Jessica

Scholarships Awarded: $1,000 - Spring 2011 "Best Of" Scholarship Award Winner

Student Last Name: Souer

Who do you like? Make some college connections!:

High School Graduation Year: 2011

state: Minnesota

Zip Code: 55362

City: Monticello

Are you interested in Online Education?: Maybe

Where are you looking at going to school? (select all that apply):

Student's Birthday (Ex: 01/02/1993): 01/08/1993

Personal Statement:

I am 18 years old and am currently in 12th grade. I've been home schooled since 8th grade. The decision to homeschool was bittersweet, but I soon found that with homeschooling, I was able to advance through the subjects I understood very well and, when necessary, take a little bit more time on the subjects I needed more help with. Homeschooling has provided me with so many incredible opportunities that I wouldn't have been able to do if I had not had the flexibility and knowledge homeschooling provided. I truly believe it was the best decision my family and I ever made. In 11th grade, I began taking college classes through a program known as post-secondary (or PSEO) which is similar to duel-enrollment. I have loved taking these courses and have learned so much! 

I grew up in a Christian home and came to know Christ at an early age. It wasn't until age 15 that I realized I needed to make my faith my own. God began to change my heart. Since that time, I've grown so much in the love of my Savior. Worldview Academy played a huge part in teaching me to step out in faith and trust that God is enough. The path hasn't been easy, and I am continually learning to trust God everday. I am in love with Him and the beautiful life that He's given me.   

Possible Majors:

Right now, I am aiming my studies towards majoring in Early Childhood Education. I love kids and find happiness and joy in seeing them learn! For me, the decision was easy to make. My mom always told me, "Do what you love, and it won't seem like a job." I'm doing just that, and I've concluded that being a teacher has to be the best job in the world. 

E-mail: jlsouer@gmail.com

My Favorites:

The book Christy by Catherine Marshall, Erynn Mangum, Phil Wickham, Mandisa, white chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, Macs, HTML, old TV shows like The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and My Three Sons (and many many others), star-gazing, Pride and Prejudice (both the BBC movie version and the book!), Persuasian, blogging, sunny Minnesota summer days, snow, cooking, Philippians 4:4, baking pies, photography, reading an entire book in an afternoon, Tim Hawkins, Ken Davis (the comedian and the BBQ sauce), the movie Up, movie soundtracks, iPhoto, camp, teaching, kids, babysitting...     

 

Awards and Skills:

In 2006, I was recognized as a National Honor Student Award Winner from the United States Achievement Academy for participation in the following activities: peer mediation, church volunteering, band, chorus, DARE, honor roll, horseback riding and tennis. I was also previously awarded the Presidential Award for outstanding achievements. 

In ninth grade I volunteered in my church's nursery and have been involved in child care there off and on for four years. I have been babysitting for six years and frequently babysit two families of six kids. I love large families! From this opportunity, I've learned so much from the direct experience of disciplining, guiding, and interacting with the children I babysit. 

In eleventh grade I was an intern reporter at the town's local newspaper. For a few years I thought I wanted to be a writer, and this internship was the perfect opportunity to get my feet wet. I was given many amazing assignments and had a dozen articles published. On one of my favorite assignments, I had the opportunity to tour the main office of a new medical facility that was opening up in town. I got a behind-the-scenes look at the hub of the operation. My stint as an intern reporter allowed me to see the inner workings of journalism and taught me so much about writing.   

I have been a girl's Bible study teacher for 4 years. The Bible study is called Bright Lights which stands for Being Radiant in Godliness, Holiness and Testimony and is for young ladies 9-12 years of age. I have a passion for teaching young ladies in this age group because I remember how troubled and confused I was as I sought after worldy approval rather than seeking after the only approval that matters--God's. It is my hope and prayer that God uses me as a vessel to minister to these fantastic girls as they grow into young womenhood! If I could sum up this experience in one word it would be this: leadership. With this ministry, I've had to do things I thought I would never do. I've learned how to prepare lessons, lead meetings, meet expectations, and share and present the teachings of Christ in ways understable for anyone. This experience has been absolutely priceless and I've enjoyed so much seeing the girls learn and mature in their walk with Christ. 

I went on a missions trip to Texas in April of 2009 through the organization FOMT, which stands for Families On Missions Trips. My mom and dad and myself traveled down to Brownsville, Texas with another family to repair a church. What a project! We pulled up old tar spots on the roof where water was leaking through and retarred it, put in a new window, cleaned rooms, organized shelves, cleaned vents, painted vents, organized, cleaned, and cleaned some more. There is still work to be done, and hopefully my family and I will get a chance to go back again. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. ;)

In June 2010 I was a counselor at a camp for physically and mentally disabled youths. Those eight days that I was there were the most challenging, wonderful, grueling, tiresome, rewarding, awful, and amazing days of my life. It was one of the most challenging (albeit the most rewarding) things I've ever done. I thought I was there to bless someone, but I think it's me who was blessed 1,000 times over. In December of 2010 I was the assistant head counselor for the winter camp. Unlike in the summer, I was on the leadership team as one of the behind-the-scenes people that kept the camp running and operating smoothly. I led the drama which is something I had never done before. I am currently helping the directors with a "Spring Spectacular" camp and will also lead the drama and help with set design for that too. Both times at camp have provided me with new experiences to learn and grow from. This summer, I will be going back to the camp and hope to keep sharing and learning more about God's unendless love! While I was at camp, I learned to have patience, patience and more patience and about the importance of flexibility. I work daily to incorporate these virtues into my life and while it's constantly an uphill battle, it is definitely rewarding. =]

 

I currently work as a child care provider/preschool teacher at a homeschool co-op called Classical Conversations. In my class there is a wide variety of ages from tots as young as 3 to older ones who are 8 years old. Here's also something I've learned to do: write down the cute things the kids say. I could write a book. =] The curriculum I teach from is called "Children Around the World," and we learn about a new country every week. I love seeing the light bulb go on inside the kids' heads when they remember or understand something! This job is the reason why I am working towards earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. It is hard for me to explain how much I love teaching, but the best way for me to explain it is this: teaching allows for doors to be opened that might otherwise remain closed. Teaching creates dreams and prepares children to achieve their dreams. In the process, I am achieving mine. 

 

 

Sports and Athletic Teams:

I started dance when I was 3 years old and continued through 8 years of age with a short stint of gymnastics thrown in. Then, I took lessons in horsemanship from age 8 to age 12. From 6th grade to 9th grade, I played on the local school's tennis team and competed in dozens of matches including several conference matches where I played on the #2 single's spot. Then in 10th grade I participated in equine training. I still actively play tennis and enjoy doing tae-bo and jogging.

SAT score: I did not take the SAT test.

PSAT Score: I did not take the PSAT test.

ACT score: 27

PLAN Score: 19

What I'm looking for in a college:

The qualities I'm looking for in a college aren't specific. I do, however, have few standards. It must be Bible based and whole heartedly Christian with a small town feel, even though it may be large in comparison, and carry a major in Early Childhood Education. I'm looking for an safe, friendly environment that will allow me to stretch my wings and fly straight into my future. 

Mailing Address: 9299 Kahler Ave NE

Gender: Female

About Me

Scholarships Awarded: $1,000 - Spring 2011 "Best Of" Scholarship Award Winner

Who do you like? Make some college connections!: 

Personal Statement: 

I am 18 years old and am currently in 12th grade. I've been home schooled since 8th grade. The decision to homeschool was bittersweet, but I soon found that with homeschooling, I was able to advance through the subjects I understood very well and, when necessary, take a little bit more time on the subjects I needed more help with. Homeschooling has provided me with so many incredible opportunities that I wouldn't have been able to do if I had not had the flexibility and knowledge homeschooling provided. I truly believe it was the best decision my family and I ever made. In 11th grade, I began taking college classes through a program known as post-secondary (or PSEO) which is similar to duel-enrollment. I have loved taking these courses and have learned so much! 

I grew up in a Christian home and came to know Christ at an early age. It wasn't until age 15 that I realized I needed to make my faith my own. God began to change my heart. Since that time, I've grown so much in the love of my Savior. Worldview Academy played a huge part in teaching me to step out in faith and trust that God is enough. The path hasn't been easy, and I am continually learning to trust God everday. I am in love with Him and the beautiful life that He's given me.   

Gender: Female

Student's Birthday (Ex: 01/02/1993): 01/08/1993

High School Graduation Year: 2011

Are you interested in Online Education?: Maybe

Education

What I'm looking for in a college: 

The qualities I'm looking for in a college aren't specific. I do, however, have few standards. It must be Bible based and whole heartedly Christian with a small town feel, even though it may be large in comparison, and carry a major in Early Childhood Education. I'm looking for an safe, friendly environment that will allow me to stretch my wings and fly straight into my future. 

Possible Majors: 

Right now, I am aiming my studies towards majoring in Early Childhood Education. I love kids and find happiness and joy in seeing them learn! For me, the decision was easy to make. My mom always told me, "Do what you love, and it won't seem like a job." I'm doing just that, and I've concluded that being a teacher has to be the best job in the world. 

PLAN Score: 19

ACT score: 27

PSAT Score: I did not take the PSAT test.

SAT score: I did not take the SAT test.

Extra Curriculars

Awards and Skills: 

In 2006, I was recognized as a National Honor Student Award Winner from the United States Achievement Academy for participation in the following activities: peer mediation, church volunteering, band, chorus, DARE, honor roll, horseback riding and tennis. I was also previously awarded the Presidential Award for outstanding achievements. 

In ninth grade I volunteered in my church's nursery and have been involved in child care there off and on for four years. I have been babysitting for six years and frequently babysit two families of six kids. I love large families! From this opportunity, I've learned so much from the direct experience of disciplining, guiding, and interacting with the children I babysit. 

In eleventh grade I was an intern reporter at the town's local newspaper. For a few years I thought I wanted to be a writer, and this internship was the perfect opportunity to get my feet wet. I was given many amazing assignments and had a dozen articles published. On one of my favorite assignments, I had the opportunity to tour the main office of a new medical facility that was opening up in town. I got a behind-the-scenes look at the hub of the operation. My stint as an intern reporter allowed me to see the inner workings of journalism and taught me so much about writing.   

I have been a girl's Bible study teacher for 4 years. The Bible study is called Bright Lights which stands for Being Radiant in Godliness, Holiness and Testimony and is for young ladies 9-12 years of age. I have a passion for teaching young ladies in this age group because I remember how troubled and confused I was as I sought after worldy approval rather than seeking after the only approval that matters--God's. It is my hope and prayer that God uses me as a vessel to minister to these fantastic girls as they grow into young womenhood! If I could sum up this experience in one word it would be this: leadership. With this ministry, I've had to do things I thought I would never do. I've learned how to prepare lessons, lead meetings, meet expectations, and share and present the teachings of Christ in ways understable for anyone. This experience has been absolutely priceless and I've enjoyed so much seeing the girls learn and mature in their walk with Christ. 

I went on a missions trip to Texas in April of 2009 through the organization FOMT, which stands for Families On Missions Trips. My mom and dad and myself traveled down to Brownsville, Texas with another family to repair a church. What a project! We pulled up old tar spots on the roof where water was leaking through and retarred it, put in a new window, cleaned rooms, organized shelves, cleaned vents, painted vents, organized, cleaned, and cleaned some more. There is still work to be done, and hopefully my family and I will get a chance to go back again. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. ;)

In June 2010 I was a counselor at a camp for physically and mentally disabled youths. Those eight days that I was there were the most challenging, wonderful, grueling, tiresome, rewarding, awful, and amazing days of my life. It was one of the most challenging (albeit the most rewarding) things I've ever done. I thought I was there to bless someone, but I think it's me who was blessed 1,000 times over. In December of 2010 I was the assistant head counselor for the winter camp. Unlike in the summer, I was on the leadership team as one of the behind-the-scenes people that kept the camp running and operating smoothly. I led the drama which is something I had never done before. I am currently helping the directors with a "Spring Spectacular" camp and will also lead the drama and help with set design for that too. Both times at camp have provided me with new experiences to learn and grow from. This summer, I will be going back to the camp and hope to keep sharing and learning more about God's unendless love! While I was at camp, I learned to have patience, patience and more patience and about the importance of flexibility. I work daily to incorporate these virtues into my life and while it's constantly an uphill battle, it is definitely rewarding. =]

 

I currently work as a child care provider/preschool teacher at a homeschool co-op called Classical Conversations. In my class there is a wide variety of ages from tots as young as 3 to older ones who are 8 years old. Here's also something I've learned to do: write down the cute things the kids say. I could write a book. =] The curriculum I teach from is called "Children Around the World," and we learn about a new country every week. I love seeing the light bulb go on inside the kids' heads when they remember or understand something! This job is the reason why I am working towards earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. It is hard for me to explain how much I love teaching, but the best way for me to explain it is this: teaching allows for doors to be opened that might otherwise remain closed. Teaching creates dreams and prepares children to achieve their dreams. In the process, I am achieving mine. 

 

 

Sports and Athletic Teams: 

I started dance when I was 3 years old and continued through 8 years of age with a short stint of gymnastics thrown in. Then, I took lessons in horsemanship from age 8 to age 12. From 6th grade to 9th grade, I played on the local school's tennis team and competed in dozens of matches including several conference matches where I played on the #2 single's spot. Then in 10th grade I participated in equine training. I still actively play tennis and enjoy doing tae-bo and jogging.

My Favorites: 

The book Christy by Catherine Marshall, Erynn Mangum, Phil Wickham, Mandisa, white chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, Macs, HTML, old TV shows like The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and My Three Sons (and many many others), star-gazing, Pride and Prejudice (both the BBC movie version and the book!), Persuasian, blogging, sunny Minnesota summer days, snow, cooking, Philippians 4:4, baking pies, photography, reading an entire book in an afternoon, Tim Hawkins, Ken Davis (the comedian and the BBQ sauce), the movie Up, movie soundtracks, iPhoto, camp, teaching, kids, babysitting...