I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I come from a single parent household where money has always been a concern. It has been me and my mother since I was born. My father has refused to help with any financial support throughout my life. My mother has been the sole provider and has worked hard to give me/us the life we have now. We, by all means, are not wealthy but I do not go without and have never felt that I was lacking in any capacity. She is my role and the person I respect and admire most. Education has always been important to me because of how I've seen my mother navigate her educational dreams. It is MY dream to follow in her footsteps and earing this scholarship will most definitely help me achieve that. I am looking at getting my Bachelor’s Degree in English literature and then my Master’s degree to teach in a college setting. I want to share my love of literature and teach others how to love it. As it stands now, I may not be eligible to receive much financial assistance with college tuition, so any scholarship money I can acquire will alleviate some of the financial burden that will fall onto my mother. She has stated that she will do whatever it takes to make my college education dream come true. I will also contribute as much as I can by getting a job but my mother really wants me to concentrate on my college classes and experiences. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship would me a lot! My father has refused to help with any financial support throughout my life. My mother has been the sole provider and has worked hard to give me/us the life we have now. We, by all means, are not wealthy but I do not go without and have never felt that I was lacking in any capacity. My mother has been a teacher for 18 years and continues to further her education by taking online classes at different universities. She is my role and the person I respect and admire most. Education has always been important to me because of how I've seen my mother navigate her educational dreams. It is MY dream to follow in her footsteps and earing this scholarship will most definitely help me achieve that. I am looking at getting my Bachelor’s Degree in English literature and then my Master’s degree to teach in a college setting. I want to share my love of literature and teach others how to love it. As it stands now, I may not be eligible to receive much financial assistance with college tuition, so any scholarship money I can acquire will alleviate some of the financial burden that will fall onto my mother. She has stated that she will do whatever it takes to make my college education dream come true. I will also contribute as much as I can by getting a job but my mother really wants me to concentrate on my college classes and experiences. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship would me a lot!

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

My greatest driving force in my life is my other. I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I come from a single parent household where money has always been a concern. It has been me and my mother since I was born. My father has refused to help with any financial support throughout my life. My mother has been the sole provider and has worked hard to give me/us the life we have now. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. We, by all means, are not wealthy but I do not go without and have never felt that I was lacking in any capacity. My mother has been a teacher for 18 years and continues to further her education by taking online classes at different universities. She is my role and the person I respect and admire most. Education has always been important to me because of how I've seen my mother navigate her educational dreams. It is MY dream to follow in her footsteps and earing this scholarship will most definitely help me achieve that. I am looking at getting my Bachelor’s Degree in English literature and then my Master’s degree to teach in a college setting. I want to share my love of literature and teach others how to love it. As it stands now, I may not be eligible to receive much financial assistance with college tuition, so any scholarship money I can acquire will alleviate some of the financial burden that will fall onto my mother. She has stated that she will do whatever it takes to make my college education dream come true. I will also contribute as much as I can by getting a job but my mother really wants me to concentrate on my college classes and experiences. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship would help me a great deal. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I come from a single parent household where money has always been a concern. It has been me and my mother since I was born. My father has refused to help with any financial support throughout my life. My mother has been the sole provider and has worked hard to give me/us the life we have now. We, by all means, are not wealthy but I do not go without and have never felt that I was lacking in any capacity. My mother has been a teacher for 18 years and continues to further her education by taking online classes at different universities. She is my role and the person I respect and admire most. Education has always been important to me because of how I've seen my mother navigate her educational dreams. It is MY dream to follow in her footsteps and earing this scholarship will most definitely help me achieve that. I am looking at getting my Bachelor’s Degree in English literature and then my Master’s degree to teach in a college setting. I want to share my love of literature and teach others how to love it. Literature, whether it is novels, short stories or poetry, have pieces that can teaach us and broaden ones thoughts. As it stands now, I may not be eligible to receive much financial assistance with college tuition, so any scholarship money I can acquire will alleviate some of the financial burden that will fall onto my mother. She has stated that she will do whatever it takes to make my college education dream come true. I will also contribute as much as I can by getting a job but my mother really wants me to concentrate on my college classes and experiences. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship would me a lot!

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

I am from a single parent household. It has always just been my mother and me. My mother put herself through school while she worked and got her teaching credential. This is where my drive to go to college grew from. I saw her dedication and willingness to power through raising me, working and college. I never went without and was always taking care emotionally and financially by her. To this day, there is no other financial support from the other parent. All responsibility lies on my mother, so winning the "A Helping Hand" scholarship would contribute a lot to my college education. My mother, of course, will do what she needs to financially to see my dream of a college education but it would be nice to take a little of the burden from her. My mother had told me that college will be my job and she wants me to keep my focus on school. But I intend to also do my part by working and contributing as well. I have worked hard through my academic career, which has got me to my current 4.5 grade point average. In my junior and now my senior year of high school, I have taken AP classes and college classes, so that some of the financially burden will be less. I have 26 units applied already toward my college education. My post-graduate plan is to receive my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in English Literature. This scholarship would help!

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal to teaching but shaped the person I am.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What would be my dream job? It all started with books. I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What have I learned from the books that I have read? I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What have I learned from the books that I have read? I learned that I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

What have I learned from the books that I have read? I learned the I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have captivated me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become an English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at a CS University, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transcend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether, I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it is what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feel is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

What have I learned from the books that I have read? I learned the I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventurous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have spoke to me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become a English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at CSU Fresno, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre. It's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters resonate must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an important skill to have and it's what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feels is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the smalltown education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. Now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, but she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

What have I learned from the books that I have read? I learned the I LOVE to read! I learned I love the written word. I learned I love the images that a well written book can develop in my mind. Books are my addiction. Books have given me a way to escape the monotonous day to day activities that are in my life. A bookstore is my happy place. A place to let my imagination run free and dive into the lives of the most extraordinary people. From books, I have learned to be adventureous, brave, intuitive, and stay steadfast in my views. Books have spoke to me since I was little but as I have gotten older books have shaped me. I now want to become a English Literature major and teach others about the love of words. I want to teach students how to explore literature and find meaning through the words. From reading books, I have also developed a love for writing. I have written in many genres such as poetry, short stories, long stories, screen plays and recently children's books. My favorite genre of writing is long stories. Last year at a writing conference at CSU Fresno, I won an award and cash prize for my short story, titled "Dearest Sun". I was extremely honored and very proud of myself for entering my writing piece. If I had to pick a "dream job" it would to become a writer of fantasy. Books have led me to this genre and it's a genre I love to lose myself in and a genre I love to write about. This type of genre really speaks to me and allows me to transend to other worlds and times. I can get lost in writing just as I get lost in reading. My writing process starts with strong characters, like in the books I love to read. The characters resonate must resonate with me on a personal level. Whether I am reading or writing, it is important that I connect to the characters. The connection is very important to form between writer and reader. This connection draws the reader in and keeps them interested page after page. This is something that can be applied in real life. Connection between people is an imporant skill to have and it's what bonds us together. Just like in books, the bond between writer and reader has to be strong. That is what I feels is my calling and my passion, to connect to people and have people connect to me. Falling in love with reading has not only shaped my goal in life but shaped the person I am becoming.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

Everyone has hardships in their life that they must overcome and I am no different.I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure it was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrifices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strength she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Everyday there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to pursue. My post-graduate plans are to receive my degree in English literature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

My absolute favorite K-Pop group is the heavenly seven-BTS. These seven people have impacted my life in such a positive way. From their messages of self acceptance to their drive to be the sounding board for global change, BTS has gave me a new lens to look at the world with. A new lens in which to look at myself with. In each of their songs you can always find a message of hope, a message of change or a message of slef acceptance. They are gorgeous, their voices are like heaven but their messages are the medicine to heal your soul. Their songs unite people of all races, of all religious backgrounds and of all socioeconomic backgrounds and bind us togther in love. We, Army, love each others similarites and celebrate our differences. "Army" is not just a fan base, it is a movement. A movement to show love, a movement to bring peace and a movement to embrace our differences. I do not speak korean, but I have learned words and phrases along the way as I sing along to their lyrics. And, when BTS put songs out in English, I sing even louder but other people of different backgrounds learn a bit a English as the harmonize to the song. It bring people togther and in a world where so many try to separate us, we stand strong as a unit...we stand strong with the 7. The impact of BTS's music has left a definate mark on how I try to live my life. Songs like "We are Bullet Proof", "Spring Day", "Life Goes On" and "Yet to Come" are much more than greatly written lyrics in the song. There are messages of hope and resilience, messages of strength and perserverance and messages of belonging and community. When you look past the beautiful faces and the pitch perfect voices in their music videos and concerts, you will find compassion and space to become who you were meant to be. I my opinion, I feel the world needs BTS. The world needs the messages BTS sings about. People need to be inundated with these messages of self acceptance, hope and love instead of the messages of hate and separation that seem to be so prevelent in today's society. I try to carry these ideas with me and use them in my life. I try to put myself in someone else's shoes and really think how can I be more compassionate. How can I show love and suport to others. Yes, BTS is just a K-Pop band made up of 7 people I do not know but these 7 people have changed my life. P.S. I was lucky enough to seem them in concert in November of 2021 in Los Angeles and they are just as spectacular in person as they are on television!

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired me is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of "Why can't you get this now?" "Or why are you worrying about paying for college?" They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure I was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a ten minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one high school. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.

I am a family of two, my mother and myself. It has been this way from the day I was born. My father was abusive toward my mother early on and so she decided that she would have to raise me alone to make sure ia was safe. We lived in a small, rural community but within a 10 minute drive to the city. In my community there are two elmentary schools, one middle school and one highschool. I liked the small town education I received because it gave me a chance to know my teachers and gave my teachers and other staff members a chance to know me. It was a feeling of belonging and a feeling of comfort. I was inspired to pursue a higher education because of my mother. She is a reading intervention specialist at an elementary school where live. I see her dedication to helping others and her desire to help make lives better. I see her strive to better the lives of students who already come with some pretty severe deficits and inspire them to learn, to reach for more. That is what I want to do. I want to open minds and teach students about literature, to broaden their scope of the world. One of the biggest challenges I face is being from a single parent/income household. Things like getting a car and going to college will be a challenge. Like others around me, these things are easily obtained for them. They are always asking questions of Why can't you get this now? Or why are you worrying about paying for college? They have no idea the stressors that come with my situation. My mother has made it abundantly clear these things WILL happen but like always sacrifices will be made by her. From this I have learned to perseverance, an unwavering work ethic and and ability to see out of a different lens. Someone who has definitely inspired is my mother. From my birth, my mother has raised me by herself. When I say by herself, I mean completely on her own with no outside financial support or little to no support from others. I never noticed how hard she worked until I got older. I never went without. I always felt loved and taken care of. But, now I realize all the sacrafices she had to make, all the juggling she had to do just to make sure I was alright and safe. Even the strenghth she had to show when dealing with my father who was emotional abusive. Ever day there was an obstacle that she had to deal, But she did it and did it without complaint. I was her number one priority and to this day I feel that. I remember my mother sometimes looking sad or overwhelmed but it would be for a short period and then she was up and moving forward again. The attributes I see in her are the same attributes that I aspire to have. Determination, drive, strength, fierce protector but also a kind, loving heart that shows support and loyalty. She is my hero and should be celebrated. I hope to celebrate her by going to college and working hard to achieve dreams she didn't have to chance to persue. My post-graduate plans are to recieve my degree in English lituerature and to become a professsor of literature at a college level. Reading and learning are a passion of mine and I want to convey this love to others through teaching. I want to expand minds and create mindful thinkers.