As a special education teacher, I've worked closely with students who have both emotional and learning disabilities, each presenting their own unique set of needs. I see firsthand how emotional challenges like anxiety, trauma, or behavioral struggles often overlap with difficulties in reading, writing, or processing information. Every day, I focus on building strong, trusting relationships with my students while creating structured routines and individualized supports that help them feel safe and successful. I collaborate with counselors, behavior specialists, and other educators to ensure that each student receives the emotional and academic tools they need to thrive. Navigating these challenges also meant working closely with parents, many of whom were overwhelmed or unsure of how to advocate for their child. Through my experience, I’ve come to understand how isolating and confusing this journey can be for families. I made it a priority to listen without judgment, offer practical strategies, and help parents interpret IEPs, behavior plans, and progress reports in ways that made sense. I learned to become not only an educator for their child but also a bridge—connecting home and school with empathy and clarity. I want to use that experience to support other parents, helping them feel more empowered, informed, and hopeful as they walk alongside their children.