From a young age, I always knew what I was passionate about – helping others. Seeing and helping others reach their full potential is a passion of mine that I couldn’t let go unnoticed. But, I realized that there were various people in my life, that ensured that I reached my full potential. They helped me grow into a better person, educating me on various subjects, but most importantly, educating me on what was acceptable and what wasn’t. They genuinely cared about my future and everyone’s future that they taught. They were my teachers – the undeniable backbone of our society, educating young minds to help them grow. I was inspired by them, which led me to realize that I wanted to become a teacher myself. Dr. Ruth Lewis Knight Memorial Scholarship for Educators will allow me to reach my full potential. It will allow me to pursue my educational goals at UNC Charlotte. With a major in Elementary Education, my career vision is to teach Kindergarten students, provide the foundational education needed and open children to the world of education. Majoring in Elementary Education will allow me to learn how to teach young minds social skills, literacy, math, art, music, and the love of learning. I believe I am the most deserving candidate because I will be teaching the future students of our nation the foundational pieces to become better and brighter minds. All things considered, receiving the scholarship award will allow me to take fewer student loans and allow my parent to not worry about my financial need. I come from a household with a single mom and two other siblings. Receiving this money will help me in funding my university-level learning and allow me to focus more on studying and achieving my long-term career goals. Becoming an educator is so important to me, so I hope you will be a part of my journey in helping others reach their full potential.