In delving into my personal narrative, the fabric of my experiences is woven with threads of socioeconomic adversity, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and future aspirations. Raised in a single-parent household without the support of biological parents, I intimately understand the challenges that come with economic hardships. Socioeconomic adversity has been a silent but formidable force in my life, influencing my perspective and fostering a deep empathy for those facing similar struggles. It has shaped my belief that education is not just a pathway to personal success but a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. School, for me, became not only an academic haven but a refuge that illuminated a brighter future. This personal journey has instilled in me a fervent determination to make a positive impact in my community and school, addressing the socioeconomic disparities that persist. As a Diversity Peer Educator and the student director of Cougarthon, I am actively involved in initiatives that seek to foster inclusivity and support those facing economic challenges. Through my work as a Diversity Peer Educator, I aim to create awareness and understanding among students about the impact of socioeconomic adversity. By facilitating workshops, discussions, and events, I aspire to dismantle stereotypes and foster a culture of empathy and support within the academic community. As the student director of Cougarthon, I lead a team in organizing a Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon, channeling the collective energy and goodwill of our university community to directly benefit our local children's hospital. This endeavor not only addresses socioeconomic adversity by providing financial support to those in need but also instills a sense of compassion and community responsibility among participants. Experiencing socioeconomic adversity has profoundly influenced my relationships, nurturing a heightened sense of empathy and a commitment to forging connections that transcend economic barriers. It has reinforced my belief that meaningful change is most impactful when driven by collective efforts. Looking ahead, my future plans are intricately intertwined with addressing socioeconomic adversity. I am determined to leverage my experiences and education to become an educator, recognizing the transformative power of knowledge in breaking the chains of poverty. Beyond the classroom, I envision contributing to community outreach programs, advocating for policies that promote equity, and actively participating in initiatives that uplift the economically disadvantaged. In conclusion, my journey through socioeconomic adversity has not only shaped my beliefs but has become the driving force behind my commitment to making a positive impact. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, I aspire to be a catalyst for change, bridging gaps and creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

In reflecting upon my journey and aspirations, the decision to pursue a career in teaching is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and an unwavering desire to inspire positive change in the lives of others. Growing up, school served as more than just an academic institution for me—it was a sanctuary, a refuge from the challenges of a single-parent household and a platform for personal growth. The classroom became a space where I discovered not only knowledge but also a sense of purpose and belonging. In the structured environment of learning, I found solace and a pathway to transcend the obstacles that life had thrown my way. This profound connection with education ignited a passion within me to give back and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students. I realized that teaching was not merely a profession but a calling—an opportunity to be the guiding light for others, just as educators had been for me during my formative years. What fuels my commitment to teaching is the belief that education has the power to transform lives. It is a tool that empowers individuals to rise above their circumstances, break barriers, and strive for a better future. The classroom becomes a microcosm of possibilities, where minds are shaped, curiosity is cultivated, and the seeds of change are sown. Beyond my personal connection to education, my overarching goal is to inspire the younger generation to aspire for more and surpass the achievements of the past. I firmly believe that there is always room for improvement, and through teaching, I aim to instill this belief in my students. My experiences have taught me that resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence can lead to remarkable outcomes, even in the face of adversity. As I embark on the path toward becoming an educator, I carry with me the lessons learned from my own educational journey. My roles as a Diversity Peer Educator and the student director of Cougarthon underscore my commitment to fostering inclusivity, philanthropy, and community engagement. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and perspectives that I intend to integrate into my future role as a teacher. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a career in teaching is a harmonious blend of personal history, a passion for education, and a profound desire to inspire positive change. With a firm belief in the transformative power of education and an unwavering commitment to guiding the younger generation toward a brighter future, I am eager to embark on this journey of imparting knowledge, instilling values, and shaping the minds of the next generation.

As I stand on the brink of my college journey, the question of how I plan to contribute to my community and the world at large is both exciting and purposeful. Currently, I am actively involved in making a positive impact through my roles as a Diversity Peer Educator and the student director of Cougarthon, our university's Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon. As a Diversity Peer Educator, my passion for fostering inclusivity and understanding among diverse groups fuels my commitment to creating a more harmonious community. Through workshops, discussions, and events, I strive to empower my fellow students to embrace diversity and challenge stereotypes. This work not only reflects my dedication to inclusivity but also highlights my belief in the transformative power of education to break down barriers and foster unity. Simultaneously, my role as the student director of Cougarthon exemplifies my commitment to philanthropy and community service. Cougarthon is not just a dance marathon; it is a movement that directly benefits our local children's hospital through fundraising efforts. The joy and fulfillment derived from knowing that our endeavors contribute to the well-being of children in need are immeasurable. Currently, I find immense satisfaction in leading a team that is collectively driven by the purpose of making a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Looking beyond my current contributions, my post-college aspirations align with a continued commitment to community engagement and service. Armed with the knowledge and skills acquired during my college years, I plan to expand and enhance the impact of my initiatives. As a future educator, I see my role extending beyond the classroom, with a mission to instill values of empathy, social responsibility, and community involvement in the next generation. Moreover, I aspire to leverage my profession to address systemic issues and advocate for positive change on a larger scale. Whether through curriculum development that emphasizes social justice or by actively participating in community outreach programs, I aim to be a catalyst for positive transformation. In essence, my college journey serves as a foundation for a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact on my community and the world. Through continuous engagement in initiatives like Cougarthon and my dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion, I am not only contributing to positive change today but laying the groundwork for a future where my passion, profession, and purpose converge to create a better, more compassionate world for all.

My life story is one that easily could be spread over multiple heartbreaking books, but the short version is, It's been a rough go. I grew up a black woman/child in a white family. I never truly had the option of learning more about my family's black culture because of this. When I left my Aunts house at the age of barely 18, I had this false sense of security regarding the world and how it was to walk around being black. This whole perspective changed when my first interaction with a police officer lead to me almost getting tased at the age of 19 for asking him a question. Maybe I moved too fast, or maybe he was just having a bad day, either way, it made me see how it was to be black in America. To fight injustices and advocate for the POC around me I have become a Diversity Peer Educator for my campus, plus my sorority voted me to be their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Chairwoman. Both of these positions allow me to discuss hard topics with sisters, staff, faculty, and students. I have always believed in fighting for the underdog when they are too tired. I will continue to fight for the people who have been wronged by the corrupt legal system until they can stand with me. A person's skin tone should not be the defining marker in this country. When thinking about this I always refer to Hamilton the Musical "It's really astonishing that in a country founded by immigrants, "Immigrant" has somehow become a bad word." For as long as I can remember I have wanted to become an educator. The subject changed once or twice but never my overall goal. Once I found my love for Biology or science in general I knew I would become a science educator. I grew up watching Ms. Frizzle on the Magic School Bus, even though she is fictional she inspired me to be that passionate about my students and science. My educational journey has been an interesting experience nonetheless since coming from a poverty-stricken family, being the first generation to go to college, and just the doubts of those around me. Despite these setbacks, I have continued to pursue my education when everything in me told me to stop. I kept pushing through failed classes, hospital visits, sicknesses, loss, grief, depression, and just about anything under the sun. I will be graduating in December of 2024 after 7 years of constantly pushing for my degree.

I got my first dog when I was 6, his name was Leroy. On the way home my mom asked what I wanted to name him and when I said "Leroy," she just looked at me like I was crazy. He became my best friend instantly. I couldn't imagine living without him at that point, he waited every day for me to get off the bus at the bottom of my driveway. He went everywhere with me. The day I came home and he wasn't waiting was the day of my first heartbreak I would say. Becoming an adult and moving out I decided to get my own dog, I went to the shelter and I hung out with a few but none of them felt like a companion. Finally, I was about to leave and I check the last kennel, it looks empty but there was a little girl huddled in the corner. They told me that she was a little shy because the bigger dogs were bullying her. When I took her out she instantly came over and just flopped into my lap. Ever since that day she has been my best friend. She saved my life that day too. I had just dropped out of school because of some family issues, my grandfather had died, and I was living in a city I knew nothing about. She became my ESA about a month later. Every day she gives me a reason to get out of bed and try my best. She greets me with nothing but happiness and love every day of my life. I will forever be in her debt. It may sound weird to talk about a dog like that but it's true. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her.

When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answer was always the same, a teacher. There have been many educators that have impacted my life in the most positive of ways. I found my passion for science from nonother than the famous Mrs. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus. Watching the Magic School Bus made my mind wander through the beautiful world of science when I was a kid. As I got older, I explored more sections of science on my own. There was a science educator when I was in high school that sparked my love of Biology. I love learning about cells, microorganisms, plant biology, really anything. This educator was there for me when I lost a parent. She comforted me but still pushed me towards my goal of college, without her I may have given up. Even now, no matter what happens, when life pushes me down I get back up, and I keep moving toward my goal of graduation. This year I unexpectedly lost my older sister due to a motor accident this was a time when it just felt too much like I needed to give up. I didn't, I had to withdraw from classes but the "grind" did not stop. I came back better than ever, this summer I finished with a 3.1 semester GPA. I want to become a science educator to give the student body the same hope and need for exploration that she instilled in me. Science is everchanging, there is always something undiscovered whether it is a chemical, species, or even a mold. Science is an art form, when looking at a magnified photo of a mold spore it has so many colors and layers to it. You could be the educator that changed the path of the next Nobel Prize winner. You could be the beginning of their butterfly effect. Educators have the power to inspire a generation that may not be inspired yet. Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is a powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." She changed mine when I was in high school, I would love to become the change in someone else's life.

I learned from a very young age not everyone is going to like you, very few people will actually. Some people enjoy having someone to blame or be mad at. I like to believe that every struggle I've had and every person I have met has shaped me into the person I am today. The biggest influence in my life would have to be the hurdles I have had to face. I've met many that say that they wouldn't have made it, they wouldn't have continued. I can't go back so I might as well keep going forward. My life goal is to become an educator. I want to inspire the younger generation to overcome the battles and the negative people they interact time in their life. That the bad doesn't define who they are or where they will go in life, they do. I had a Biology teacher my freshman year of high school that inspired my dream. She was so kind and patient with every student, if you needed to chat she was available or if you needed a little extra help with assignments she was there. She made science fun again. Many educators are in it just for the power of being over people, I have met just a few. The teachers that understand that life happens are a true gem to find. When my biological mother died freshman year she was a friend there to help me through it. She inspired me to keep going despite the hurdles. My sister passed unexpectedly this year and when I had to go home to prep and go to the service I thought of her. She never knew my sister, we went to different schools but I know that if she did she would have treated her with the same kindness. I thought of the hug she gave me in 2013 and it made me feel less alone. The younger generation will be the face and the backbone of this democracy in the coming years. They have made such a big impact already. Look at Greta Thunberg, she started advocating for climate change publicly when she was 15. She has sailed the world to spread the message of saving and healing this planet. Many look at her and just see a child, I see an activist who stepped out despite adversity and people trying to belittle her, she is now 19 and still speaking out. If every student had a teacher that supported them and believed in them like mine did I think the world would be a much better place.

My name is Torie Hartis. I grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere North Carolina. Both of my biological parents had their journies which I came to learn didn't include me. My biological Mother passed in 2013 my freshman year of high school and we had a chance to make our peace before she left. I graduated high school in 2017, and life provided many, many obstacles that have pushed me down and set me back but every time I get up and I keep pushing. I have always wanted to teach and inspire the next generation to get back up whenever they get knocked down and to come back 4x as strong. I have lost people very dear to me for what feels like every year since I started school, this has been my biggest block. 2017, I lost my grandfather and got the call right when I finished moving in for my freshman year. 2018 was my great Aunt who helped raise me. This year 2022, I was hit harder than I thought possible January 25th I got a call from my older sister Brandy, she said that Morgan our other sister had died in a car accident. This shook me to my core and I feel like I haven't left survival mode yet. That spring semester I tried my hardest to keep pushing but I was overwhelmed by grief and I had to medically withdraw from half my classes. When we were able to have a small service for her I was shocked at the number of people in her life who knew who I was. I kept meeting people that said "Oh! You're Torie. Morgan was so proud of you. She always talked about her little sister living in Georgia going to school!" She is the reason I got back up, It was like she was standing behind me pulling my shoulders to get up. I decided to pursue a summer semester and I finished with all A's and B's. I'm going to graduate for her. She was always one of my biggest supporters and I refused to let her down. I am going to show her kids that they can and will do anything they believe in because they are strong, smart, and supported. This roadblock may never be fully pushed out of the way, I think of her every day. My mental health is something that I will continuously work on and I will continue to even when life seems perfect. You never know when a rock is going to be thrown through that window but you can be prepared to keep the cold out. I will achieve my dream of graduating and becoming an educator one way or another. Despite the number of people that say, "Ooo, you don't want to teach! You will be broke for the rest of your life," "These kids nowadays can't be contained. What's the point?" The younger generation is the ones that are going to be making an impact, they are going to become the lifeline of this democracy one day. All we can do is inspire them to make difference. One word, one smile, even one high five, could change the entire course of someone's education, happiness, or life.