One rising issue throughout my school district is student behavior. This is causing trouble for many schools in my community in retaining teachers. Disruptive behavior, lack of respect for authority, and challenges with discipline have made teaching a stressful profession, causing many educators to leave or avoid working in our schools altogether. This teacher shortage has led to larger class sizes, overworked staff, and a decline in the quality of education. Without enough dedicated teachers, students miss out on the structure, mentorship, and academic support they need to succeed. Despite these challenges, I am determined to become a teacher and help make a difference. I believe that students act out not because they don’t care, but because they lack guidance, support, or motivation. As a teacher, I want to build meaningful relationships with my students, providing them with the encouragement and discipline they need to thrive. By setting clear expectations, showing empathy, and fostering a positive classroom environment, I hope to inspire better behavior and academic success. My commitment to this role will not only help individual students but also strengthen my community by showing that, with patience and dedication, we can overcome these challenges and create a better future for our schools. Teaching is about more than just making students exceptionally intelligent—it’s about shaping their character and preparing them for life. While academic success is important, character development determines how students apply their knowledge, interact with others, and overcome challenges. A student who is intelligent but lacks discipline, empathy, or resilience may struggle to succeed in the real world. I feel that all great teachers focus on building responsibility, perseverance, and integrity in their students. They teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, helping students grow into well-rounded individuals. By fostering respect, kindness, and a strong work ethic, teachers prepare students not just for tests but for adulthood. In the long run, character shapes success more than intelligence alone. A hardworking, honest, and respectful person will go further than someone who is simply book-smart. That’s why the best teachers prioritize both knowledge and character, ensuring their students become not only smart but good people. One great way to make a lasting impact on your community is returning to one’s old high school community to teach and mentor the youth. This a profoundly beneficial experience for both the students and the returning educator. As someone who once walked the same halls, faced similar challenges, and experienced the same environment, a returning teacher or mentor can uniquely connect with students on a personal level. This familiarity allows for deeper engagement, as students may feel more comfortable seeking guidance and inspiration from someone who understands their journey. For the students, having a former member of their community return to give back provides a strong, relatable role model. It demonstrates that success is achievable and that investing in one’s education and community can lead to meaningful opportunities. Seeing someone who once sat in their seats and now thrives in a leadership or teaching role can be incredibly motivating, encouraging students to work hard and set goals for their future. For the returning educator, the experience is equally rewarding. Teaching in a familiar environment allows for a sense of fulfillment and purpose, as they contribute directly to the growth of the next generation. It also strengthens the community, fostering a cycle of mentorship where students today can be inspired to return and give back in the future. Ultimately, coming back to teach at one’s old high school cultivates a culture of support, inspiration, and community growth. It bridges generations, reinforces the value of education, and ensures that knowledge and encouragement are passed down for years to come.