Volunteering has always meant more to me when I am not just participating, but helping shape how an experience feels for other people. I have learned that leadership in service often comes from noticing what needs to be done and stepping in, even when no one asks. One example of this was during a Youth Entrepreneur Market event, where I helped another student set up her booth. She was struggling to lift and organize heavy tables and boxes, so I stepped in to help move the materials so she could focus on arranging her display and preparing her products. In that moment, I was not just assisting, I was helping make sure she could fully take part in the event without unnecessary stress. At Camp Wise, I have also taken on responsibility by helping support younger campers during group activities. I helped keep children engaged, assisted staff with group organization, and stepped in when campers were feeling left out or overwhelmed. I learned to pay attention to group dynamics and small moments where someone needed extra support in order to feel included. The most meaningful experience for me, however, was volunteering at a camp recruitment and introduction event where I spoke with parents and new campers before the summer began. I chose to take part because I remember being in their position as a first-time camper at the same overnight camp. I was excited, but also unsure of what to expect. It was my first time being away for an entire month, without phone calls to my parents, only handwritten letters to stay in touch. I remember not fully understanding the rules, routines, or what daily life would be like, and that uncertainty stayed with me. Because of that experience, I wanted to help make the transition easier for other first-time campers. I explained what daily life at camp would look like, answered questions from parents and campers, and tried to ease the anxiety that often comes with something new. What stood out to me most was realizing that preparation is not only about information, but about helping people feel emotionally ready for an experience. Through these experiences, I have learned that leadership in service is not about titles or authority. It is about awareness, seeing when someone is struggling, uncomfortable, or unsure, and choosing to respond in a way that makes their experience better. Whether lifting materials at a market booth, supporting group activities, or helping new campers and their parents adjust before they even arrive, I have seen how my small actions can shape someone’s experience throughout an entire event. To me, leadership through service is about creating environments where people feel supported enough to fully participate. It is not always visible or formal, but it is consistent. These experiences have shown me that some of the most meaningful impact comes from simple moments of attention, care, and responsibility.

Selflessness, to me, means choosing to show up for others even when it is not convenient, expected, or easy. It is not defined by large, dramatic actions, but by consistent decisions to prioritize someone else’s comfort, safety, or stability. Over time, I have learned that selflessness is often quiet; it happens in moments where no one is watching, but someone still needs help. One of the most consistent ways I have practiced selflessness is through my work with the American Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador. In this role, I help register donors, guide them through the donation process, and ensure they feel safe and comfortable. I still remember donors arriving visibly nervous, asking whether the process would hurt or whether they might feel faint. In those moments, I learned that my tone of voice and patience directly affect how calm they become. By staying steady and explaining each step clearly, I try to help people feel less anxious while doing something meaningful for others. Even small interactions like answering repeated questions or reassuring someone who looks unsure often change the atmosphere of the donation experience. I have also experienced selflessness through my work at Camp Wise, where I help supervise and mentor younger campers. Working with children requires constant attention to group dynamics and individual emotions. There have been moments when I had to put aside my own tiredness after a long day to step in when a camper felt left out or overwhelmed. One situation that stayed with me was working with a camper who struggled to join group activities and often stayed on the outside of interactions. Instead of forcing participation, I spent time including him in small tasks during activities and conversations. Over time, he became more comfortable joining the group. That experience showed me that selflessness is not just about helping once, but about showing up repeatedly until someone feels included. My understanding of selflessness also comes from my family life. My grandfather lived with severe epilepsy, which caused sudden seizures that required constant supervision. He could not be left alone, and even simple daily routines required planning around his condition. My mother carried much of that responsibility while raising me and my brother. I remember how often she had to stop what she was doing immediately when something happened with him. Growing up in that environment showed me that selflessness is not always recognized in the moment; it often looks like interrupted sleep, constant awareness, and emotional endurance that never fully pauses. These experiences shaped how I respond to people in everyday situations. In customer service and volunteer environments, I have learned to pay attention to signs of frustration, confusion, or stress before someone says anything directly. I have seen how quickly small moments, like slowing down to explain something or staying calm when someone is overwhelmed, can change how a person experiences help or support. Selflessness is not something I consider finished or fully developed in myself. It is something I continue learning through experience. Through working with the American Red Cross, mentoring campers at Camp Wise, and growing up in a family where caregiving was constant, I have learned that selflessness is not defined by sacrifice alone. It is defined by the repeated choice to notice what someone needs and respond, even when it takes effort, patience, or emotional energy.

For years, I lived between two very different worlds. Some days, I was covered in paint and dust from construction work. Other days, I was in art studios, practicing piano, or preparing artwork for exhibitions and competitions. At first, those experiences felt unrelated, but over time I realized they were teaching me the same lesson: creativity alone is not enough to build a future. Success requires planning, discipline, adaptability, and the ability to turn ideas into something sustainable. That realization pushed me toward entrepreneurship and shaped my long-term goal of helping artists build successful careers without sacrificing their creativity. My motivation for this path comes from my own experiences in the arts. For years, I have studied fine art, piano, and flute while participating in competitions and exhibiting artwork in local galleries. Through those experiences, I saw many talented artists who had strong creative ability but little understanding of how to market themselves professionally or financially sustain their work. That realization made me interested not only in creating art, but also in understanding how business and entrepreneurship can help creative people succeed. To achieve my goals, I plan to earn a degree in business with a focus on entrepreneurship at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business. My first phase is education and skill development. During college, I plan to focus on finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and business development while continuing to gain hands-on experience through internships, employment, and entrepreneurial programs. I want to graduate not only with academic knowledge, but with practical experience solving problems, managing projects, and communicating effectively with people from different backgrounds. I have already started building this foundation through real-world experience. Through the Youth Entrepreneur Market, I learned how to develop products, package them professionally, interact with customers, and adjust based on feedback. Working at Dick’s Sporting Goods strengthened my customer service and communication skills in a fast-paced environment. My senior project at AVE Electronics introduced me to inventory systems, refurbishment operations, quality control, and sustainable business practices within an R2v3 and ISO-certified facility. Volunteering with the American Red Cross, MIM Software Inc., and working at Camp Wise also taught me leadership, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure. Financial planning is an important part of my strategy. My parents immigrated from Ukraine with very limited resources, so I understand the importance of building opportunities carefully and responsibly. To reduce college expenses, I have actively pursued scholarships and employment opportunities. I have already earned scholarships including the Padriac Routa Memorial Scholarship, Mandel Myers Fellowship Program scholarship, Ivy Women’s Center Scholarship, and Caring Cardinals Scholarship. I also plan to continue working during summers and school breaks while pursuing internships connected to entrepreneurship and business development. My goal is to minimize unnecessary debt while maximizing professional experience and long-term career growth. I understand that entrepreneurship involves uncertainty, which is why adaptability is part of my plan. If one opportunity does not work out, I will continue building experience through internships, freelance work, smaller entrepreneurial projects, and continued networking. I believe progress is built incrementally through preparation, consistency, and follow-through. The phrase “Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan” reflects the mindset I want to carry throughout my life. I do not want success only for myself. I want to build something sustainable that creates opportunities for other creative people who may only need guidance, support, and someone willing to believe in their potential.

Most people don’t think about financial literacy until it affects them. I noticed this when I began working and running a small business. Every decision like pricing, costs, and customer response mattered. At that point, it was no longer a lesson. It became something that could affect my money and my future. I think the biggest problem with financial education is not just that it’s taught too late, but that when it is taught, it isn’t connected to real life. I was lucky to be introduced to these ideas early. Growing up, my parents gave me a weekly budget, and I had to learn how to manage it without overspending. That experience made me more aware of money and showed me that not everyone gets that kind of foundation. As a vendor with the Young Entrepreneur Institute, I had to manage pricing, costs, and customer expectations. I also expanded on these ideas at the Miami University Summer Entrepreneur Scholars program, where I worked on business projects and saw outcomes of financial decisions. At the same time, I worked in retail and handled transactions with customers. I started to see how small decisions, like pricing something too high or not accounting for costs, directly affected outcomes. That showed me financial literacy isn’t just about understanding terms like “budget” or “interest rate.” It’s about making decisions in real time and understanding what those decisions lead to. Because of this, one of the biggest changes I would like to see is financial education introduced earlier and taught in a more practical way. Instead of waiting until late high school, students should start learning basic concepts in middle school to form better habits. Also, those lessons should be connected to real situations. Students should practice managing a budget, running a small project, or simulating real financial decisions. Without that connection, the information is easy to forget and hard to apply. Financial literacy should also be built into experiences students are already involved in. For example, students in clubs, sports, or creative activities could learn how to manage funds, plan events, or track expenses. When financial concepts are tied to something meaningful, they are easier to understand and more relevant. I learned the most when I had real responsibility and could see the results. In the future, I plan to be part of this change by combining my interest in business, communication, and leadership. I want to help make financial literacy more accessible and less intimidating, especially for students who may not see it as relevant to them. One way I plan to do this is by creating simple social media content or community programs that explain financial concepts, everyday language. I want to share information in a way that feels useful rather than overwhelming. I also want to lead by example. Through my own experiences in entrepreneurship and work, I have seen how financial awareness directly affects decisions and outcomes. By continuing to build those skills and share what I learn, I hope to help others feel more confident managing their own finances. Financial literacy should not be something people discover only after making mistakes. It should be introduced early, reinforced through real experiences, and taught in a way that feels relevant. I saw the difference it made in my own life through something as simple as managing a weekly budget. Not everyone has that starting point, and that is exactly why financial education needs to change. I want to be part of making that change, not just by understanding financial literacy myself, but by helping others see how it applies to their lives.

One morning, I was sanding and painting walls at a construction site, and my hands were covered in white house paint. By evening, those same hands were carefully layering oil paint for a study of Van Gogh. For a while, I struggled to make sense of these two parts of my life. I wondered if I was an artist, an entrepreneur, or just someone incapable of focusing on one path. I worried that to be successful, I had to choose one and let the rest die. However, I eventually realized that being interested in so many different things isn’t a weakness; it’s actually my biggest advantage. Construction taught me that real work is messy and hard, but you have to be patient if you want the final result to look good. Fine art taught me observation and storytelling. Entrepreneurship gave me the tools to turn those stories into action. Today, I don’t see these paths as separate. I see them as an innovative way to make a difference in the world. Visual art is my primary form of expression. Whether working in oil, ink, or acrylic, I use my work to explore the world around me. This passion has pushed me to compete at the highest levels, placing in the Battle of the Teal, earning a Silver Key from the Scholastic Art Awards and participating in national programs like YoungArts and Sony World Photography. Exhibiting at venues like the Pivot Center for Arts and Lorain County Community College taught me that art is a powerful bridge; it can start conversations and connect strangers. But I also saw a problem: many talented artists around me lacked the social support and business knowledge to make their passion a sustainable career. This realization led me to the Youth Entrepreneur Market. There, I didn't just sell products; I learned how creativity functions in the real world. I handled everything from product development and packaging to customer feedback and deadlines. It taught me that entrepreneurship is just another form of creativity. It requires the same “blank canvas" thinking to solve a problem or build a brand. My drive to lead was further shaped by my community. As a Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador and a mentor at Camp Wise, I learned that leadership isn't about authority; it’s about empathy and accountability. Whether I am comforting a nervous donor or helping a shy camper find their confidence, I am practicing the same skills needed to run a business: listening, earning trust, and showing up for others. Everything clicked during the Miami University entrepreneurship program. I saw how my artistic mindset allowed me to think outside the box, while business strategy gave me the framework to execute those ideas. I realized that my goal isn't just to be an artist, but to be an innovator who changes how we value the arts. I don’t think you should have to choose between being an artist and being able to pay your bills. I want to use my business degree to market my own work, but I also want to help other young artists in Ohio who have the talent but don’t know anything about the business side of art. By combining creativity with the hard work I’ve put in at construction sites and the entrepreneurship market, I hope to help Ohio artists really thrive. I want to create spaces where artists can actually get their work seen and flourish. I want to prove that if you have the right tools and a little bit of drive, you can turn your imagination into a real career.