I am interested in pursuing a career in teaching because I believe in the power of education to transform lives. Growing up, I was always fascinated by science and math—the way they explain the world around us and solve real-life problems. But beyond my love for these subjects, I have always felt a deep calling to help others understand and appreciate learning. As a first-generation college student, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate education without guidance. I want to be the teacher who not only teaches academic subjects but also inspires confidence, curiosity, and perseverance in my students. One teacher who profoundly changed my life was my high school math teacher, Ms. Brown. Before her class, I struggled with self-doubt when it came to math. I thought you either “got it” or you didn’t, and for a long time, I believed I fell into the latter category. Math seemed like an insurmountable mountain, and I felt like I was always at the bottom. I would sit in class, overwhelmed by the lessons, and think that I would never be able to fully grasp the concepts. But Ms. Brown saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She was patient, explaining difficult concepts in different ways until they clicked. She never made me feel inadequate for asking questions and, instead, encouraged me to embrace challenges as part of the learning process. She gave me permission to fail and try again, which was something I had never fully understood before. I will never forget the day I stayed after class, completely frustrated after struggling on a test. I told her, “Maybe I’m just not a math person.” She looked at me and said, “You don’t have to be perfect to be great. You just have to keep trying.” Those words stuck with me. Instead of giving up, I worked harder. With her encouragement, I not only improved in math but also developed confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects. More importantly, I learned that success isn’t about innate talent—it’s about perseverance and the willingness to continue pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. Her belief in me was something I had never experienced before. I had always believed that my struggles were a reflection of my limitations, but Ms. Brown showed me that they were just stepping stones to success. That lesson changed how I approached learning. I want to be the teacher who reminds students that their struggles do not define their potential. I want to help them see that they are capable, even when they doubt themselves. Teaching, to me, is more than just a profession—it’s a way to empower the next generation, just as Ms. Brown empowered me. I want to be that guiding light for students who feel lost or unsure of themselves. If I can make even one student believe in themselves the way she made me believe in myself, then I will know I have chosen the right path. In teaching, I see an opportunity to create a lasting impact. I want to teach not just academic skills, but life skills—resilience, self-confidence, and the belief that every student has the ability to achieve greatness. With the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to help my future students embrace their potential, understand that failure is part of growth, and most importantly, never give up on their dreams. Ms. Brown didn’t just teach me math; she taught me how to believe in myself, and that’s something I will carry with me forever. Now, I hope to pass that on to my students.

Being a first-generation college student influences my career goals in several ways. First, it fuels my determination to succeed, not just for myself but for my family and future generations. Without the guidance of parents who have navigated higher education, I’ve had to take initiative in learning about college, career paths, and professional development. This experience has strengthened my problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability—traits that will serve me well in my career. Additionally, my experience has deepened my passion for education and mentorship. I understand the challenges that come with being the first in a family to pursue higher education, from financial burdens to navigating unfamiliar academic systems. This has inspired me to use my career in science and math to impact the education of future students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or developing educational programs, I want to make the path easier for others like me. Finally, being a first-generation student has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility. I want to set an example for younger students in my community, proving that higher education and fulfilling careers are within reach. My career goals are not just about personal success but about uplifting others.

My name is Summer Gaskins, I do not come from a family of money. My mom is in and out of the Hospital while My Dad struggles to pay bills. I do not say any of this for anyone to take pity on me, we do the best we can with what we got. I want to become a Elementary education teacher because I love kids and I want to change the world in anyway I can. I take a trade school class that is meant for future teachers. I have become absolutely obsessed with wanting to peruse this career, this year we will travel to Auburn University for FTA conference (Future teachers of Alabama), I also will be competing in FCCLA State Competitions this year. I take teaching very personal. Although my parents would never be able to afford it, I have tried everything. Not even FASFA has come back to us on some type of money yet. I work so hard to keep my grades up and make my parents proud.. Some challenges I've overcome is with my mom, she has had several scans for cancer. Nothing has come back positive yet. But it is still ongoing and they don't know what is wrong with her still, Another challenge in my life has been when my parents almost divorced and I was switching back and forth from schools and houses. I can say from experience that puts a strain on your education, but I put in all my effort to make them proud. Me and My best friend decided to attend Troy University together and we are both majoring in Elementary education. I got accepted into my dream school unfortunately, I had to go with my second option due to money options. My teacher Mrs. Brown has inspired me to become a teacher as well and Mrs. Ryan, they both are excellent teachers and created a connection with students that helps understand them on deeper levels, They both are the reason I am who I am today. Without them I wouldn't know My love for teaching and I want to keep their legacy going I will always remember them, even 50 years down the road. My plans post-graduate is to come back to my hometown and teach in the elementary schools around Elmore Country if the positions are available. I want to put back in the work for the same system that helped me grow into my full potential.

Using My Passion for Science and Math to Inspire Future Students I’ve always been fascinated by how math and science explain the world around us. Whether it was solving a tricky algebra problem or doing a hands-on science experiment, I loved the feeling of figuring things out. As I got older, I realized that my passion wasn’t just about understanding these subjects myself—I also enjoyed helping others learn and appreciate them. One of the best experiences I’ve had was tutoring my classmates in math. I noticed that sometimes all it took was explaining a problem in a different way for someone to finally get it. Seeing that moment when everything clicked for them was really rewarding. It made me realize how important good teaching is and how much I enjoy helping others succeed. I have also worked with younger students, helping them build confidence in their math skills. Many of them started out thinking they weren’t “math people,” but with patience and encouragement, they began to understand concepts they once found impossible. Seeing their confidence grow reminded me that sometimes, all students need is someone who believes in them. In addition to tutoring, I have always been drawn to science and how it helps us solve real-world problems. I love conducting experiments and learning how scientific discoveries shape our everyday lives. One of my favorite experiences was a physics project where we built and tested bridges made of popsicle sticks. It was amazing to see how mathematical calculations predicted the strength of each design. Activities like that have shown me that science and math are much more than just numbers on a page—they’re tools that help us create and innovate. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in education or a STEM field where I can inspire the next generation of students. I want to create an environment where students feel excited to learn, rather than intimidated by challenging subjects. I also want to develop new ways of teaching that make math and science more engaging, such as using hands-on experiments, interactive projects, and real-world applications. Science and math have given me so many opportunities, and I hope to show others that these subjects aren’t just about numbers and formulas—they’re about curiosity, problem-solving, and discovering how the world works. If I can help students see the beauty in math and science the way I do, I know I will have made a meaningful impact.