Pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education as a single parent has been both the most challenging and rewarding journey of my life. My passion for education is deeply personal, rooted in my love for children and experiences as both a mother and a student who understands the transformative power of learning. My goal is to become not just a teacher, but an advocate - someone who instills resilience, inspires curiosity, and helps children believe in their own potential regardless of their background or learning differences. My path toward this dream has been far from easy. Shortly after high school, I became a mother. Many assumed that meant the end of my dreams of higher education, but I saw it as a new reason to persevere. Raising my daughter as a single parent while pursuing my degree has required sacrifice, determination, and discipline. Balancing college, parenting, and financial responsibilities has tested my endurance and my faith. I often work days, attend classes during evenings, and stay up late into the night studying once my daughter is asleep. Every challenge reminds me of why I have to keep pushing forward: to build a better future for myself, for my daughter, and for my future students. One of the hardest moments in my journey was watching my daughter struggle in school. She faced difficulties keeping up academically, and bullying made her feel even more isolated. As a mother, it was heartbreaking to see her lose confidence in herself. I knew I had to step in, not only to support her emotionally but also to help her catch up academically. I worked with her tirelessly to rebuild her self-esteem, and we spent countless hours reviewing material, practicing skills, and creating routines that worked for her learning style. Today, she not only holds her head high, but also proudly maintains all A’s. Seeing her transformation has been one of the greatest rewards, and it has strengthened my commitment to becoming the kind of teacher who notices the quiet struggles and helps children rediscover their confidence. At the same time, I have continued to pursue my own education with persistence. Despite the challenges of single parenthood, financial limitations, and long nights of study, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA. This accomplishment represents more than academic success, it reflects my determination, my resilience, and my ability to persevere under pressure. I want my daughter to see through my example that no matter how difficult life becomes, it is possible to keep going and achieve your dreams. Looking ahead, my goals extend beyond the classroom. My first goal is to become an elementary and special education teacher who fosters inclusion, resilience, and curiosity in every child. My second goal is to open a preschool and nursery that provides both academic and emotional support, giving children a strong foundation and parents peace of mind. Finally, I plan to promote fair education by creating programs that support underserved families and communities. This degree is not just for me – it’s for my daughter, for the children I will teach, and for the families I hope to serve. Education has the power to break cycles of hardship and open doors to opportunity. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue walking this path with courage, determination, and hope. It would bring me one step closer to creating the kind of change I want to see in education and in society, and building the kind of future where children grow not only in knowledge but also in confidence, and where families feel supported in raising the next generation of leaders.

As a first-generation immigrant, single mother, and full-time college student pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education, financial responsibility is not just a goal for me - it’s a necessity. I have had to navigate many challenges without a roadmap, and building credit early is one of the most important ways I plan to secure stability for myself and my daughter. Credit is more than a number; it is access to opportunities such as buying a home, qualifying for fair interest rates, and providing my family with long-term security. Establishing good credit now means I can create a strong financial foundation that will give my daughter the stability I never had growing up. One smart money move I made was starting small but consistent. During my time living in the Bahamas, while working delivery jobs and taking night classes, I opened a secured credit card. Even though my income was modest, I used the card only for small purchases like groceries and gas, and I paid it off in full each month. At the time, it felt like a small step, but I quickly realized it was teaching me discipline and building the kind of financial trust I would need later in life. That move gave me confidence in managing credit responsibly and taught me the importance of patience and consistency. Of course, I have also learned lessons the hard way. Early on, I underestimated how quickly small debts could snowball when ignored. A late payment taught me that financial mistakes don’t just disappear, they linger and affect future opportunities. It was a humbling experience, but it shifted my mindset: I now track my expenses closely, automate payments whenever possible, and budget with intention. These habits help me stay disciplined, especially while balancing the expenses of school, childcare, and running my small business that provides supplies for mothers and toddlers. What motivates me most is my daughter. Every decision I make, whether academic, financial, or personal, is with her future in mind. I want to model resilience, responsibility, and smart financial habits so that she grows up not fearing money, but understanding it. Education is at the center of my personal and professional goals, and that extends to financial education as well. Just as I want to empower children in my future classroom to discover their voice and potential, I also want to equip my daughter and others in my community with the knowledge to make sound financial choices. Building credit early is not only about preparing for emergencies or opportunities - it’s about breaking cycles of instability and creating generational change. I see financial literacy as a form of empowerment, and my commitment to discipline, planning, and growth will allow me to take control of my financial future. By making intentional choices today, I am building a tomorrow filled with security, opportunities, and hope, for myself, and most importantly, for my daughter.

To me, teaching is creating a safe space where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. As a first-generation immigrant and single mother, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to have someone believe in you and champion your growth. My journey has been shaped by challenges that demanded resilience, patience, and a deep sense of community — qualities I aim to bring into my future classroom every day. Balancing motherhood, work, and full-time studies in Elementary and Special Education while maintaining a 4.0 GPA has taught me determination and time management. Some nights I help my daughter with homework, attend her extracurricular activities, then stay up late completing assignments. These experiences prepare me to model perseverance and self-discipline, showing growth comes through persistence and self-care. I bring a unique perspective shaped by personal experience and understand the barriers many children face — economic hardship, cultural adjustments, language differences. I am committed to creating classrooms where these challenges don’t define a student’s future and every child feels valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. These experiences not only shape how I view education, they’ve also inspired how I serve in my community For several years, I’ve volunteered with my church’s dance ministry, mentoring young girls and helping them build confidence, discipline, and faith Through this, I’ve seen how consistent support transforms a child’s self-image and motivation. These lessons in mentorship and belief in young people are at the heart of how I plan to lead my classroom. I also help coach a community basketball team, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and self-worth. Sports have been a cornerstone of my life. As a former national team captain and high school athlete, I know how sports teach discipline, perseverance, and leadership. I strive to pass these lessons on, encouraging students to push through challenges, support one another, and celebrate growth, on and off the court. Beyond these activities, I run a small business providing care bundles for mothers. This deepens my understanding of the stress families face and reminds me that teaching, like caregiving, requires patience, empathy, and meeting people where they are. Supporting mothers strengthens my commitment to building trust and partnership with the families of my future students. In my classroom, I want students to feel truly seen and heard, to know they belong regardless of background or learning style. I will celebrate their small victories, encourage curiosity, and remind them that setbacks are stepping stones, not roadblocks. I want to teach more than academics. I will instill empathy, perseverance, self-respect, and the importance of community. I am passionate about creating classrooms that honor diverse identities through culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching, helping children thrive emotionally and academically. My goal is to foster a space where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to be their full selves. Teaching is my way to give back, to uplift children who face obstacles but have limitless potential. I want to help them build the confidence and skills to navigate their own journeys with courage and hope, growing into compassionate, thoughtful leaders who create positive changes in their communities. By leading with heart, purpose, and commitment to equity, I envision education as a force for good — where every student knows they matter and has the support to succeed. I want my students to leave not only with knowledge, but with the belief they have a voice and the power to make a difference. I hope to be remembered as a teacher who inspires courage, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

There was a time when I was introduced to a teenage girl who had just found out she was pregnant. When I saw her, I saw a reflection of my younger self - scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Like her, I was a young, single mother, and I understood the fear and disappointment she felt. She was distraught, unsure of how to move forward. I shared my own story with her - the many nights I cried, feeling like my world was falling apart and my dreams were slipping away. But through it all, my mother’s strength and encouragement carried me forward. But just like my mother was my strength during that time, I chose to be hers. I opened up about my own journey - the pain, the fear, the countless sacrifices, and how I slowly rebuilt my life. I reassured her that while her journey would be hard, it wasn’t hopeless. I stayed by her side throughout her pregnancy, encouraging her through each stage of her journey, offering practical advice, and being a listening ear when she needed one most. I reminded her that her identity did not end with becoming a mother, she still had purpose, strength, and a future. To this day, I continue to check in on her. I lend a hand when I can and always offer words of encouragement because I know firsthand how hard it can be. The truth is, there are many hard nights and even harder mornings for young mothers, and many of them simply need someone to believe in them. I know because I lived it. And while I strive every day to show my daughter what strength and perseverance look like, I also represent countless other young single mothers. I want them to see that their story doesn’t end with struggle. We are still worthy. We still have dreams. And we can still rise. This moment of mentorship wasn’t an isolated act of kindness, it was a defining point in my journey. It helped me realize that I am called to empower others, especially children and young women, by meeting them with compassion and truth. That’s what led me to pursue a career in education. I was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, where financial limitations often shaped our futures. Neither of my parents attended college, and while I always dreamed of becoming a teacher, the opportunity to study in the U.S. was out of reach after high school. Still, I held onto my passion. In Spring 2025, that dream finally came true. I began my college journey in the United States, pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education. As a first-generation immigrant and single mother, this chapter of my life holds deep meaning. I want my daughter to grow up knowing what it looks like to fight for your purpose. I want her to witness the power of resilience, and I want her, and every child I teach, to know their voice matters. I completed my first semester with a 4.0 GPA, balancing my school work, parenting, and a small business I created to support mothers and their children. My store provides essential items for newborns and toddlers, and I often donate to mothers who are less fortunate. In addition to my studies and business, I continue to give back through service. I volunteer in my church’s children’s ministry, participate in community outreach through care packages, and serve as a Vice President on the executive board of a women’s basketball league in my hometown. There, I help young women stay focused and goal-driven, reminding them, too, that their stories are not over. This experience deeply reinforced my desire to work in education. I want to be the kind of teacher who sees every child, not just academically but personally, and who supports them through their struggles. I want to help children and young families feel valued, heard, loved, and empowered to reach their full potential. I want to create classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow - no matter their background or challenges. Helping this young mother showed me the power of compassion and guidance, and it fuels my ambition to create nurturing spaces for children. Long-term, I plan to open a nursery and preschool that provides not only quality education but also emotional support for families facing difficult circumstances. Through education and care, I hope to help break cycles of hardship and inspire children and parents alike to believe in their worth and their dreams. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to pour more fully into my purpose. But more than that, it would help carry forward Sierra’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and commitment to children. It would empower me to be the educator who notices the quiet child, who believes in the struggling one, and who makes sure no student ever feels invisible. Thank you for considering my story—and the many lives I hope to uplift through it.

I was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, where access to opportunity often depends on financial means. Neither of my parents earned a college degree, and after high school, I couldn't afford to study in the U.S. Though I dreamed of higher education, it felt out of reach. My mother worked tirelessly, often holding more than one job, to provide for me. Watching her sacrifice without complaining taught me the meaning of strength, determination, and selflessness. Her example ignited my ambition, even before I had the courage to chase my dreams. As a shy, soft-spoken girl, I allowed others to dictate my path for years. I didn’t believe my voice mattered, but everything changed when I became a mother. I realized I needed to become the kind of woman I wanted my daughter to look up to: one who speaks up, leads with purpose, and break generational barriers. In Spring 2025, I finally began my college journey in the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant and mother, achieving a 4.0 GPA. I'm studying Elementary and Special Education because I want to help children grow up feeling confident, valued, loved, and heard. One day, I hope to open a nursery and preschool that serves all children with compassion and care. My journey is fueled by my mother’s sacrifices and my desire to build a better future for my daughter. This scholarship would support not just my education, but the legacy of strong women I represent—and the many lives I hope to impact.

To me, being passionate means having a deep sense of pure excitement and enthusiasm towards something. This is exactly how I feel when speaking about pursuing a career in special education. Growing up, I was inspired by the stories my grandmother told me about her adopted sibling with special needs and her brother, who became a slower-paced learner due to medical conditions. She spoke about the care, patience, and commitment it took to support them, and she saw the need to help them. I have always had a love for children, even from a very young age, and the way she described supporting her siblings with significant needs, and the success and great feeling of joy that came along with helping them to progress in different areas of life that gave her a sense of purpose deeply connected with me. It sparked something in me, a desire to follow in her footsteps and do the same for other children. I’m passionate about special education because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a way that respects their individuality and celebrates their strengths. I want to be the person who lifts others up, helps students break through barriers, feel seen for who they are, and discover their unique potential, never giving up on them. At first, when I thought of what it means to bring a student to a sense of their own presence, I immediately thought of it as helping them to be mindfully present. While mindfulness is beneficial to helping them develop a sense of their own presence, I came to the realization after reading the statement again, that it has a much deeper meaning than just helping them to be in the present moment. It means guiding each student to discover and become aware of who they are as individuals, developing self-recognition. It’s about helping them find and use their voice, because they do have a voice and should not feel as if they aren’t able to speak how they feel. They should know that their thoughts and feelings matter, are valid, and deserve to be expressed. It also means guiding and supporting them in becoming emotionally grounded, which helps them to recognize what they are feeling, be able to remain calm, regulate, and be in control of their emotions so that they can make thoughtful decisions rather than impulsive ones. Ultimately, it's about helping each student understand that they matter, not just as learners, but as individuals who have purpose, a voice, and are of value. Mission: To foster a safe and supportive learning environment where each student, regardless of their ability, discovers their self-identity, voice, worth, and potential to learn, grow, and succeed. Guiding a special needs student takes a tremendous amount of patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness. First, I would create a calm and welcoming environment to establish a supportive classroom. From the moment they enter the classroom, I must make it my duty to build a rapport with each student to understand their needs. I will observe their interests, engage with them individually, and communicate using simple language. As I begin to understand each student’s needs, I will develop age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities, using visual cues such as mirrors and recordings. Each day, we all will look in the mirror, self-reflecting, while repeating affirmations, “I am seen, I matter, I belong, and I am loved!” The use of these visual cues will help to promote self-identity as the students can hear and see themselves, recognize their reflections, and observe their facial expressions and body language, helping them to connect with their emotions. This also encourages social and motor skills as they practice interactions, observe their behavior, and correct their movements. These will be reinforced by consistent daily routines to foster predictability. Frequent positive reinforcements will be given to support their learning and understanding of their tasks. By doing this, they become more confident in themselves and develop independence. It helps them to recognize and value their unique contributions and individuality. Encouraging self-expression is vital. I will incorporate art, music, and storytelling in the classroom based on the students’ needs and preferences, along with reflective discussions. Some students have difficulty understanding their emotions and expressing themselves, therefore, mindfulness exercises will be integrated into lessons to help each student become aware of their emotions. Safe spaces will be available in the classroom for students to use to calm and regulate themselves when they feel upset or overwhelmed. The reflective discussions will provide opportunities for each student to talk about their thoughts and feelings, encouraging them to express themselves. These discussions are where I will teach and guide them on how they can deal with their emotions. This will also help students learn how to connect their actions to outcomes, fostering better decision-making and accountability. By processing and making sense of challenging situations, students would be able to reduce anxiety and confusion. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, will be celebrated to encourage students to recognize their personal growth and capabilities. Once upon a time, in a classroom filled with light, There gathered children whose potential was hidden from plain sight. I arrived with a mission for their voices to be heard, To help them find confidence in every action and every word. I raised the enchanted mirror to show them true, They are seen, they matter, they belong, and they’re loved too. Through art and song, through stories told, I helped them find strength and learn to be bold. No matter what, always let your truth be told, A flame of courage is ready to unfold. When emotions flared and became overwhelming, We practiced mindfulness, staying calm and present. With every lesson, their fears disappeared, Confidence grew, and their voices cheered. Step by step, with patience, love, and care, We created a world where they could dare, They learned to believe in themselves and become aware. Each step they took, no matter how small, Became a victory, a lesson for all. I witnessed their growth, their courage unfold, A tale of resilience, more precious than silver or gold. They’ve now found the sense of their own presence, My goal is accomplished. How beautiful to see, they have found their true essence.