My name is Emma Grace Westbrook, and I am a special education intern at Jacksonville State University. I graduated from Fort Payne High School in 2019. I started at Northeast Alabama Community College in Fall 2019, where I completed my Associate's Degree in the Summer of 2020. I then transferred to Jacksonville State University in Fall 2020 and will graduate in December 2022. Many things have occurred in my life so far that have guided me to the person I have become today.
When I turned 16, I attended a summer camp as a counselor for children with physical disabilities. That one week of camp changed my outlook on life. Amid running around and doing different activities with my camper, I realized that I wanted to work with children with disabilities for the rest of my life. I had found my calling. Knowing what you want to do as a career from the age of 16 was rough because everyone asked: 'Are you sure?' 'That's a hard job.' 'You will change your mind.'. My response has always been ‘ I know that it is a hard job but knowing what God has called me to do is a blessing. I have been very fortunate to have parents that have pushed me to be the best version of myself that I can be. My parents advocated for me to start field experience while still in high school. I will forever be grateful to them for teaching me about God and setting me on the path to becoming an educator.
In July of 2021, my dad passed away due to the effects of Covid. I was starting my Junior year of college in August of the same year. To be completely honest, I was not going back to JSU because it was so close to a new school year, but my fantastic mom sat me down and told me that my dad would want me to go back. It is because of her and so many other people that I returned. Attending Jacksonville State that semester was difficult; I was starting my battle with depression and anxiety. The first six months were the hardest; I had many breakdowns and struggled to attend classes. However, I made it through because of my peers and professors at Jacksonville State.
My time at Jacksonville State has been the most fulfilling.
Over the past two years, I have grown, not only in academics but as a person. I have gained the confidence to stand in front of a classroom. I have grown closer to God and have become more appreciative of those around me. Jacksonville State is a great place to attend, and there are so many great opportunities to grow as a person and meet new people.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. You are loved and appreciated. But, above all, thank you, mom, for always being my best friend. I genuinely do not know what I would do without you.
Go Gamecocks!
