Where do you see yourself 10 years from now and how will your education have helped get you there? by Madison

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now and how will your education have helped get you there? by Madison - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Ten years from now, I see myself fulfilling a dream of becoming a lifelong educator with a love for lifelong learning. Ever since I was a small child sitting in the classroom, I have always known I would grow up to become an elementary kindergarten teacher. My mother has been an elementary teacher my entire life, and I've always admired the tremendous love she shows for each of her students. Whether it’s making crafts for them and their families, buying gifts throughout the school year, or sharing countless stories behind her pictures of them. She has instilled in me a deep desire to educate children too. Growing up, I attended the same elementary school where my mother worked. I remember waking up early- often an hour before the sun rose, heading to school. I would sit in my mother’s classroom until the day began, and we’d stay so late that not only was the after-school program over, but the custodians would be locking up the building as we left.

Being at the same school as my mother meant that all my teachers knew exactly who I was, and I loved it. I enjoyed each of my teachers from kindergarten to fifth grade and can vividly picture their faces at the mention of their names. To this day, I can walk through the hallways and give you a tour of where each of my classes took place. From helping my fourth-grade teacher grade vocabulary tests to sweeping up the classroom, I jumped at any chance to assist my teachers. Currently, I am in the third year of my Early Childhood Education class, where I am an intern at the local elementary school. During the first two years, I assisted a kindergarten teacher with duties such as filing papers, distributing learning materials, monitoring students, and setting up class activities. This experience allowed men to connect with and learn the personalities of a wonderful group of students. I have enjoyed each moment as I’ve visited the classroom, shared treats and gifts, and watched them perform at year end celebrations. I will forever cherish the bond that I was enabled to form with these students and remember them as I anticipate someday setting up and decorating my own classroom.

So, ten years from now, I will be engaging in a career that I absolutely adore. I will be attending Mercer University. I chose Mercer because they have a unique program that aims to prepare educators how to teach the holistic child, which includes any learning challenges that the student may be facing. I will be dually certified in both general and special education, allowing me to effectively teach students on all learning levels, even despite their disabilities. Like my mom, I look forward to one day having an opportunity to inspire and empower young minds, as an elementary school teacher. Instilling a love for learning and fostering personal growth in my students is a duty that I won’t take lightly. I am eager to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and respected. I commit to laying a unique foundation for academic success and emotional well-being. This is a promise from me to my very own future students.