Ever since elementary school, I have struggled with reading and retention. Later I came to find out that this was due to dyslexia and daily headaches caused by fibromyalgia. I had a hard time at my very small school not feeling adequate or like I could keep up with everyone else in my grade. I worked really hard and got good grades, but it wore on me pretty severely. I gave up any thoughts of pursuing higher education. It all sounded too overwhelming, hard, and generally useless. My mental and physical issues had rather taken over my life. My English teacher, that had for three consecutive years, helped me through this. She paid commendable attention to each of her students and saw that I was struggling, even though I turned in quality work. She was always very gracious with me when I needed to stretch, put my head down on the desk, take longer on tests, and never made me feel bad for asking lots of clarifying questions. She made English class, of all things, one of my favorite classes. She went beyond this though, she sought help for me. She connected me with the resources to receive a 5O4 plan so that all of my classes would be more comfortable for me too. This gave me accommodations and grace from all of my teachers thereafter. Having those accommodations in my pocket helped me have more grace with myself as well, and I learned that it really is okay to ask for help. They also helped me to realize how little I needed any of the accommodations and thus that I am actually quite capable. My self-confidence was bolstered by this. My English teacher was such a blessing and is now a good friend, and because of her, I am now seeking to become an educator, just like her. So I will be getting higher education after all, and she helped me to do that. My dream is to work alongside her someday. When I told her, she happily exclaimed, " We could be colleagues!" It would be a treat to get to work with her again (even in a different capacity). When I do teach, I hope to be like her in her attention and generosity because even at, what felt like my worst, she helped and challenged me to reach my true potential. I truly pray that someday I can thank her for all she did for me.

When I was a freshman in high school, I participated in the Miss Oak Harbor Scholarship Pageant. I learned a group dance, gave a speech, and won "Miss Style" for my vintage apparel. I was terrified to go on stage, particularly for the dance, because after a few of the dance practices, I cried and wanted to quit. I signed up to do it with my best friend, but I felt so inadequate. My mom gave me some encouragement, and I stuck to my commitment. The dance wasn't perfect, but I was bold and did my best anyways.