Growing up, my mother instilled in me an awareness of the urgency and reality of food insecurity among school-aged children. As a teacher for more than twenty years, she consistently used her own money to purchase food and snacks for students in need. The need was always great, while the resources available were often limited. Although our family did not have much, she never hesitated to help ensure her students were fed. Her philosophy was simple but powerful, no child should go to bed hungry. Over the past several years, I have witnessed this issue firsthand through my work as an after-school teacher and summer program assistant at a rural Title I school. Each day, I have seen how food insecurity affects students and families and how the need continues to grow. Through volunteering at local food banks and organizing monthly food distributions through my church, I have encountered food insecurity in many forms. I have seen food insecurity in the eyes of a child unsure where their next meal will come from, a single parent struggling to make ends meet, grandparents raising grandchildren on limited Social Security benefits, and families still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in our region. Food insecurity does not discriminate. It impacts people from all walks of life, many of whom suffer quietly and without adequate support. Inspired by my mother's example, I plan to pursue a career in education and become a public school teacher. I hope to follow in her footsteps by serving not only as an educator but also as an advocate for students and families facing hardship. I want every child in my classroom to know they are supported, valued, and cared for. No student should have to focus on hunger instead of learning, and I am committed to helping ensure that the children under my care have access to the resources they need to succeed. My work and volunteer experiences have shown me the significant impact food insecurity has on rural communities and the shortage of resources available to address it. As a future teacher, one of my goals is to help establish and support a school food pantry. Many schools maintain clothing closets to provide students with clean clothes and basic necessities when needed, but few offer consistent access to food for students and their families. While some schools send home food bags on weekends, hunger does not exist only on Saturdays and Sundays. Families need support throughout the entire week. I want my efforts to strengthen communities, support families, and improve student success both inside and outside the classroom. Access to nutritious food should be a basic right, not a privilege. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without worrying about where their next meal will come from. Through a career in education, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and help create a future where no child has to face hunger alone.

Growing up, I watched my mother dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her students. As a special education teacher for more than twenty years, she has consistently advocated for her students, championed their success, and helped them achieve growth that others once thought impossible. Her unwavering commitment inspired me to pursue a path in education and advocacy. Throughout high school, I had the opportunity to serve as a peer helper in an intensive intervention classroom for students with moderate to severe disabilities. For two years, I worked alongside these students, learning from their perseverance, resilience, and unique perspectives. In addition, I participated in Special Olympics throughout all four years of high school, where I witnessed the joy, determination, and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities. My passion for this field was further shaped by my younger brother, who was placed on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as a preschooler. Watching him face challenges, develop confidence, overcome obstacles, and achieve success despite his disability gave me a firsthand understanding of the profound impact that support and advocacy can have on a student's life. Together, these experiences ignited my passion for working with students with disabilities and helping them reach their fullest potential. Professor Harold Bloom once wrote, “I have learned that the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence.” This quote deeply resonates with me because it reflects the transformative power of education. Teaching students with disabilities is not simply about academic instruction; it is about helping them recognize their value, discover their strengths, and understand their important place in the world. When educators advocate for and believe in their students, those students begin to believe in themselves. They learn that their voices matter, that they are capable of success, and that they can make meaningful contributions to society. As a future educator, I hope to be a source of encouragement and support for students who may feel overlooked or marginalized. I want to advocate for inclusive environments where every student feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to succeed. Beyond the classroom, I hope to educate others about the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and advocacy. Every student deserves to know that they are valued, capable, and worthy of every opportunity to learn and thrive. In conclusion, the experiences and role models in my life have cultivated a deep passion for serving students with disabilities. They deserve teachers who believe in their potential, celebrate their achievements, and help them overcome challenges. They deserve advocates who are committed to ensuring they experience joy, confidence, and success in school. My goal is to be that teacher and advocate to make a lasting impact on the lives of my students by helping them grow, achieve their goals, and recognize their immeasurable worth. Fairytale: Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled among majestic mountains and rolling green hills, there lived a princess with a dream. More than anything, she wished to bring all the people of the kingdom together as one. In those days, the people lived in separate villages based on their abilities and appearances. As the princess traveled throughout the kingdom, she noticed that one village was treated differently from the others. Its people were often ignored, ridiculed, and denied the resources that were freely given elsewhere. The villagers seemed different from the princess in many ways, and because of what she had heard, she was uncertain about them. But one day, while traveling through the countryside, her horse and carriage struck a rough patch in the road, breaking a wheel. Stranded and unable to continue, she found herself just outside the very village she had long wondered about. To her surprise, the villagers immediately came to help. They repaired her carriage, offered her food and shelter, and treated her with kindness and respect. They did not know she was a princess, nor did they expect anything in return. Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to help touched her heart. In that moment, the princess realized why she had always dreamed of uniting the kingdom. She saw that these villagers were no different in worth or value than anyone else. They possessed unique gifts, talents, and perspectives that enriched the kingdom in ways others had failed to recognize. When she returned to the castle, she told her mother and father everything she had experienced. At first, the king and queen were hesitant to change the way things had always been. But the princess remained determined. She spoke passionately about the importance of acceptance, understanding, and opportunity for all people. Over time, her message began to spread throughout the kingdom. The villages came together, learning from one another and celebrating their differences. The once-forgotten village was welcomed and valued, and its people were finally given the respect and support they deserved. The princess's dream became a reality. The kingdom grew stronger because everyone had a place where they belonged and a chance to contribute their unique gifts. And so, the people lived happily ever after in a vibrant and united kingdom where every person was accepted, supported, and celebrated for who they were.

Mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. The need for mental health services continues to grow, while access to resources often remains limited. Although my family was aware of the growing crisis, we never imagined that we would become part of the statistics. Three years ago, my family began a journey that changed our lives forever and shaped the person I am today. Mental health affects people from every background, regardless of race, culture, socioeconomic status, or religion. Three years ago, my mother took my younger brother to a routine annual checkup. What seemed like an ordinary doctor's appointment quickly became a turning point in our lives. During the visit, my brother confided in his doctor about the depression he had been struggling with, the emotional battles he was facing, and a recent suicide attempt that none of us knew had occurred. When my mother returned home and shared the news, our family was devastated. We were overwhelmed with questions and uncertainty. How had we missed the signs? What could we have done differently? The reality that someone we loved so deeply was suffering in silence was heartbreaking. Over the following year, I watched my parents devote themselves to helping my brother heal. There were countless appointments with doctors, therapists, and counselors. Conversations about medications, safety plans, and removing potentially dangerous items from our home became part of our daily lives. As a teenager, much of this was unfamiliar territory. I struggled to process my emotions and often felt unsure of how to support my brother. Eventually, however, our family began to regain a sense of stability. We saw progress, hope, and signs of healing. Then everything changed again. One afternoon, my mother received an urgent call from my brother's school. The principal and school counselor informed her that he had been found crying in the hallway. Just two days earlier, a close friend from marching band had died by suicide, triggering a resurgence of the thoughts and emotions my brother had worked so hard to overcome. He had shared suicidal thoughts with other students, who immediately alerted school officials. Once again, our family found itself confronting fear and uncertainty. We had believed that we had solved the problem, but we soon learned an important truth, mental health is not something that can simply be "fixed." Recovery is an ongoing process that requires patience, support, and understanding. Through my brother's struggles, I learned that mental health challenges are not a sprint but a marathon. Those who are struggling need consistent support, not only during moments of crisis. They need encouragement, compassion, and affirmation every day. Most importantly, they need people who will stand beside them as advocates and champions, regardless of the circumstances. This experience changed the way I see others. I have learned that every person carries unseen burdens and fights battles that may not be visible on the surface. Because of this, I strive to approach others with empathy, kindness, and understanding. We never truly know what someone is facing, and a simple act of compassion can make a meaningful difference in a person's life. My experiences with my brother have inspired me to pursue a career as a public school teacher. I want to make a positive impact on the next generation by creating a classroom built on trust, support, and compassion. I want to be the safe and caring adult that students can turn to when they feel overwhelmed, unheard, or alone. I want to provide encouragement for students who struggle to express their emotions and guidance for those facing challenges outside the classroom. Most importantly, I want to help save lives by being present, attentive, and understanding. Teachers are often among the first adults to recognize when a student is struggling, and they have the opportunity to make a lasting difference. I hope to be an advocate for students who feel invisible, forgotten, or marginalized and to remind them that they are seen, valued, and never alone.

My inspiration to become a teacher comes from my mother. For the past twenty-one years, she has worked as a special education teacher, dedicating her life to helping students who often need extra patience, understanding, and encouragement. Watching her over the years has shown me what it truly means to care for others and to make a difference in someone’s life. Although teaching is not always recognized or rewarded financially, my mother continues to show up every day with determination, compassion, and love for her students. Her example is the reason I want to become a teacher myself. Growing up, I saw firsthand how much effort my mother put into her work. She spent long hours preparing lessons, attending meetings, grading assignments, and finding creative ways to help every student succeed. Even after difficult days, she never gave up on her students. Instead, she spoke about them with kindness and pride, celebrating even their smallest accomplishments. Through her actions, she taught me that being a teacher is about more than simply teaching subjects in a classroom. It is about believing in students, encouraging them when they struggle, and helping them see their own potential. One of the things I admire most about my mother is her patience. Working in special education requires understanding that every child learns differently. Some students may need extra time, support, or reassurance before they can succeed. My mother never saw those challenges as obstacles. Instead, she viewed them as opportunities to make a greater impact. Watching her work with students who felt discouraged or overlooked inspired me deeply. She showed me that one caring teacher can change the direction of a student’s life simply by refusing to give up on them. My mother also taught me the importance of selflessness and dedication. Teachers often work long hours without receiving the appreciation they deserve. Despite this, my mother has continued teaching for more than two decades because she genuinely loves helping children learn and grow. Her commitment has shown me that true success is not measured by money or recognition, but by the positive influence we have on others. I want to follow her example by becoming a teacher who is compassionate, dependable, and willing to go the extra mile for students. As I pursue my education and future career, I plan to use my own experiences to inspire others in the same way my mother inspired me. I understand that many students face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Some may struggle academically, while others may feel misunderstood or unsupported. I want to be the kind of teacher who creates a safe and encouraging environment where every student feels valued. I hope to motivate students to believe in themselves, even when learning feels difficult. In addition, I want my students to understand that perseverance and kindness matter. My mother’s example has taught me that small acts of encouragement can make a lasting impact. Whether it is helping a student gain confidence, listening when they need support, or celebrating their progress, I hope to inspire students to work hard and never give up on themselves. I want them to know that their abilities and dreams matter, regardless of the obstacles they face. Teaching is more than a career to me; it is an opportunity to continue the legacy my mother began. She inspired me through her dedication, patience, and love for her students, and I hope to carry those same qualities into my own classroom one day. By using the lessons she taught me, I want to inspire future generations of students to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and strive for success. Just as my mother changed the lives of so many students, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through education.

Growing up with a mother who was a public school teacher, I witnessed firsthand the quiet, transformative impact one person can have on a community. I admired her dedication to her elementary students, but what stayed with me most were the stories she shared about food insecurity. I remember accompanying her to the grocery store as she purchased extra food for students who might otherwise go without. Hearing about children who came to school each day hungry, struggling not only to focus, but simply to get through the day deeply affected me. Even then, I felt a desire to help, though I did not yet know how. That changed when I began working as an after-school teacher at a local elementary school during high school. For the first time, I witnessed these realities up close. Hunger was no longer something I heard about, but rather it was something I saw in the faces and experiences of the students I worked with every day. That exposure ignited a sense of purpose within me. I realized that my mother’s passion had quietly become my own. At 17, I came to understand that age is not a limitation when it comes to making a difference. What matters is the willingness to act. In the summer of 2024, I took that step. I began organizing a free community meal giveaway at my church. An event rooted in a simple but powerful idea that anyone who needed a meal could come, no questions asked. There would be no barriers, no requirements, just food, dignity, and care. The event was scheduled for September 27, 2024. Just days before, on September 24, 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated our rural mountain community in Western North Carolina. Homes were destroyed, resources became scarce, and families were left reeling. In that moment, what had once been a planned act of service became an urgent response to crisis. Our meal giveaway was no longer just an event, it was a lifeline. On September 27, in the midst of devastation, we served 1,352 meals. What could have been a day defined by loss instead became one of hope, connection, and compassion. That experience reinforced something I now carry with me. Even in the darkest moments, small acts of service can bring light. The impact did not end there. Inspired by the need in our community, I worked alongside church leaders to expand our efforts. In the months following the hurricane, we organized multiple supply distributions and five additional free meal giveaways. Even as recovery efforts slowed, the need remained. Today, our church continues to host bi-monthly food giveaways, and I remain actively involved in serving my community. Looking ahead, I plan to carry this passion into my career as an elementary education major. Just as my mother did, I want to be an advocate for my students whose challenges extend beyond the classroom. Hunger should never be a barrier to learning, and no child should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. As an educator, I will not only teach, but also serve, support, and uplift. What began as a lesson learned from my mother has grown into a lifelong mission. Addressing food insecurity is not just something I do, it is a responsibility I carry. By continuing this work, I hope to ensure that the students I one day teach, and the communities I serve, are nourished not only academically, but physically and emotionally as well.

From a young age, my parents instilled in me the belief that God does not call the equipped, but instead equips those who are called. As I grew up, I found joy in working with children in my church and community. Whether I was helping in children’s church on Sundays, being a peer helper with students with disabilities at my high school, or working a job as an afterschool teacher at an elementary school, my passion for working with children steadily grew. Even so, I never believed that becoming a teacher was something I was capable of. I doubted whether I had the talent or ability to succeed in such an important role. Over time, however, the lesson my parents taught me began to resonate more deeply. I came to understand that I did not need to feel fully equipped. I only needed to be willing to answer the calling placed on my heart. At the beginning of my freshman year of college, I felt increasingly unsettled in the major I had originally chosen. It did not align with my passions or the direction I felt called to pursue. During Christmas break, after much reflection, I made the decision to change my major to elementary education. In doing so, I chose to follow a path centered on making a meaningful difference in the lives of students. My experiences working with children had already shown me the impact a caring and dedicated adult can have, and I realized that teaching was not just a career choice, it was my purpose. I understand that teaching is not an easy profession. It requires patience, resilience, and a deep commitment to others. Yet I believe every child deserves a champion, someone who will stand by them through both their successes and their struggles. Students need someone who will celebrate their achievements, encourage them when they face challenges, and remind them of their worth when they feel discouraged. I aspire to be that teacher who creates a supportive and empowering environment where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. The person who has most influenced my understanding of this calling is my mother. For the past twenty years, she has dedicated her life to serving students with disabilities as a special education teacher. Through her example, I have witnessed what it truly means to teach with compassion, patience, and purpose. She has shown me how to advocate for those who may feel overlooked or overwhelmed, and how to create opportunities for every student to grow and succeed. Watching her pour into her students year after year, expecting nothing in return, has shaped the way I approach my own work with children. Because of her influence, I have learned the importance of kindness, empathy, and grace in education. Her unwavering dedication has inspired me to pursue a career where I, too, can make a lasting difference. Teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling to serve, uplift, and empower the next generation. I am committed to answering that call and becoming a teacher who impacts lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

Faith has been an integral part of my life since the very beginning. As the daughter of a pastor, my faith has been woven into every fiber of who I am. Through my father’s example, I have learned what it means to live with purpose, to stay motivated through challenges, and to remain grounded in my faith in Jesus Christ. His life and ministry have shown me that faith is not simply something we believe—it is something we live out daily. Throughout my life, I have sought to actively live out that faith through service. During my college years, I have continued to stay deeply involved in my church by volunteering in the nursery and children’s ministry, singing in the praise band, and serving as the director of Vacation Bible School during the summer. On campus, I have organized and led Bible studies and have been honored to serve as the chaplain of my sorority. In every season, my faith has opened doors for me to worship, serve, and lead others. However, being a pastor’s daughter has not always been easy. The realities of ministry have brought both challenges and heartache. During my teenage years, my family moved to three different states in just three years as my father searched for where God was calling him to serve. Constantly changing schools and leaving behind friendships was both exhausting and painful. In those moments of uncertainty and loss, my faith became my anchor. I held onto the belief that God had a plan for my family and that even in the discomfort, we were exactly where we needed to be. My faith not only sustained me but also brought a sense of peace in the midst of instability. Through these experiences, I have come to understand that ministry is not easy, but it is deeply meaningful. The challenges are real, but so is the impact. Seeing the lives touched through my father’s work has reinforced my belief that serving others is one of the highest callings. I was raised with the understanding that serving, helping, and loving others should be a daily commitment. My father modeled this through his ministry, and my mother, a special education teacher, demonstrated it through her compassion and dedication to her students. Watching her advocate for and care for a population that is often overlooked has profoundly shaped my own aspirations. Because of their influence and my faith, I feel called to become an elementary school teacher. I see my future classroom as my mission field. My classroom will be a place where I can not only educate but also uplift, encourage, and care for my students. I want to be a source of stability and kindness, especially for children who may not experience those things elsewhere. My faith will guide me to lead with patience, compassion, and integrity, showing my students that love is something we put into action every day. This opportunity is meaningful to me because it will allow me to continue pursuing this calling. With unwavering faith as my foundation, I am committed to reaching even greater heights, not for personal success alone, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. I am confident that wherever my path leads, my faith will continue to guide me, strengthen me, and remind me of my purpose: to serve, to love, and to lead with compassion.

What motivates you and drives you each and every day? For me, my passion is focused on helping others and being able to see them pursue what they want to accomplish in life to reach their goals. I have always had a desire to help others from a young age. I grew up as the daughter of a pastor. Through the example of my father, I took on a role to always be willing to help others through sacrificial giving because I was surrounded by those examples at a young age. Through my experiences at a young age, I saw the effect that it had on others. Seeing how much you can affect people by just being a helping hand. With a simple gesture of support and love, you can make such a big impact and make such a lasting impression. In my church, I have strived to be involved in numerous ministries that have allowed me to give back to the community. Whether it was directing a free hot meal giveaway, leading vacation bible school, going on mission trips to help rebuild in coastal regions, or being a volunteer in children’s church and nursery, my passion has always been to give to others when they are struggling, fallen on hards times, or simply need a hug and a prayer. In high school, my passion for helping others directed my path to being a peer helper in the intensive intervention classroom for two years. The students that I was able to help, encourage, and support instilled a further drive in me to help individuals with disabilities in the future. Some of the most marginalized individuals in the community are those with disabilities. My experiences as a peer helper, volunteer in unified sports, and Special Olympics volunteer ignited my passion to give back to those that many times are often left out, forgotten, and not provided with a voice. As I continue in my pursuits of giving back, I want to be that voice and be a champion for individuals with disabilities. In regard to perseverance, my experiences were connected to my upbringing as a pastor’s kid. Due to job changes for my father, I moved three times to three different states in just three short years. During these moves, I struggled with the idea of moving, leaving friends and family, and changing schools constantly. Though the times were hard, I was able to gain a connection to the community and to the people that I met each time that I moved. With each move, I strived to get connected with the community, find volunteer opportunities, and become deeply involved with my church and ministries. Without these connections and desire to continue my passion in a new location, I would have crumbled under the weight of anxiety and overwhelming fear. Whenever you are driven to help others, the focus shifts off of yourself and allows you to realize how blessed you truly are in life. For my future career plans, I have decided to study and become a pediatric occupational therapist. Through my career, I hope to continue to fuel my passion for helping others and supporting individuals with disabilities through therapeutic support of sensory and fine motor skills. In choosing pediatrics, I want to be able to be the person who can give the kids hope, strength, and motivation through their growth in fine motor and sensory skills. Occupational therapy can help them reach their goal and find success. My career can allow for my passion to be continued through helping others and supporting individuals with disabilities.

Have you ever had an experience in life that changed your way of thinking? For the past two years, I was a peer helper in the Intensive Intervention classroom for my high school. The Intensive Intervention class is a self-contained classroom for students with moderate to severe disabilities. When I first started helping in this class, I did not quite understand the importance these students would have on influencing my life. When I met these students for the first time, I remembered how all the students greeted me with such love. They each talked to me like I was a friend and not a stranger that they had just met. This helped me to realize how much these students just wanted to make a friend like most other students and how accepting they were of others. Most people do not understand how students with disabilities have the same heart as their nondisabled peers. In my opinion, they have the biggest hearts and the kindest spirits. From my experience in the Intensive Intervention class, I was able to use my experiences to decide on my future career. I had a heart to be a teacher for a very long time and was convinced for half of my high school career that becoming a teacher was what I would do for my career. But I knew that my heart was calling me somewhere else once I became a peer helper in the Intensive Intervention classroom. I was first introduced to occupational therapy my sophomore year and I fell in love with it. Occupational therapy deals with helping people in fine motor skills, visual motor skills, and sensory help. After falling in love with occupational therapy, I needed to determine what level of occupational therapy I would want to work. After being with the students in the Intensive Intervention classroom, I understood that I could have the chance of having an impact on these individuals with disabilities with occupational therapy. I decided to work as a pediatric occupational therapist and help children and being able to be forever impactful to them. All of my volunteer work has helped me be able to understand the true heart of students with disabilities. Through my experiences, I have been able to understand that the greatest joy you can receive happens when you accept, support, and love on others that may be different than you but deserve as much if not more than others. The students that I volunteered with in the Intensive Intervention classroom wanted to make friends, wanted to be successful, and wanted to be seen that they are just as great as other students. My time as a peer helper in the intensive intervention classroom at my high school was an impactful and inspiring experience that will provide lasting memories for the rest of my life. In regard to financial need, my family is not able to fully fund my educational endeavors in college. I am having to apply for scholarships and loans to help fund my education. My parents are employed as a pastor and special education teacher. They love working in career fields that help others but do not receive enough financially to help fully support my college expenses. This scholarship would immensely help in providing financial support for my college education.