During my first year of college, I experienced a great deal of growth and self-discovery. I chose my major, made a meaningful impact on my basketball team, and had the opportunity to positively influence younger students in their classrooms. This semester, I officially declared my major: special education. When I shared this decision with others, I was met with a range of reactions. Some people questioned why I would choose this path, wondering why I’d take on such a challenging field. For me, however, the answer was clear. I chose special education because I want to give back—especially to the educators who shaped not only my life but my family’s as well. My older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that his teachers had on him. When he was young, doctors told my parents that he might never speak. Yet, thanks to the dedication and skill of his special education teachers, he did learn to communicate. Today, I’m able to have full conversations with him—something that once felt impossible. Watching his growth and seeing how deeply it affected my entire family inspired me to become an educator. I want to be a source of hope, guidance, and support for other families who may be navigating similar journeys. As a future teacher, my mission is to show up with purpose and compassion every single day. I want to support each student I meet and give them the tools to recognize their own worth and potential. Professor Harold Bloom once said, “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. True education is not just about memorizing facts or passing tests—it’s about helping students discover who they are and how they belong in the world. For students with special needs, this journey of self-discovery can be especially transformative. These students often face additional challenges that can make them feel invisible or misunderstood. My goal as an educator is to help each of them realize that they are capable, valuable, and full of promise. To guide students toward this sense of presence, I will create a classroom environment rooted in respect, patience, and empathy. I will use differentiated instruction that meets students where they are, incorporating visuals, hands-on learning, and alternative communication strategies. I will recognize and celebrate all kinds of progress, no matter how small, because each step forward matters. Just as important as academic support is emotional support. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with my students. When they feel safe and seen, they are more likely to express themselves and take ownership of their learning journey. I want my students to leave my classroom not only with more knowledge but with greater confidence in themselves. At the heart of all this is my commitment to service—to being the teacher who believes in their students even when others might not, to standing alongside families in their most vulnerable moments, and to helping each child find their voice. Teaching, for me, is more than a career. It’s a calling that allows me to honor the teachers who helped my brother, to support families like my own, and to be a part of something bigger than myself.

In today's society, mental health has become a topic that's being discussed more than ever before. While some people may still underestimate the seriousness of mental health issues, the reality is that far too many individuals are suffering in silence, and tragically, some even lose their lives because they feel unable to reach out or access the help they need. This growing awareness of mental health is crucial, especially as more people, particularly young individuals, face emotional and psychological struggles. A significant factor contributing to the rise in mental health challenges is the impact of social media. While social platforms offer a sense of connection, they also expose individuals to unrealistic standards, cyberbullying, and constant comparison. This can have a damaging effect on one's self-esteem and overall mental health. Many young people feel the pressure to present an idealized version of themselves online, hiding their true feelings and struggles. Unfortunately, this only compounds the problem. Social media can create a distorted reality that amplifies feelings of loneliness and anxiety, especially for those who are already vulnerable. It's not uncommon for people, especially young individuals, to ignore their feelings or push them aside, thinking they’ll pass. However, suppressing emotions often leads to a buildup of stress, anxiety, or depression that can become overwhelming. This is why it is essential to create an environment where people, especially young people, feel safe and encouraged to open up about their emotional health. Talking about one’s feelings, whether with a trusted friend, family member, or professional, can be incredibly therapeutic. It not only helps reduce stress but also alleviates the sense of isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles. Knowing that others understand and care can make a significant difference in someone’s ability to cope. Mental health issues can profoundly impact how people interact with others. When individuals feel supported and understood, they are more likely to open up about what they’re going through. Building these open lines of communication fosters stronger relationships, helping people feel less alone in their struggles. It's important to remember that many of us may not always see the signs of mental health issues in others, but being approachable and empathetic can make it easier for someone to reach out when they need help. The growing recognition of mental health issues has also influenced career aspirations for many young people today. Many are increasingly drawn to professions where they can make a positive impact on others’ mental well-being. Careers in healthcare, counseling, social work, and psychology are just a few fields where individuals can directly help those dealing with mental health challenges. Additionally, creative fields such as art and writing are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic benefits. Art, in particular, provides an outlet for self-expression, which can be an essential part of the healing process. The focus on mental health has also sparked important changes in workplaces and educational institutions. More and more companies and schools are implementing policies that prioritize mental well-being. These changes include offering resources like counseling services, creating support networks, and raising awareness about mental health challenges. These efforts aim to reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue, and provide the resources needed for individuals to thrive. As awareness grows, so does the hope that more people will seek help before it’s too late and that mental health will no longer be a topic left in the shadows.

I have played basketball for the longest time. I started to play when I was in fourth grade. I played with three of my others friends and I had a blast. After that year, I sign up to play club basketball and it went from their. I am now a senior and I still love the game. Basketball has always been a home for me. I know that no matter what is going on in my life, I can get a ball, and either go outside or go to a court and just play. I feel really calm playing and whatever stressful thing that is going on in mylife will just go away. Nothing matters in the moment. I game has taught be so much on and off the court. I used to struggle with being confident with myself and speaking up when something was wrong. Freshman year of highschool one of the seniors took me under her wing and showed me the way. She was the one who truly belive in me and by abilities to play. She really showed me what it means to be a confident player and that the game in really mental. I can say now I am more confident now than I was freshman year. I am not more willing to stand up for myself and voice my opinion. My coach and I had a lot of conservation of different offenses we ran and what could change. I felt that as a senior I need to step up and be a leader and I believe I did that. Their is this freshman on my team who was really struggling to find her footing on the team and she turned to me. I was the one to always talk to her, she would tell me what going on and we would work together to fix the issue. Sometimes we staying after practice to get extra work done becasue that is what we need. Even though I am graduating in a couple of months, I am still going to be their for this freshman. We still talk now and we hang out a lot of time. I belive that having her walk into my life this past year as really taught how I can help out other people with the game that I love. I have learn that I can be a leader to younger girl with being confident and being able to speak up for myself. I have learn that their I can do so much more than what I am capable of.

I want to be a career in teaching becasue I have seen what other teachers have done for students to be able to help them out. I see teacher being the ones to help other students out and I really want to be able to help people out. My dad also is in education and I can see how happy he in to be able to do what he does everyday. There have been a lot of teachers who have impacted my life, but there's one teacher who stands out the most, and he is why I decided to become an educator. Mr. Amador, my AP Statistics teacher, has had the most positive impact on my life. He is passionate about his work and loves teaching and helping students grow academically and personally. When you walk by his classroom, you will see many current and past students asking him for help or just stopping by for a quick conversation. He makes students feel comfortable coming to him for help and will work with them daily to help them understand the material. One morning, he observed me struggling with an assignment for my math class. I was frustrated because I did not understand the topic I was working on. Mr. Amador understood that I needed help and took his time walking me through each problem step by step. Working with him helped me understand the topic better, and I began attending his tutoring sessions more frequently. While my teacher was great, Mr. Amador explained things differently. He broke the problem into smaller chunks and created new problems to help me further understand the material. When I took the quiz based on the material, I was excited to show Mr. Amador my grade. I received a perfect score, and it was because he took the time to assist me. Mr. Amador expressed how proud he was of me, and I was thankful for his help, mainly because I was not his student, and he could have chosen not to tutor me. Because of his willingness to help and his teaching style, I found the confidence to take his AP Statistics class. I knew this course would be challenging, but I also knew I had a teacher who would invest time and effort to make sure I understood the material. He works with other students and me before school and sometimes during lunch to explain the topic(s) covered in class, and we have all been impacted by his kindness and willingness to help us succeed. I would not be in the position I am today without him, which is why I decided to become an educator. He has shown me the qualities a good teacher should have. When I become a teacher, I want to create an environment where students are willing to come for help. I want to be a source of trust so that students know that they can come to me for help with any school-related issue. I want my students to know that I will assist them and take the time to review the material until they can do it on their own. Most importantly, after my students graduate high school, I want them to remember me as fondly as I will, Mr. Amador.