What Drives My Passion by Lynnsey

What Drives My Passion by Lynnsey - June 2023 Scholarship Essay

The only way to truly understand where I see myself in 10 years, is to first go back to understand the reason for all my goals. Passion comes from having a meaningful why.

I am a sister to a 27-year-old with an intellectual disability. Growing up, I watched my brother struggle. He was 3 years younger than me, and as his big sister, I wanted nothing more than to make the world understand him. Most importantly, I wanted him to know he was someone special, and he could be successful.

My brother never learned to read past a 3rd-grade level. The birthday cards he sends appear in the handwriting of a 1st grader. He does not possess the skills to manage his finances and is unable to hold age-appropriate conversations with others but, my brother can change a tire on my mom’s car faster than roadside assistance can respond. He can take his old bike that's been sitting outside rusting, and have the tires pumped up, the chain repaired, and the gears greased before the snow on the ground melts for spring.

My brother performed awful in school, and if he ever forgot that, the public education system was there to remind him every day he stepped foot in a classroom. That was until he got the chance to take a mechanics class when he entered high school. He found his strengths and I saw my brother go from hating school to talking incessantly about bolts and engines, and other mechanic words I don’t even know.

That is my reason why. In 10 years, I see myself making a difference.

If you were waiting on me to change a tire, we’d be on the side of the road past dark. The bike would still be against the shed rusting, as I couldn’t begin to tell you how to change a bicycle chain. What I can do though is help other students like my brother find success. I can make sure that the students in my school feel important, and that their skills are developed and appreciated. I can help fellow educators and school officials see the value in alternate modes of education and skill development.

I have been teaching special education for six years in both the elementary and middle school setting. I have loved my job. I have helped students who couldn’t read catch up to grade level, and I’ve helped students who have given up in school find their purpose. Through further education, I can assist in changing the way success is measured in the school system, especially with our students with disabilities. As a School Psychologist, I will work across our school district versus a single school. I will be able to reach more students and educators. Success can not just be measured in terms of reading and math, and we as educators much put higher emphasis on children becoming independent adults who can contribute their skills to society. Success is not a single-meaning word.

I have long-term goals for myself to continue to reach a broader audience like being published in the National Association of School Psychologists advocate newsletter and developing information that can be shared with children about disabilities and how to support peers in inclusive ways. In 10 years I see myself being a practicing school psychologist as well as an active advocate.

My education is necessary to complete this goal. I currently hold an undergraduate degree but require further education in order to obtain my school psychologist license.