My decision to enter the education world is a result of a family that cared and

invested in my education. They worked with me at home and provided learning

moments for me as a child, and even now. Another reason is through the education I

received growing up. I remember every single school year, what I wanted to be when I

grew up changed. Throughout my schooling, there were teachers that stood out in my

mind as people who worked with me, allowed me to share my passions with them, and

who molded me, whether it was my third grade teacher helping me grow my love of

reading by introducing me to different genres, or my seventh grade math teacher

working after school with me so I could understand a math concept, and my band

director for helping me manifest my love of music.

When I was in college, I was trying to determine what course I was going to

pursue. I recall talking to my grandma about everything. We discussed what my

passions were, and they all lead me to teaching--because I wanted to invest myself in

the future. While taking elementary education courses in college, I was surrounded by

professors who mentored me and helped grow my love for literacy, developmentally

appropriate learning, and equitable learning.

Even now I am still continuously inspired. Each day I wake up excited to get to

school and help our young students reach their potential through fostering a love of

learning. I know that instilling a love of learning in students ensures a brighter future for

them and all mankind.

I believe that the greatest accomplishment any teacher can aspire to, in my

opinion, is to have current and former students coming to you to tell you how much you

mean to them and all you have taught them. As well as parents acknowledging the
impact you have had in their child’s life. I am so fortunate to be at my school and have

my past students greet me in the hallways by high-fiving me, giving me a hug, or even

with a secret handshake that we created while in my class, and they still greet me with it

when they see me. My greatest contribution is not only assisting students in their

learning process, but also building those relationships with them to let them know they

matter to someone and are loved for who they are.