This was written to me, four years ago on the day of my father’s funeral, by a teacher I had in high school years prior.

“In the coming months there will be a flood of emotions that you will and should feel (whether you like it or not). There is the heartbreaking pain of this loss and the sadness that seems to never end. There is the intense anger at the injustice of it all – how unfair this all seems. But finally, after all of those bad feelings that will eventually fade, after all of that, you are left with the great love that you and your father had for each other and that will never diminish. It will be strong forever. There are many things I question, but the love in your heart is not one of them. Hold onto it, cherish it and use it to bring you the joy you deserve.”

To this day, I look at this card, and although it opens up emotional wounds, I find reassurance in her words. Knowing that God only gives you what you can handle, allows me to feel confident that I can move forward and discover who I am and what I want to do with my life, despite numerous hardships and sorrows I’ve encountered.

However, if you were to ask me if I believed in this ideal eight years ago you would have received a very different response. I was barely thirteen, and was dealt one of my hardest blows. For years I cared for my younger brother. He was only eight days old when my mother suffered a severe stroke that left her permanently disabled. I was hardly an adult, but quickly becoming one. Throughout high school, I felt overwhelmed and flustered. I was grappling with issues that seemed out of my realm, but developed into a woman that could handle many responsibilities and remain focused. I went to school; received good grades, worked and maintained friendships that are stronger than ever. Nevertheless, I would have never made it through without the guidance and push from particular individuals in my life.

Yet, one wonders what makes a person who they are? Are they influenced by their society or the culture they’ve been brought up with? Does their family play a large role or do they base there ideals on philosophers from hundreds of years ago, or, rather, from a teacher from their passing years of school? I’d like to believe that all of these options, in some way, shape a person. Mrs. Palazzo, my high school Family and Consumer Science teacher exemplified how my opinion mattered and how being well informed was the key to our future. She explained that truth was important, and that being strong and willing to work hard makes all the difference.

My father and Mrs. Palazzo helped create the building blocks to the foundation of my life. Just as they assisted me in learning about myself and the world around me, I want to assist others in finding themselves and to not to be easily discouraged by any struggles along the way. While certain occurrences may seem unbearable and never-ending, with the help of others and time, anything is possible.

Therefore, by pursing a teaching career in Family and Consumer Science, I know I could become that strong leader and compassionate educator that prepared me in my transition from adolescence to adulthood. With my early experiences and exposure to various educational and work environments, I believe I offer an alternate perspective and effective work ethic.