I truly understand what a teacher means when they say they aren't in it for the money. Standing in front of a room full of students, I realized being a leader is more than just having the answer or the honor. It's about connecting, listening, guiding, and believing in one another. Being a Teacher Association for Future Educators Officer has taught me so many things. I learn how to give feedback, be flexible,and understanding. In my 3rd week of being president, half the room was frustrated after the group project fell apart. Instead of jumping in to fix it myself, I asked each person what they needed to feel heard. By the end of the meeting, people who wouldn’t even make eye contact at first were planning a new event together. That moment reminded me why I took on this role in The first place: to help people find their confidence and work together toward something meaningful. I joined TAFE in my junior year, but I have been on the education path since my freshman year. I was always interested in joining, but I never did because I didn't have any friends. There was a time I saw someone working on their project, and I really wanted to give my ideas to her. So I did that, and a few weeks later, she told me she was a state qualifier because of me. I was shocked, I didn't really think it was because of me, but I took the compliment. But this really motivated me to join TAFE. I wanted to see if I had the skill set to be in it. Mostly because growing up, I was always the type of person who would help others with no hesitation. I didn't do it for anyone's approval or attention, but it just feels natural to make sure others are doing good. When I was in 5th grade, my teacher gave us a hard assignment. One of my classmates didn’t understand it and was really upset. I helped him step by step until he smiled and said, “I get it now.” I didn’t think much of it, but later that week, I got an award for helping him. It was the first time someone had noticed what I’d been doing all along. This moment will always be remembered because it taught me an important lesson. What seems little to me might have a huge impact on someone else. That fifth-grade moment when I helped my classmate understand my math problem still sticks with me. Back then, I didn't realise how much that truly impacted me. That one act of kindness helped shape the pathway I am on today. Every time I keep a peer, student, or even lead a meeting, that same feeling hits me. The quiet joy of seeing someone do good because of my support. That's why I plan to study psychology and education and work with teens who need support. I want to keep creating space where people feel heard, valued, and capable of more than they can think. Whether that is through teaching, psychology, or even social work, I know I want my career to involve helping others the way I always tried to.