As a child, I was privileged to have a positive educational experience within an area of the Bronx that is still considered to be of high need. One thing that has resonated with me in my childhood education were the teachers that I had. My kindergarten teacher Ms. Rolfe showed me how to make pink chocolate on Valentines Day. My first grade teacher, Ms. Clayborne, gave away her lunch breaks so that she could help me with my spelling. My second grade teacher, Ms. Dillon,
inspired me to become an avid reader. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Kasper, made sure I did my homework every night when she noticed that I was slacking. The optimism of Mrs. Hamilton in fourth grade motivated me to make the honor roll, and my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Farkus pushed me to get one of the highest standardized tests scores in the school. Each of these public school teachers created a climate within the class that
promoted learning and student achievement.

Over the years, I have met many professionals that have shared horror stories about their experiences with teachers who doubted them or did not set them up for success. As an educator, I have become cognizant of the fact that I ultimately create the learning environment of my students. Knowing that students depend on me each day to guide them into become better versions of themselves is an incredible task that I am
willing to take. As an educator, I hope to empower the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. And as a New York State teacher, one way in which I know I can achieve this
is by paying it forward. My goal would be to provide the same rigorous and joyful education my former teachers provided me.