A single conversation was all it took to reshape my career aspirations. When I met Mr. Schroeder, a financial analyst at Medpace, I expected our conversation to be like the many I’d had with other business professionals. But to my surprise, this meeting opened my eyes to a new side of business—one that immediately captured my interest. Mr. Schroeder described how his day revolves around financial forecasting and using tools like Excel to guide business decisions. Also, he emphasized the importance of having a genuine desire to help others. Suddenly, everything clicked. His role perfectly aligned with my passion for numbers and problem-solving while showing the real-world impact finance professionals can have on a company’s success. Most importantly, I was drawn to the idea that helping others is central to his work. That conversation solidified my decision to pursue a degree in finance. My goal is to become a financial analyst or a financial advisor who uses my communication, leadership, and Excel skills, along with my love for math, to help businesses grow. Beyond numbers, I am driven by a genuine desire to make a difference—whether assisting peers with their own challenges or leading teams to make decisions that will benefit others. Watching my mom battle breast cancer was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Seeing her in pain and facing so many challenges left me feeling helpless at times, but her determination to fight back and beat cancer taught me something far more valuable than persistence—it showed me the power of helping others. After overcoming her diagnosis, my mom dedicated herself to sharing what she learned and supporting others going through similar struggles. Her passion for helping people has left a lasting impact on me but in a different form. I plan to use my genuine desire to help others and my passion for finance and business to guide businesses in making beneficial decisions and to support individuals in building secure and successful futures. To prepare for this career, I’ve taken on leadership roles and gained hands-on experience throughout high school. As Co-President of the Personal Banking department in our school’s bank, I’ve managed accounts, delivered financial presentations, and mentored new employees. This role taught me how to balance technical tasks with leadership responsibilities. Similarly, as Vice President of the National Business Honor Society, I’ve developed my organizational and networking skills while exploring diverse career paths in finance. Through NBHS, I’ve learned the value of building relationships in a field where connections are key to growth. Inspired by my mom’s strength and compassion, I’ve learned that real impact comes from using our skills to help others. Just as she turned her challenges into opportunities to uplift people, I want to use my passion for finance to guide businesses and families toward stability and growth. Whether it’s helping companies make smarter decisions or providing others with the tools to secure their futures, I’m excited to turn my passion into meaningful change.

For starters, I plan on going to Ohio State University this upcoming Fall semester to major in Finance. I have already been accepted, and I am most likely going to be going there because I have a lot of background knowledge about the university and the opportunities the university offers. While in college, I plan to join the Undergraduate Finance Association to start networking and building relationships with alumni as soon as possible. I also plan to join a business fraternity to have another source of connections and networking. Now knowing how important networking is for a career in finance, I plan on attending multiple career fairs at the start of the year to get my name out there as soon as possible. After my freshman year, hopefully, I have started to get more involved in my clubs and am continuing to maintain a strong GPA. I would like to get a job on campus, whether that's second semester freshman year or early in my sophomore year. This is a resume builder and will help me build up some money to help me pay for any extra college expenses I might have (for example: business casual clothes and professional attire, a computer that has Microsoft Excel and other functions on it, and money to pay for study abroad programs if I'm interested). I would also like to start the Financial Management Program provided by the company General Electric during this period in time in order to help me start scouting for potential future careers. I have heard a lot of great things about this program specifically for finance and accounting majors from Ohio State alumni. Then, my junior year, I hope to start taking more career-focused classes and working on my professional skills. Through internships and co-ops, I hope to start getting my name out there and gaining real-world experience in the business/finance world. I would also like to start holding leadership positions in some of the clubs that I am involved with at Ohio State during this time to not only build my leadership skills but also my organizational skills and sense of responsibility. Senior year will look similar to junior year but hopefully with more internships on the horizon and potential job offers from companies. I would like to work as a financial analyst or a financial advisor based on all of the research, job shadows, and internships that I have completed in high school so far. However, this is not set in stone, and I am very willing to look at other options in the business world. This scholarship would greatly help me out along this journey. I know it's a long road, but I am very determined to reach my goals and will work as hard as possible to get to where I want to be.

Being a student-athlete has shaped who I am and how I approach challenges, both on and off the golf course. Golf isn’t just a game to me, it’s a way of life. It has taught me discipline, patience, and the power of persistence. Every day on the course is a chance to push myself and get better, even when things don’t go the way I want them to. Sometimes I’ll hit a bad shot, but that’s part of the game. Golf teaches me that it’s not about being perfect; it’s about how you respond to mistakes and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that the best players are the ones who know how to bounce back from a “bad shot”, and that’s something I try to apply in every part of my life. Being on a golf team also taught me how to work with others. Even though golf is an individual sport, being part of a team means you rely on each other for support, whether it's in practice or during a tournament. I’ve learned to be accountable to my teammates and lead by example, making sure I’m giving my best effort every day. This responsibility has helped me develop leadership skills that I can carry into the future, especially as I work toward a career in finance. Golf taught me that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest in the room, it’s about being reliable, setting goals, and staying focused. The lessons I’ve learned from golf have really shaped my career goals. I want to go into finance, and the mental strength that golf has given me will help me in my studies and future career. In golf, every shot matters, and the same goes for finance. Every decision you make can have a big impact on a company or a business, and that’s something I’ve come to understand from years of practice and competition. The focus, patience, and strategic thinking I use on the course will translate into the same qualities I’ll need to succeed in business and finance. Outside of sports, I’m really passionate about numbers and problem-solving. I love learning about how things work and applying that knowledge to real-life situations. I find joy in making sense of complex challenges, and Golf has helped me develop the mindset I need to approach these challenges. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned from the game of golf into my future career.

Watching my mom face the battle of breast cancer was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. I felt so many emotions and had so many thoughts going on in my mind during this time. But what stood out most was how she refused to let her struggle define her. After her recovery, she dedicated herself to teaching others about prevention and helping them stay healthy. Seeing her turn something so difficult into something so meaningful taught me a lot about strength and purpose. Just like my mom uses her experiences to help others, I want to do the same in my own way by using my passion for finance. I believe hard work and determination are what drive success, and those values have shaped who I am today. One of my biggest strengths, just like my mom, is my ability to keep working even when things get tough. No matter how challenging something is, I keep pushing myself because I know it will be worth it in the end. I care deeply about reaching my goals and will do whatever it takes to make them happen. This mindset has helped me grow as a person and as a leader. I have always been passionate about finance, and I have had the chance to gain real experience in this field. As Co-President of the Personal Banking department of my school’s bank internship, I worked with the Finance and Operations departments to keep the bank running smoothly. I gave presentations to students and the Board of Directors, trained new employees, and managed monthly spending. I also used Microsoft Excel and Word to keep track of documents and data. These experiences taught me a lot about organization, leadership, and communication, which are skills I know I will use in the future. Another strength of mine is my genuine desire to help others. Modeled by my mother, I have found a love for supporting people and seeing them grow. Whether it is mentoring freshmen as they start high school, training new employees at the school bank, or helping my peers in the National Business Honor Society, I always enjoy encouraging others. As Vice President of the National Business Honor Society, I planned presentations, set up career exploration opportunities, and helped members with professional development. I also worked to help my peers discover their passions and gain confidence. I have learned a lot about leadership and teamwork through my activities outside the classroom too. Playing varsity golf and lacrosse taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to bounce back after setbacks. I also helped plan ski trips and safety presentations for my school’s ski and snowboard club, which taught me how to organize events and bring people together. These experiences have made me more confident and helped me build important skills. Looking ahead, I plan to major in Finance and work as a financial analyst or a financial advisor. I want to keep building my leadership, organization, and teamwork skills so I can succeed in these roles. I also want to keep helping others by guiding them toward financial success. Ultimately, my determination, passion for finance, and desire to help others make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I have already gained real experience in my field and developed leadership and organization skills through my activities and roles. With this scholarship, I can keep working toward my goals and making a difference in other people’s lives.

This year, I’ve really focused on becoming more involved in my community, both through volunteering and stepping up as a leader in different clubs and activities. I’ve learned a lot about the importance of giving back and making a difference, whether it’s through direct action or by supporting others. One of the most impactful things I’ve done is join the National Business Honor Society (NBHS). Through this club, I’ve had the chance to volunteer at local businesses and organizations. It’s been a great way to contribute to my community while learning more about the business world. Whether it was helping organize events or lending a hand with tasks, it felt rewarding to see the difference we could make in the local area. Along with NBHS, I also volunteer at Child Hope International. There, I help package food for children in need. Volunteering has been an eye-opening experience for me, as it’s given me a chance to directly impact those less fortunate. It’s humbling to know that the work we do helps feed kids who really need it. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of helping others and the power of community involvement. It’s also taught me that sometimes the simplest acts, like packaging food or donating time, can make a huge difference in someone’s life. In addition to volunteering, I’ve been working hard to develop my leadership skills. I’m the leader of the Ski Club at my school, and this year I helped increase membership by 25%. When I took on the role, I made it a priority to reach out to new members, plan fun events, and create a welcoming atmosphere. It was a challenge, but I enjoyed seeing the club grow and become more active. It showed me how important it is to actively engage with others and provide leadership to make things happen. I’m not usually the most outgoing person, but I’ve been working on becoming more social and spreading positivity, especially in clubs like SIBS (Students Including & Befriending Students). In this club, I focus on helping freshmen feel more included and connected to the school. Whether it’s through events like “No One Eats Alone” or simply talking to new students, I want to make sure no one feels left out. High school can be tough, and I’ve learned that being approachable and welcoming can make a huge difference in someone’s experience. Overall, this year has been a big step for me in terms of community involvement. I’ve learned so much about the impact of small actions and how much of a difference one person can make. Whether through volunteering, leadership roles, or simply making an effort to connect with others, I’m excited to keep contributing and helping my community grow. I’m looking forward to doing even more in the future.

A single conversation was all it took to reshape my career aspirations. When I met Mr. Schroeder, a financial analyst at Medpace, I expected our conversation to be like the many I’d had with other business professionals. But to my surprise, this meeting opened my eyes to a new side of business—one that immediately captured my interest. Mr. Schroeder described how his day revolves around financial forecasting and using tools like Excel to guide business decisions. Suddenly, everything clicked. His role perfectly aligned with my passion for numbers and problem-solving while showing the real-world impact finance professionals have on a company’s future. I was especially drawn to how the field blends technical expertise with leadership and communication skills. That conversation helped make my decision to pursue a degree in finance. My goal is to become a financial analyst who uses my strengths in communication, leadership, and Excel, along with my love for math, to help businesses grow. Beyond the numbers, I’m driven by a genuine desire to help others, whether it’s assisting peers with difficult projects or leading a team to make the best decisions. To prepare for this field, I’ve taken on leadership roles and gained hands-on experience throughout high school. As Co-President of the Personal Banking department in our school’s bank, I’ve managed accounts, delivered financial presentations, and mentored new employees. This role taught me how to balance technical tasks with leadership responsibilities. Similarly, as Vice President of the National Business Honor Society, I’ve developed my organizational and networking skills while exploring diverse career paths in finance. Through NBHS, I’ve learned the value of building relationships in a field where connections are key to growth. My coursework has also shaped my passion for finance. Honors Financial Accounting and Economics were classes I loved, not only for the concepts they introduced but also for the personal finance skills I gained. But the course that stood out most was Honors Microsoft Office Certification, where I got to explore and master Excel: a tool I’ve grown to love. I enjoy using it to stay organized in my personal life and simplify tasks while working at my bank internship. These classes not only prepared me to take on the challenges of a finance degree but also got me more hooked on the subject. Looking back, everything I’ve done has built on the last, making me even more excited about studying finance. Whether I was leading teams, managing data, or learning new skills, each experience has boosted my confidence and made me more sure of this path. I’m ready to keep learning, take on new challenges, and use what I know to help businesses succeed. With my leadership experience, hands-on training, and love for numbers, I feel prepared to turn my passion into a career that makes a real difference.