Toni Zetzsche
As I sit here and think about what education means to me my head becomes filled with so many stories about how much education and working in education has enriched my life. I wish I could communicate in writing the excitement I feel when I think about the research and study involved in obtaining a PhD. I dream about becoming Doctor Zetzsche, Principal. It is so hard to compete with hard luck stories and others whose lives have been filled with huge obstacles and drama.
I have had a good life and hate to complain, since I have been blessed with a healthy child, another on the way and a supportive husband. We are not dirt poor, but we struggle daily to make sure everything is paid on time. I am nothing more than a passionate teacher, loving mother and dedicated wife whose entire life revolves around education and children. I would LOVE to see women like me, just regular women who are quietly phenomenal, that work hard to make good choices in life, receive these available scholarships. I think sometimes we're a bit over-looked!
In high school I was a mediocre student at best. My guidance counselor said my best bet would be cosmetology school! She said I "just wasn't college material" and that I would be wasting time and money. Being a little rebellious I did not take her advice. I went on to graduate from the University of South Florida with a criminology degree 4 years later. I bet you can guess what I think of her advice now!
After college I moved to the big city, Chicago, to be a famous detective… while waiting for a position with the police department I took a job at a school in a reading lab. I needed a job and it paid fairly well. The school was in a very, very poor area on the South side of Chicago. The kids I worked with were inner city, low income and very intimidating. I LOVED every second of it. I knew that this was exactly where I belonged. I had found my calling, my place in the world and knew I needed to be a teacher! It was really that quick—I just knew I would never leave the education field. Finding direction and feeling passionate about something felt like winning the lottery.
I called home to tell my mom and dad that I would be going back to school to pursue a Master's Degree in Education. They laughed. Now, I must admit that I have been classified as a lot of things…cute, funny, smart, stubborn, but never have I been classified as a serious student. My parent's skepticism gave me the push I needed. I finished graduate school (paying for it all by myself—with help from good ole' Sallie Mae) with Honors and most importantly with the love and respect of all my professors. I also received a big apology from my parents! They know now that I am a serious student. I had realized how lucky I was to be in graduate school and knew I had become addicted to education! Ph.D., here I come!!
Eight years later I am still dreaming about that PhD. I am currently a well-respected, successful teacher. I am still working in a low-income area with students who need a ton of love and guidance. I enjoy spending every minute of every day working to inspire my students to be more, do more and dream BIG! At my current school I work hard to be involved in administration. I am chairperson on several committees, coordinator of the tutoring program, Science Representative, team leader, mentor and much more. I have had many conversations with my Principal about going back to school. She has been urging me to go back to school for Educational Leadership. It is hard to admit that I just can't afford it.
I have put off going back to school because I have had to make some sacrifices for my family. My husband decided to go back to school to finish his bachelor's degree and become a teacher. I support his decision and know that our family will benefit in the long run. He worked for many years as a carpenter, but knew that the economy did not support his trade. With a 16-month-old daughter, student loans for my husband and another baby on the way, I have had to put off my dream. I know in my heart that taking out another student loan to obtain my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership would be selfish given our financial situation. Giving me this scholarship would be giving me the world. It would be life changing for my family.
My husband often feels guilty for being in school knowing how badly I want to be taking online classes right now. I know that I can accomplish this goal successfully online. I know that working online with Capella University I will have the opportunity to work at my own pace, in the evening when my little ones are fast asleep. I have proved my commitment to education time and time again and hope that you can hear and feel the passion that is connected to this essay.
I know that this degree with allow me to work in administration, make more money and make a big difference in the lives of countless children.
I have dreamed about having a PhD. for many years and feel excited to be able to apply for this scholarship. It has made me feel hopeful. Please know that you will be awarding this scholarship to someone who has worked hard to receive it. You will be amazed by my commitment and confidence. I can't wait to go back to school!