I stood beside my co-captain and best friend on the volleyball court when I realized she was suffering from metabolic acidosis. The realization hit me like a brick as I noticed her symptoms: lethargy, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. We had just studied glycolysis and cellular respiration in AP Biology, and I could see the connection between what I had learned on a cellular level and what she was experiencing. Fortunately, I had always been known as the “know-it-all,” so no one underestimated me when I asked our coach to call a timeout so she could see the trainer. Sure enough, the trainer said she had symptoms consistent with metabolic acidosis. After some snacks and electrolytes, the trainer cleared her to finish the game. That moment showed me that when scientific understanding is paired with the courage to lead, we gain the power to confront uncertainty and make informed, positive choices for the future. As the game resumed, I realized that this experience extended beyond volleyball. Science was not just a concept in a textbook. It was a tool that allowed me to recognize a problem before it worsened. Leadership was not simply my defining title; it was my willingness to speak up, even when it would have been easier to stay quiet and assume that I was wrong. This experience changed the way I view both leadership and science. Science provides understanding. But knowledge alone cannot shape the future. It only becomes meaningful when someone acts on it. I had to trust my understanding and accept the responsibility that came with it. Hesitation could have had serious consequences. I have learned that leadership often looks like quiet confidence. It means paying attention, thinking critically, and putting others' well-being first. Science supports leadership by giving it direction. Together, they create progress in medicine, environmental policy, and everyday life. Scientific knowledge guides solutions, and leadership ensures those solutions are applied effectively. Looking back, that situation represents a glimpse of how the future is shaped. When people are informed and willing, challenges stop being overwhelming and become opportunities to make a difference. On the court or in a lab, knowledge gives insight, and courage gives action. Leadership and science together don’t solve problems; they allow us to protect, guide, and improve the world, one thoughtful decision at a time.

I was sitting in the corner booth of our local Mexican restaurant when I had the epiphany. My family surrounded me, dipping into the almost empty queso, and I was hunched over reading and annotating The Great Gatsby. I was barely into the book, and I already knew I hated it. Mr. Carraway was explaining how he bought volumes on banking and credit when I realized maybe I could try finance as a career, because it was obvious that reading was not for me. I suddenly had an imaginary debate on the pros and cons of finance. Eventually, I reached a compromise. I settled on an accounting major with a minor in finance and psychology. After bringing this idea to my parents, they asked me, “What will you do with this in the real world?” And honestly, I had to sleep on this question for a few nights before coming back with a confident answer: I want to use my accounting degree to help small businesses manage their finances and hopefully take the lessons I learn to build my own business. While many people pursue accounting for the pay grade or job security, my interest is rooted in something more personal: I have always loved math, especially when it has a real-world application. Sometimes when I am bored, I catch myself solving simple derivatives or factoring polynomials. Additionally, accounting allows me to use logic and apply it to solve problems that directly affect people’s lives. Behind every balance sheet is a business owner –like my Aunt Shae– making difficult decisions, often without the financial background needed to fully understand their calculations. I want to be the person who helps translate those numbers into understanding in order to inspire clarity and confidence. Small businesses are the backbone of local communities. My aunt runs a hardware store that was passed down from my nana. However, many small businesses struggle because of limited financial knowledge or access to professional oversight. Through my accounting education, I hope to help business owners better understand cash flow, risk, budgeting, and long-term financial planning so they can make informed decisions and avoid mistakes. By providing accurate financial insight, I can help businesses grow sustainably, even when they are uncertain of their financial future. Furthermore, pairing accounting with finance and psychology allows me to approach business with both technical skill and human understanding. Numbers alone cannot tell the full story; emotions, stress, and personal goals often influence financial decisions. Understanding the psychological side of decision-making will help me communicate more effectively with clients and business partners, ensuring that financial strategies are realistic and aligned with individual values. In the long run, I envision using the experience gained from working with small businesses to create my own venture. Whether that means launching a business rooted in financial practices or providing accessible financial services to other entrepreneurs, I want my work to reflect transparency, accountability, and impact. Accounting provides the foundation for this goal by teaching me how to manage my own risks, plan strategically, and build trust through accuracy and transparency within clientele and my peers. Ultimately, I view accounting not just as a career but as a tool for further development and understanding. By helping businesses understand their finances, I can contribute to a business world where success is built on knowledge rather than guessing.