Aletha Jeantet Johnson
10/20/1974

Essay on Scholarship Application
(Aletha)

Most of my love for children comes from my mother. As a child, I didnÕt have all the toys like everyone else, but I had time and love from my mother,like no one else. She always used to tell me,Ó Love is the best gift you can give.Ó I think children are the ones who need love the most. It makes them strong inside, even though they are little.

My first inspiration was my Little Lives class in high school. I learned something new each day,studying the children. A few years after high school, my brotherÕs wife gave birth to my first niece, Natasha. It was the most wonderful, joyful experience for me to actually watch a child being born. Being TashaÕs aunt, I was involved in her life very often, watching her grow day by day. There was something fun and new every day. I became even more interested. Later, I was blessed with two more nieces, Isabella and Taylor.

In January of 1996, my best friend, Sarah, got a job at ChildrenÕs Care Kastle in Little Canada. She told me all about her daily activities, and it seemed so rewarding. In the summer of 1997, I was a basketball coach for Whittier Park. I coached the 12 Cub girls, and IÕm proud to say my team won the championship. However, my greatest reward was the relationships I built with the girls. Presently, I am employed at ChildrenÕs World as a teacherÕs aide. Recently, I was offered an opportunity to become an assistant director. I want to continue to progress in my career, but I realize that I need more experience and education.

It has always been a goal of mine to work with children. I feel that I have found the perfect opportunity to achieve that goal. The CDA program fits me very well, because I wonÕt have to attend school. This works best for me because I will be able to concentrate on studies, continue my current employment and complete this program. My commitment to the CDA process is 100%.