In The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews states, Every move we make

and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us. . .and for
all time. My application for graduate study is with the intent to pursue the
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership to further my personal and professional
goals. By completing my doctorate, I will further advance my knowledge and
skills as an instructional leader resulting in the improvement of teaching and
learning.

Three key influences have yielded direction on both my educational

and career paths. My desire to earn a college degree was embedded from an
early age as I had a front row seat for eight years watching my father
advance from San Bernardino Valley College and to CSUSB earning his MBA
while working full-time to support a family of six. Additionally, I was
influenced by my fourth grade teacher. Her love of teaching and learning
significantly affected me. It was within the four walls of her classroom that I
resolved to become a teacher. I wanted to mirror this dynamic teacher and
make difference in the lives of children just as she did in mine. Lastly, my
experience with my first principal ultimately influenced my decision to
pursue my doctorate. By cultivating a trusting relationship with me, Mr.
Comadena guided and supported me. During my second year of teaching,
he encouraged me to pursue graduate studies for professional growth as well
as to afford me opportunities for advancement within the field of education.

With an excellent reputation for preparing prospective educators, I

chose to attend California State University, San Bernardino. My Master of
Arts in Educational Administration and my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
were earned at CSUSB. Additionally, my Professional Clear Administrative
Services credential and my Professional Clear Multiple Subject credential with
a supplemental authorization in English were earned through CSUSBs
credential program.

For the last nine years as an elementary school principal, my hope is to

continually make decisions that positively impact students, teachers and the
community. I believe I have a moral responsibility to help those who are
trying to improve their lives through education. Through my research
interests of bias against boys in elementary schools, teaching perseverance
to elementary age children and increasing parental and family involvement
in Title 1 schools, I expect to increase my knowledge in these areas and
create awareness amongst stakeholders and work collaboratively to
positively impact the lives of children, their families and educators.

Because of the influences in my past and present as well as my

research interests, the pursuit of my Doctorate in Education is the next
logical step for my personal and professional growth. As a future student in
CSUSBs Ed.D. program, I am confident I will gain the knowledge and skills to
make a difference in the lives of the students, teachers and community in
which I serve as well as make this academic pursuit of mine a reality.