Until my sixth grade year I was put into a special education room, and basically worked puzzles, and colored. I was considered a hindrance in the classroom and moved out into the "special room." Even my fifth grade teacher told my parents I would never be more than a 'C' student, and not to expect more than that. So finally my sixth grade year Ms. Howell ask my parents if it was okay with them for her to take to take me out of the "special" classroom, and have me work with everyone else in my class. My parents agreed and it was done. I wasn't happy because for me school was like play time most of the day. Ms. Howell worked with me quite a bit to get me going and keep me motivated. We would be doing our math, and I would tell her, "I can't it's to hard." She kept pushing me until I could give her the right answer. Many of the other students would laugh when I would mess up and I was ready to go back to my room. Ms. Howell kept working with me until I finally knew what I had to do. I began to work my hardest, and my grades began to improve. I was on the honor roll my whole sixth grade year. I will be forever grateful to Ms. Howell, because she cared enough to see my potential while other teachers didn't even bother. That is why I want to devote my time to children. I want to show them that someone cares if they succeed or not. I want to show the same love and concern towards them as Ms. Howell showed me. If I had to make a speech about the most influential person in my life it would be titled Ms. Howell the woman who changed my life. I thank you Ms. Howell and I am forever grateful.
-- Julie Baughman, Southwest Missouri State University