Student Teacher Scholarship

"As a teacher, I want to be more integrated with students' learning. I want my students to have a voice in the classroom. Students who have a voice in the classroom tend to have fun and learn better in their classroom. Students that feel seen and heard will try harder in their classes and want to show up. They know that their teacher cares and wants them to be a better student. This leads to student engagement. Teachers should want students to actively engage because this will help the students remember what is being taught and make them feel comfortable in the class." 

"For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to spaces where young people are seen, heard, and empowered. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of communities often overlooked by systems meant to serve them. That early exposure to both struggle and strength planted the seed for my calling: to become a school counselor who not only supports students academically and emotionally, but also advocates for equity, cultural responsiveness, and systemic change." 

"My experience as a paraprofessional has solidified my desire to become a teacher. This role has allowed me to engage with a diverse group of students, including English Language Learners and special education students, which has enriched my understanding of different learning needs and teaching strategies. Reflecting on my childhood, I remember sitting in class, listening to my teachers, and thinking, 'This is what I want to do someday.'"