Valkyrie A.

Progar
891 Alpine Drive, Brighton, MI 48116
Phone: (810) 623-8089
Email: ​valkyrie.progar@gmail.com
valkyrieprogar.weebly.com

Candidate’s Statement

I was raised in the Brighton Area School District, which was thoroughly enjoyable. I started volunteering
in the schools with my parents and three brothers when I was three years old. As my parents were
winning ​Volunteer of the Year​ awards and being elected into PTO Board positions, I was occupying the
roles of class pet and teacher’s assistant in various classrooms. My family is very close-knit and is equally
supportive of each family member; we were all highly involved in athletics and could be found as a unit at
all community gatherings. I learned at an early age, from my parents who both worked full-time, that
there is always time to give back to the community and be present in your children’s academic lives.
Growing up in this manner taught me to value hard work, humility, family, and teachers.

I officially decided to attend Alma College for my undergraduate degree after visiting the campus and
meeting the lacrosse coach. I never pictured myself attending a specific college or university, when I was
growing up; I figured that I would end up somewhere near home, but had no clue what to feel when I was
touring campuses. The moment I drove through downtown Alma and around the campus for the first time,
I felt more at home than I did any other place besides my actual home. During my time as a Scot, student
athlete, resident assistant, and tutor, I met incredible people and fell even deeper in love with the teaching
profession.

From the young age of three years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Rather than choosing to become a
teacher, I felt (and feel) as though I was chosen at birth to be an educator. I strongly believe that all people
are capable of learning and with the proper resources, all people can be as successful as they want to be.
Throughout my education, I formed strong relationships with all of my teachers and noted the qualities
that made them great, inspiring teachers. My educators were my role models and superheroes that made
all of my days at school memorable; even the teachers I did not connect well with gave me ideas for how
to be a better teacher in the future.

I am highly influenced by my family, teachers, hobbies, and social interactions. My family encourages me
to chase my dreams and appreciate the qualities that make everyone unique. My teachers and coaches
support my goals and guide me to new ambitions and higher levels of reflection. My hobbies, such as
sports, nature appreciation, photography, and music, serve not only as healthy stress outlets, but also as
inspiration, teamwork and leadership skills enhancers, and a way to better understand emotions and
different types of human communication.

Teaching is undeniably the profession that I will find joy in, for the rest of my life. I dream to bring about
positive change to the world and to be remembered for being a teacher who inspires children to follow
dreams and achieve greatness. I will continue to make all people feel welcome and valued. I intend to
create a learning community that feels like ‘home’ and showcases my students’ brilliance and creativity. I
will be a positive role model in my school and community, and I will work hard to positively impact
education on a global scale.