Through my work with children I’ve learned how to effectively assess their needs by learning the intricacies of the environments in which they live. It is this understanding of them as individuals that has allowed me to build strong and meaningful relationships. My pursuit of a career in Special Education and General Education hinges on my desire to use these relationships to encourage learning on an individual basis. I fundamentally believe in the right to a quality education for all. The quality of this education is directly tied to our ability to understand those who are being educated. I have always had a strong interest in understanding what makes us who we are, and what shapes and develops us as we grow. My undergraduate work was focused on the subject of human development and working with diverse families, through the lense of social justice. Social justice is important to both my professional and personal life. Growing up in a low income family of six children, my personal experiences have strengthened my passion to work towards equity for all. Since completing my undergraduate education I have become interested in learning more about the processes by which we learn. It is my hope that in completing the Inclusive Elementary Educator Program at Portland State University, I may gain an in-depth understanding of both special education and general education to effectively work with children of all abilities. My pursuit of a career in education has been fueled by my desire to learn and my passion for connecting with children on an individual basis. It is through these connections that I hope to make an impact on our community.