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the kids rush in, barely able to catch their breath, and excitedly exclaim, “Ms. Sarah, guess what happened at school today!” or “Ms. Sarah, I missed you over the weekend!” It is in these moments that I am reminded of the joy I felt when I helped Mrs. Bram in the library. These small, yet meaningful, interactions are the subtle reminders of why I chose this path, and I am grateful for them every day. Inspired by Mrs. Bram, I am dedicated to being a positive influence in the lives of my students, supporting their growth both academically and personally. As I begin my journey at the University of Delaware, I am excited to build on the passion for teaching Mrs. Bram sparked in me. I want to give my future students everything that Mrs. Bram gave to me.

I owe my passion for learning and teaching to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram. From kindergarten through sixth grade, I was fortunate enough to be her student. Whenever Mrs. Bram taught, her students’ eyes were glued to the board, captivated by her engaging lessons. She created a joyful learning environment, filled with activities that sparked our creativity and excitement. We would make up and act out our own plays, create “movies” on iPads, and play fun educational games on computers. Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun in her class, but we also learned valuable life skills. Mrs. Bram taught us how to be technically proficient, a skill that has proven invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. By the time I left her class in sixth grade, I could type 60 words a minute and had gained essential computer knowledge that continues to help me today. As I grew older, Mrs. Bram allowed me to take on a leadership role in the library. During recess, I would eagerly volunteer to help restock the bookshelves, read stories to the kindergarteners, and assist them in checking out books. I looked forward to Tuesdays more than any other day of the week. There was something special about the way the younger students would rush up to me, eager to share their excitement, and the way they looked up to me just as I had once looked up to Mrs. Bram. I loved every moment of working with those kids. When the time came to choose a major in college, all the memories I had with Mrs. Bram flooded my mind. I realized I wanted to be the same positive influence in a child’s life that she had been for me. The impact she had on me became my inspiration to pursue a degree in elementary education. I can clearly envision myself as a creative and caring teacher, eager to design engaging lesson plans that will get my students excited about learning. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every student I teach feels loved, respected, and valued. Currently, working at an after-school program has further affirmed that education is where I truly belong. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the kids rush in, barely able to catch their breath, and excitedly exclaim, “Ms. Sarah, guess what happened at school today!” or “Ms. Sarah, I missed you over the weekend!” It is in these moments that I am reminded of the joy I felt when I helped Mrs. Bram in the library. These small, yet meaningful, interactions are the subtle reminders of why I chose this path, and I am grateful for them every day. For that, I will always be thankful to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram, for igniting the passion for teaching that continues to drive me forward. As I embark on this new chapter at the University of Delaware, I am excited to build upon my love for teaching that Mrs. Bram helped instill in me. I look forward to learning, growing, and one day passing on the same joy and knowledge she gave to me to my future students.

I owe my passion for learning and teaching to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram. From kindergarten through sixth grade, I was fortunate enough to be her student. Whenever Mrs. Bram taught, her students’ eyes were glued to the board, captivated by her engaging lessons. She created a joyful learning environment, filled with activities that sparked our creativity and excitement. We would make up and act out our own plays, create “movies” on iPads, and play fun educational games on computers. Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun in her class, but we also learned valuable life skills. Mrs. Bram taught us how to be technically proficient, a skill that has proven invaluable in today’s technology-driven world. By the time I left her class in sixth grade, I could type 60 words a minute and had gained essential computer knowledge that continues to help me today. As I grew older, Mrs. Bram allowed me to take on a leadership role in the library. During recess, I would eagerly volunteer to help restock the bookshelves, read stories to the kindergarteners, and assist them in checking out books. I looked forward to Tuesdays more than any other day of the week. There was something special about the way the younger students would rush up to me, eager to share their excitement, and the way they looked up to me just as I had once looked up to Mrs. Bram. I loved every moment of working with those kids. When the time came to choose a major in college, all the memories I had with Mrs. Bram flooded my mind. I realized I wanted to be the same positive influence in a child’s life that she had been for me. The impact she had on me became my inspiration to pursue a degree in elementary education. I can clearly envision myself as a creative and caring teacher, eager to design engaging lesson plans that will get my students excited about learning. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every student I teach feels loved, respected, and valued. Currently, working at an after-school program has further affirmed that education is where I truly belong. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the kids rush in, barely able to catch their breath, and excitedly exclaim, “Ms. Sarah, guess what happened at school today!” or “Ms. Sarah, I missed you over the weekend!” It is in these moments that I am reminded of the joy I felt when I helped Mrs. Bram in the library. These small, yet meaningful, interactions are the subtle reminders of why I chose this path, and I am grateful for them every day. For that, I will always be thankful to my elementary school library teacher, Mrs. Bram, for igniting the passion for teaching that continues to drive me forward. As I embark on this new chapter at the University of Delaware, I am excited to build upon my love for teaching that Mrs. Bram helped me to create. I look forward to learning, growing, and one day passing on the same joy and knowledge she gave to me to my future students.