
Scholarship Submissions
Write an essay where you tell us about what drives you in your pursuit of your graduate degree.
Growing up in an urban area in New Jersey and facing socio-economic challenges, I always viewed my upbringing as a set back until now. Most of my childhood challenges have prepared me for my role in my profession and my community. I am a very hard working individual who consistently accepts and seeks professional advice from educational leaders throughout the school districts that I have been apart of. Taking ownership of my growth areas and not being afraid of failure has helped me improve my leadership and instructional technique. As an educational leader, I have the ability to make positive changes every day for students and colleagues. Overall, I have a diverse background and education, which has made me a very well rounded individual.
In the spring of 2016, I participated in the Gallup Strength Finders survey. The survey identified my top five themes, in order for me to understand my strengths and behaviors. Since then I have incorporated my themes in my professional dispositions: Achiever, Self-Assurance, Restorative, Responsibility, Command. My Achiever theme describes my relentless drive and commitment to reaching my professional and school community goals. Self-Assurance is the theme that explains the confidence in my leadership abilities and judgment. I am a future-forward leader with a unique and distinct perspective. My Restorative theme explains how I have a passion for bringing things “back to life”. As a leader, I plan to continuously use Restorative Approaches to build positive relationships with colleagues, students, parents and school community stakeholders. Responsibility forces me to take ownership for anything that I commit to and I am committed to my profession and community. The Command theme is my take-charge leadership style. People are drawn to me to lead them in the right direction. I have accepted this challenge and have decided to dedicate time to earn the Administrator I and II certification.
In the spring of 2016, I participated in the Gallup Strength Finders survey. The survey identified my top five themes, in order for me to understand my strengths and behaviors. Since then I have incorporated my themes in my professional dispositions: Achiever, Self-Assurance, Restorative, Responsibility, Command. My Achiever theme describes my relentless drive and commitment to reaching my professional and school community goals. Self-Assurance is the theme that explains the confidence in my leadership abilities and judgment. I am a future-forward leader with a unique and distinct perspective. My Restorative theme explains how I have a passion for bringing things “back to life”. As a leader, I plan to continuously use Restorative Approaches to build positive relationships with colleagues, students, parents and school community stakeholders. Responsibility forces me to take ownership for anything that I commit to and I am committed to my profession and community. The Command theme is my take-charge leadership style. People are drawn to me to lead them in the right direction. I have accepted this challenge and have decided to dedicate time to earn the Administrator I and II certification.
Latonya from Maryland
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School