I have always loved school. Even on days where I was feeling burnt out I still wanted to go to school because I felt scheduled, structured, and overall more put together when I was there. I also had teachers that inspired me so much, their passion was infectious. Their kind words on my assignments meant the world to me. I did not always have the easiest time at home growing up and school was my escape from everything that was out of my control. With that, I was also very passionate about reading and writing. When I was younger and less busy I would read three books a week if I could. I loved to take ideas from books I read and write my own stories based on them. As I grew older and had less time for such things, I channeled that energy into my school work. I actually loved writing essays in high school. I found conversations about books fascinating. I think discussing novels with someone is one of the best ways to get to know someone without having to pry into their personal life. Reading is very good for projection, everything you have been through influences what those words on the page mean to you. I looked forward to class when I knew we would be discussing books. For these reasons, I decided to go to school to become a teacher myself. I work hard in school in order to have the same impact on my future students that my teachers had on me. The English classroom was so important to me, and I could not let it go. I hope I can be half the influence on my students that my teachers were to me. I am currently in the Honors College at the University at Buffalo. I am an English Major and I will be getting my Master's degree in teaching on an accelerated program. I am also in the College Democrats Club, where I discuss the current state of the world because many issues in the world are rooted in flaws in the education system. Currently, I am the most passionate about growing. Recently, I have felt the pull to expand my knowledge in every way. Even if it just listening to new types of music on my way to class. I feel very compelled to absorb as much as I can. I have always loved learning but college has opened my eyes to so many new perspectives that I cannot wait to share with my students one day.

Studying English chose me more than I chose it. For my whole childhood, I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to illustrate storybooks so much that I made dozens of my own. However, as I grew up my interests shifted away from the art and towards the story itself. I realized the power of words and the effect it can have on people. So many of the best memories I had growing up were reading books with my family, and it was not the art that stuck with me, but the stories. I imagined that I was in Narnia or Hogwarts, and I did not need the art, because I saw the magic of storytelling and the written word. Ever since then English has been my passion. I love directing stories and picking at things until I think I have a grasp on it. I love it because there is so much freedom and flexibility and that is what I need. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum and the English language is so valuable to work in whatever I need it to be.

In these uncertain times, one of my favorite things has been to online shop. It is a safe way to spark a little joy. My three favorite places to online shop would have to be Amazon, Sephora, and Urban Outfitters. I love the fast shipping through Amazon Prime and the prices cannot be beaten. Sephora meets all my makeup and beauty needs and I love to build up points. Lastly, Urban Outfitters is the perfect place to get trendy clothes and is also the best place to buy gifts for my friends.

I have not had it easy throughout my life. My parents had their own personal issues which made me have to grow up really fast. By 10 I was mitigating fights, 12 I was watching my little brother everyday after school, and by 16 I was helping pay the bills with my part-time job. At times it felt like I had nothing going for me. However, I always had school. I love to learn, and reading and writing are my passions. School was my escape from what was happening at home, it was where I thrived. This is what lead me to wanting to be a teacher. I had so many inccrdible English teachers in high school that cultivated my love of writing, that I feel as though I owe it to them to be the same for someone else. I know how hard growing up is for kids, and so I hope to have a safe space for kids to learn, grow, and thrive. I know how important it was for me and I can only hope to be half of what my teachers were for me.