Atlantic University Personal Statement

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the doctoral program at Florida Atlantic University. My interest in education began at a young age out of necessity. My upbringing was humble, and I was fortunate to have a healthy environment conducive to my education. However, that was the extent of my parents’ support. My mother and father did not have college degrees and neither graduated from high school. I vividly remember reinforcing skills taught during the day by recreating the lesson for my dolls. Many evenings were spent with chalk in hand teaching on my wood closest doors. During my junior year of high school, I met my husband. We were married the summer between my junior and senior year. I graduated high school in 1990 as an independent married woman. Following graduation, I worked as a waitress and housecleaner until the birth of our first child in 1994. Upon his birth I knew I was accountable to another human and my passion for teaching was reignited. Despite all the odds my husband and I are still married today

As much as I was passionate about teaching I was even more passionate about being a change agent. I pursued leadership by earning my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. In addition, to enhance my understanding and knowledge I followed my M.Ed. with an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. In December of 2003, my husband and I purchased an existing childcare center. I continued my position as reading coach until December of 2004 when I resigned from teaching to take on the childcare center full time. In March of 2007 we opened our second center. My desire to be more and do more birthed my recommitment to teaching in 2008. The passion to make a difference was stronger than ever. This led me to run for school board in 2012. In November of 2012 I was elected to serve on our local school board. In 2016 I was reelected for another four-year