As a first-generation college student, my journey has been shaped by unique challenges and personal experiences that have greatly influenced my life and career goals. Growing up, I faced adversity in the form of physical abuse from a family member, and the cultural norms within the Haitian community made it difficult for me to address these issues openly. The weight of these experiences led me down a destructive path, fueling an alcohol addiction and causing me to drop out of college. For a while, I found myself trapped in a cycle of working all day and drowning my sorrows in alcohol every night. However, the tragic loss of my boyfriend served as a wake-up call and a catalyst for change. Determined to heal and rebuild my life, I decided to seek counseling and support. Utilizing the BetterHelp app, I found solace in expressing myself openly and honestly with my counselor, free from judgment and shame. Through therapy, I gradually learned to love myself, set boundaries, and develop the resilience to face my traumas head-on. With newfound strength and a renewed sense of purpose, I made the empowering choice to reenroll in college. The presence of my two-year-old daughter became my driving force to overcome obstacles, stay sober, and remain focused on my goals. I realized the importance of breaking generational cycles and providing a better future for my child. It is through my journey of personal growth and resilience that I discovered my passion for accounting. I chose to pursue a degree in accounting because I witnessed firsthand how financial hardships can strain relationships and lead to the breakdown of marriages. I believe that by equipping women with financial literacy skills, we can empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges associated with money management. With an accounting degree, I aspire to teach and educate people on financial literacy, enabling them to excel in their personal and professional lives. As a first-generation student, my experiences have fueled my determination to pave the way not only for my success but also for future generations. I aspire to break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and inspire other first-generation students to pursue their dreams of higher education. I am committed to being a mentor and advocate, providing guidance and support to those who, like me, face the challenges of navigating school without familial guidance. By sharing my story of resilience and growth, I hope to inspire others to overcome adversity, seek support, and persevere in pursuing their education. I believe that education is a transformative force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for upward mobility. As a first-generation student, my ultimate goal is to empower individuals from similar backgrounds, helping them navigate the challenges they may encounter and realize their full potential. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation student has been marked by resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Overcoming challenges and rebuilding my life has fueled my passion for helping others and promoting financial literacy. Through my own experiences and the support of this scholarship, I am dedicated to creating a better future for myself, my daughter, and those who will follow in our footsteps.

As a first-generation college student, I have personally experienced the unique challenges and barriers that come with pursuing higher education. Growing up in a family where no one had attended college before, I had to navigate the unfamiliar territory of the academic world on my own. However, this journey has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, determination, and a passion for creating a more empathetic and understanding global community. One of my unique talents and skills lies in my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and foster understanding among different perspectives. Coming from a family where cultural traditions and values were deeply ingrained, I have developed a keen appreciation for the richness of different cultures and a desire to bridge the gaps between them. Through my involvement in campus organizations and community initiatives, I have actively sought opportunities to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. By organizing cultural awareness events, facilitating dialogue sessions, and engaging in cross-cultural collaborations, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of fostering empathy and understanding. In today's interconnected world, it is crucial to break down barriers and promote empathy on a global scale. I believe that education is the key to achieving this goal. With my passion for learning and my commitment to making a difference, I am determined to use my college education to contribute to the building of a more empathetic and understanding global community. I plan to leverage my unique talents and skills in various ways to fulfill this vision. As an undergraduate student, I intend to actively engage in courses and extracurricular activities that promote cultural understanding, social justice, and global perspectives. By immersing myself in subjects like sociology, international relations, and intercultural communication, I will deepen my knowledge of the complexities of our global society and develop the critical thinking skills needed to address its challenges. Furthermore, I recognize the power of storytelling and the arts in fostering empathy and understanding. Through my creative writing and involvement in theater and spoken word performances, I aim to give voice to marginalized communities and shed light on their experiences. I believe that storytelling has the power to humanize issues, challenge stereotypes, and inspire compassion. By sharing narratives that often go untold, I hope to encourage dialogue, promote social change, and build bridges of understanding among diverse individuals and communities. Moreover, I am committed to giving back to my community and uplifting others who face similar challenges. As a mentor to first-generation college students, I will provide guidance, support, and encouragement to navigate the complexities of higher education. By sharing my own experiences and serving as a source of inspiration, I hope to empower others to pursue their dreams and overcome the obstacles they may encounter. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education but also serve as a validation of my potential to make a positive impact in the world. With the support provided by this scholarship, I will be able to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, extracurricular activities, and community engagement, further honing my skills and talents to build a more empathetic and understanding global community. In conclusion, as a first-generation college student, I am deeply aware of the challenges faced by individuals in similar circumstances. Through my unique talents, skills, and experiences, I am determined to contribute to the creation of a more empathetic and understanding global community. By embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and empowering others, I believe that together we can build a world that values empathy, inclusivity, and compassion.

As a first-generation Haitian-American, my identity as a member of a minority group has profoundly shaped my experiences and aspirations. From my parents' immigration journey, the struggles they faced, and their relentless determination to provide a better life for us, I have been constantly inspired and motivated to pursue my dreams. My childhood was a dichotomy of two worlds - the vibrant Haitian culture at home, replete with its unique traditions and values, and the diverse American society outside. As I navigated this cultural landscape, I encountered challenges that tested my resilience. The teasing and bullying due to my parents' accent and our cultural differences made me painfully aware of my "otherness." The lack of representation I faced in my school curriculum, media, and even professional fields only magnified this feeling. The struggle to fit into societal norms while maintaining my cultural identity was difficult. However, it also shaped my outlook on life and instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for those marginalized or misunderstood. I developed a profound understanding of the injustices faced by minority communities and a strong desire to work towards creating a more inclusive society. My experiences helped me realize the strength that comes from diversity and the importance of embracing and celebrating our unique cultures and identities. As I continue my educational journey, I am aware that the challenges that my minority identity pose are far from over. In fact, as I enter a predominantly white field like accounting, these challenges may even amplify. I may face microaggressions, bias, and a lack of understanding about my cultural background. I am also aware of the mental and emotional toll that often comes with being the only one or one of the few individuals of a minority group in a professional or academic setting. Yet, I am not deterred. I believe these challenges will continue to strengthen me, shape my perspective, and fuel my passion for advocating for diversity and inclusion. I intend to use my unique cultural background to enrich discussions, promote diversity of thought, and challenge implicit biases. I aim to serve as a role model for younger students from similar backgrounds, showing them that their dreams are valid and achievable, regardless of the color of their skin or their cultural heritage. In pursuing my accounting degree, I plan to not just secure financial stability for myself and my family, but also to give back to my community. I aspire to provide financial literacy education in underserved communities, thereby promoting economic empowerment and reducing socio-economic disparities. Being awarded this scholarship would significantly aid in realizing these aspirations. It would not only provide me with the necessary financial support but also reaffirm the belief that students from minority backgrounds like me are valued and supported in our pursuit of higher education.

Growing up in a family of immigrants, I was keenly aware of the financial struggles that accompany the pursuit of the American dream. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but I noticed that despite their efforts, our financial situation barely improved. The complexities of financial management and the language barrier they faced often led to poor financial decisions. This sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the world of accounting, ultimately inspiring my decision to pursue a career in this field. My interest in accounting stems from my desire to understand the intricate details of financial management and how it shapes individuals' lives and businesses. It’s a profession that requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, ethical judgment, and a clear understanding of economic concepts. These are challenges that I am keen to take on as they align with my personal strengths and interests. The profession's role extends beyond mere number-crunching; it is the backbone of successful business operations. Accountants are vital to businesses because they provide accurate financial information that drives strategic decisions. They ensure that businesses remain financially healthy by tracking income, expenses, and taxes, forecasting future financial performance, and providing advice on cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and capital investment. On a broader scale, accountants enhance public trust. They ensure the integrity of financial reporting, maintain transparency, and abide by laws and regulations, thereby minimizing fraud and mismanagement. This contributes to a robust economic environment, fostering investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth. Being an accountant is more than just a career choice for me; it's a chance to make a difference. I aspire to use my accounting knowledge to provide financial literacy education to disadvantaged communities. I believe that by equipping individuals with financial management skills, I can help them make informed decisions, thereby breaking the cycle of financial instability. Moreover, in light of numerous accounting scandals over the years, I want to be part of a new generation of accountants who uphold ethical standards and promote transparency. I firmly believe that with integrity and expertise, accountants can restore public trust in businesses, contributing significantly to societal well-being. As I embark on my journey to become an accountant, this scholarship would significantly support my educational journey, reducing financial barriers and enabling me to focus on achieving my academic and career goals. I am committed to bringing positive change to the field of accounting and using my skills to benefit society at large.

Coming from a Haitian immigrant family, adversity has been a persistent companion throughout my life. My parents arrived in the U.S. as teenagers, with little more than dreams and a determination to build a better future. Their journey, marred with hardships like language barriers, cultural assimilation, and economic struggles, inadvertently became my journey too. The biggest adversity I confronted was dealing with untreated traumas stemming from my family's struggles and the consequent impact it had on my mental health and education. My parents' pride and cultural background led them to internalize their hardships and suppress any discussion about mental health. As a consequence, I battled depression and anxiety in silence, hindering my educational performance. I found refuge in the temporary oblivion provided by alcohol, dropping out of college in the process. However, the adversity didn't end me; it made me resilient. The death of my boyfriend in December 2018 was a turning point. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, leading me to seek professional help through an online counseling platform, BetterHelp. The counseling process was arduous, but it taught me the value of emotional resilience and the importance of mental health. This hardship shaped me into a stronger individual and redirected me onto the path of higher education. Today, as an accounting undergraduate, I have triumphed over adversity by transforming my trauma into a drive for societal change. My past experiences have inspired me to help others facing similar struggles, especially within my community. In the future, I plan to use my education and experience to foster financial literacy within my community, thereby helping to mitigate one of the many adversities they face. I have observed that many hardships my community endures are intertwined with financial instability and a lack of financial education. Lack of knowledge about budgeting, credit, savings, and investment can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and financial insecurity. I envision creating workshops and mentorship programs to teach essential financial skills and instill a culture of saving and wise financial decision-making. Furthermore, I aim to provide resources that simplify complex financial systems and terminologies. Through this, I hope to empower individuals in my community to break free from the shackles of financial instability and create a better future for themselves and their families. Adversity has made me a tenacious individual. It is this tenacity that I hope to instill in others in my community, along with the financial literacy skills needed to navigate a complex financial world. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to succeed. I am committed to making this belief a reality within my community.

Music has a strange way of guiding us through the twisting roads of life. To me, it has always been therapeutic. The '1989' album by Taylor Swift has served as an anchor along my journey. It is a musical tapestry of love, sorrow, and resiliency that blends personal experiences and catchy sounds. "Clean" is my personal favorite and the song that speaks to me the most out of all the amazing songs on the album. It's a day in December 2018 that I'll never forget. My rock, the love of my life, was abruptly and viciously snatched from me. The loss of my significant other tore a hole in the structure of my life and left me floundering in its wake. "Clean" became my anthem, a haven and my compass throughout this turbulent period. Not your normal breakup song, "Clean" is a unique one. It serves as an anthem for resilience, strength, and eventually, survival. The song's lyrics, which Taylor Swift co-wrote with Imogen Heap, describe the process of healing from a breakup. She sings, "I think I am finally clean," giving off an air of rebirth and hope, like a phoenix emerging from the ashes. These lines reverberated throughout the rooms of my broken heart, their message striking the very heart of my sorrow. They were open about their pain and accepted it as a necessary part of the healing process. Being "finally clean" was a promise that my grief would not define me indefinitely and served as a light in the darkness. It was Taylor's real emotion through her voice—almost as if she had reached into my soul and understood my heartache—rather than the song's lyrics that pulled me to it. The feeling of listening to "Clean" was like sharing Taylor's experiences of grief and healing. The path to recovery wasn't quick or straightforward. There was and remains a constant struggle between looking back and pushing forward. But "Clean" has always been by my side, comforting me with its familiarity and giving me strength with its message. The loss of my boyfriend thrust me into a new world where I had to establish a new routine while dealing with immense grief. "Clean" by Taylor Swift, which provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of sorrow, became a crucial component of this trip. It wasn't simply a song anymore; it had become an affirmation for healing, reassuring me that it was alright to grieve and to hurt, and that eventually I could overcome the pain and recover. This track from the 1989 album is more than just a personal favorite; it also serves as a symbol of my persistence and a record of my recovery process.

Freedom of speech is an essential right that supports diversity, critical thinking, and intellectual development. It is also a cornerstone of society. As a student of accounting, I have witnessed firsthand how the right to free speech promotes debate that goes beyond facts and figures and encourages people to consider the economic and social impacts of financial decisions. When I initially started taking accounting classes, I understood that free speech extended beyond social or political discourse and included all fields of study, including mine. I saw firsthand how candid conversations allowed us to explore deeper topics like financial responsibility, corporate governance, or the moral consequences of financial choices. We learn the business language in accounting, a language that is used across all industries and civilizations. But without the ability to dispute, discuss, and ask questions, this language would be limited to a meaningless sequence of transactions. We can examine the human aspects of the data through free speech and learn how our work as accountants affects individuals, groups, and the global community. Furthermore, the protection of free expression has a significant effect on an individual. It encourages us to form our own opinions and to express them aloud. It helps us develop communication skills like empathy and critical thinking, as well as the confidence to speak and defend our opinions. These are crucial resources for developing personally as well as professionally to become responsible and successful people. I have set out on a mission to teach financial literacy, a skill that is frequently undervalued in our educational system, especially among underserved communities, to encourage variety of thought and critical thinking. I think that by doing this, I may encourage people to make wise decisions about their financial futures, promote economic variety, and open up a wider discussion about financial responsibility and its effects on society. Every question is welcomed, and every viewpoint is valued, fostering an environment that encourages free communication and improves learning. Individuals are exposed to various points of view through these dialogues, which helps them to think critically and empathically. Maintaining free speech in schools is more than just upholding a legal right; it also involves fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, fosters critical thinking, and supports both intellectual and personal development. We must maintain these conversations, ask challenging questions, and learn from one another regardless of whether we are majoring in accounting, social sciences, or liberal arts. By doing so, we will advance not just our fields of study but also ourselves as valuable members of society.

My ideal future self is a strong, successful woman who, as a certified public accountant, implements her expertise to improve underserved communities by teaching financial literacy and, by modeling resilience and courage, ensures a bright future for her daughter.

I am adamant that cultural reform is necessary in order to address the difficulties faced by the underprivileged since I am an individual of Haitian ancestry who has personally endured many obstacles. My own personal circumstances and my desire to pursue higher education have significantly influenced this belief. It has become clear from my observations while growing up in a Haitian family and through the American educational system that there are substantial gaps in our society's response to the needs of individuals who are less privileged. The glaring lack of financial literacy in public school is one crucial issue that needs immediate action. One of the most important life skills is financial literacy. By empowering people with the information and resources they need to successfully navigate the difficulties of personal finance, budgeting, saving, investing, and managing credit, it has the potential to alter lives. However, this important subject is frequently not taught in our schools, especially those in impoverished communities. As a result, many people, especially those from underprivileged families, discover that they lack the skills necessary for good money management when they reach adulthood. This lack of financial literacy exacerbates socioeconomic inequities and frequently feeds vicious cycles of poverty and instability in the financial system. When I was younger, my parents, like many others who immigrated to the United States, struggled to adapt to a new economic system. They lacked the necessary skills to deal with financial issues like budgeting, managing credit, and retirement savings. Despite their diligence and resolve, their achievement was hampered by a lack of financial awareness. My passion for financial education and its ability to empower people and communities was sparked by this event. My goal in returning to school as a single mother to pursue an accounting degree has been to provide myself with the knowledge and abilities to assist others in understanding financial issues. By doing this, I intend to help end the cycle of financial instability that frequently afflicts underprivileged communities. In my ideal society, everyone has a fundamental right to financial literacy rather than it being a privilege only enjoyed by a select few. In the end, fixing such structural flaws demands full social change rather than just offering help. It's important to recognize the systemic hurdles that have caused these problems to persist for so many years. Our educational systems need to be redesigned to include crucial life skills like financial literacy so that all of our young people, regardless of their socioeconomic situations, are prepared to navigate the world. Additionally, our government, nonprofits, and private groups must work together and engage in initiatives that advance inclusion and financial literacy. In conclusion, society must fundamentally alter how it responds to the issues faced by the underprivileged. Our collective ability to address and resolve societal problems like poverty and economic instability stems from our recognition that these are systemic defects rather than personal failings. No person should fall behind owing to a lack of basic financial knowledge in a nation known for its opportunities and prosperity. As I move forward on my journey, I'm still dedicated to being a catalyst for this essential change and making sure that everyone can use the empowering tool of financial literacy.

I was born and raised in a Haitian family, so I've always been aware of the unwritten rule that family matters should be kept private. As a result, the forced quiet added to the pain when I started experiencing physical abuse from a family member. My mental health was further damaged by this culture of secrecy, which led to a downward spiral of depression. I regrettably turned to alcohol in search of relief from my pain; nonetheless, this addiction led to the failure of my academic career. I dropped out of college, losing my nights to drinking and my days to employment. This vicious cycle continued until a deeply personal tragedy compelled me to take stock of my life. Gregory, my partner, died in a motorcycle accident in December 2018. It was a shocking incident that also acted as a wake-up call. I decided to use my paycheck to pay for counseling through the "BetterHelp" app. For the first time, I was able to express my emotions honestly and without rebuke thanks to this site. My therapist was quite helpful in guiding me through my issues. I learned how to love myself, to set boundaries, and most importantly, how vital mental health is during my counseling journey. Motivated by my improved clarity and resiliency, I decided to return to school. My decision to get a degree in accounting was an unusual strategy for solving the societal problems of spousal abuse and drug usage, but it was one I enthusiastically supported. I've noticed that financial pressures frequently act as the root cause of many failed relationships, aggravating difficulties and inciting dangerous habits, particularly in disadvantaged communities like mine. With the skills to better manage their finances, I want to use my degree to increase financial literacy among African American women. By doing this, I hope to provide them the financial independence they need to become less vulnerable to abusive situations and less dependent on substances as coping methods. Additionally, I want to promote greater openness when it comes to talking about domestic violence and mental health, especially in areas where these issues are still taboo. I get inspiration from my two-year-old daughter every day. She is the lighthouse that directs me toward successful sobriety and concentration. My journey, which was shaped by my own struggles and achievements, has brought me to a place where I can make a real difference in the outcomes for African American women who experience domestic abuse and substance misuse. Higher education, in my opinion, is not just about career success; it also serves as a catalyst for social change, enhances care and coordination, and fosters honest dialogue that, in the end, transforms lives. Domestic abuse and alcohol addiction have not defined me; rather, they have strengthened my commitment to contribute to the solution and affect good change for the sake of my community.

Obstacles littered my family's path to the United States, each of which profoundly shaped my personality and perspective. My parents are immigrants from Haiti who came to the United States as youths with hopes for a better future. The biggest obstacles they faced were language limitations, cultural differences, and unfair treatment; as a result, I developed resilience, tenacity, and empathy. My parents' first major challenge was learning how to navigate a new nation without speaking the language. They frequently missed out on chances or received unfair treatment as a result of their English language difficulties. As a young child, I frequently found myself translating for my parents, assisting them in deciphering complicated documents or explaining their ideas to others. My ability to communicate was improved, and it also fueled my thirst for information. It helped me realize that language serves as a bridge for understanding and relating to others as well as a tool for communication. The cultural gap presented an additional difficulty. My parents battled to maintain their Haitian ancestry while assimilating into American culture. They felt like outsiders, isolated, and misunderstood because of how different the social standards and ideals were. But this fight let me realize the value of cultural variety. It helped me become more accepting of different viewpoints, stay open-minded, and it taught me to deeply value my Haitian heritage. I am glad to say that I am a Haitian-American today, fusing aspects of both cultures into who I am. My parents experienced prejudice because they are of Haitian origin, which showed up as mockery, exclusion, and harsh treatment. Listening to their stories about being bullied, caused strong feelings of unfairness as a child, which stoked my enthusiasm for social justice and equality. It strengthened my resolve to fight for marginalized populations and my ability to empathize with them. While attending middle school and high school, I made it a point to tell people I was Haitian and excelling in sports. My Haitian friends did the same. Last but not least, my parents' prideful refusal to ask for help was a problem in and of itself. Although help was readily available, they preferred to be independent and deal with difficulties head-on. While this frequently made their problems more serious it also showed grit and perseverance. My life has been guided by their perseverance in the face of hardship, which has encouraged me to face difficulties head-on rather than avoid them. But their experience also taught me the significance of asking for and accepting help when I need it, which has motivated me to do both. Our family faced additional difficulties because my parents were so young when they had me—my mother was only 17 and my father was only 19—when I was born. They worked hard to provide for me despite their youth and the difficulties they encountered, instilling in me a feeling of responsibility and maturity beyond my years. Every obstacle my family overcame has influenced who I am now. They have helped me develop my resiliency, understanding, compassion, willpower, and sense of duty. These experiences continue to shape my choices as I move forward, reaffirming my dedication to inclusivity, social justice, and lifelong learning. Despite the difficulties, I was able to gain many essential lessons that helped shape the person I am today.

I'm thrilled and hopeful for the future as I consider my journey thus far and the challenges I've faced. My goals center on finishing my accounting bachelor's degree, earning my CPA certification, and ultimately using my knowledge to promote financial literacy in underserved regions. These goals, however, have serious financial repercussions. By reducing my financial load and enabling me to concentrate on accomplishing my academic and professional goals, this scholarship is an essential step in assisting me in realizing these aspirations. My short-term goal is to graduate next year, capping up a journey that started four years ago when I went back to school. The subsequent years have put my strength and dedication to the test as I managed my studies with being a single mother and raising my daughter. The burden of debt has been a constant problem. With the help of this scholarship, I would be able to lessen that weight and devote more of my time and attention to my studies, which would enable me to finish on time and with the best grades possible. I intend to take the CPA examinations once I graduate, which will help me advance my professional career in a variety of ways. The expense of this procedure, which includes exam fees, study materials, and perhaps further courses, is high. Again, the scholarship would be helpful in this situation since it would allow me to buy the tools I need to succeed without taking out loans or compromising my daughter and my quality of life. My long-term objective is to use my accounting expertise to support my neighborhood. I want to use my position as an accountant to provide individuals and small businesses with access to financial planning services at reasonable prices. I also want to create and offer free programs and materials for financial awareness to people in my neighborhood. These endeavors will be indirectly supported by this scholarship, which will enable me to obtain the required credentials without having to take on excessive debt. Finally, I hope to set a good example for my daughter and others in my community. I want to show them that it is possible to achieve one's dreams no matter what the circumstances are, with dedication, hard work, and the right support. This scholarship will be an important part of my support system. To summarize, this scholarship is much more than financial assistance to me. It is an investment in both my own and my community's future. It will allow me to concentrate on my studies, qualify as a CPA, and empower my community through financial literacy. It will also provide a stable environment for my daughter, allowing her to either follow in my footsteps or forge her own path. In essence, this scholarship will help turn my plans into reality, and for that, I am immensely grateful for your consideration.

Born into a family of Haitian immigrants, I was no stranger to the challenges and adversities of life. My parents, undeterred by their numerous hurdles, instilled in me the values of resilience, hard work, and perseverance. One distinct lesson I learned was the importance of financial literacy and stability, a concept that was often elusive for my family and our broader community. Through my personal experiences and observations, I developed a passion for numbers and financial systems, sparking an interest that would ultimately shape my career aspirations: to become an accountant. My childhood experiences gave me a unique perspective on the significant impact of financial knowledge and the lack thereof on individuals' lives. I remember my parents juggling bills, often uncertain about how best to manage their limited resources. They, like many in our community, had not been privy to formal education on financial literacy. This scenario, coupled with my innate fascination with numbers and problem-solving, ignited my desire to study accounting. In high school, I began to comprehend the language of finance. I excelled in mathematics and economics, finding solace and delight in solving complex problems and understanding economic trends. As I delved deeper, I realized that a career in accounting would allow me to combine my passion for numbers with my drive to improve financial literacy within my community. Upon graduation, my journey was disrupted by personal upheaval and tragedy. The loss of my boyfriend, coupled with the birth of my daughter, presented an entirely new set of challenges and perspectives. However, these experiences, rather than deter me, reinforced my determination to achieve my goals. I realized that my ambition to become an accountant was not merely a personal aspiration but a pathway to provide a better future for my daughter and a means to contribute positively to my community. While working arduous hours in retail jobs, I honed my skills in budgeting, customer service, and time management. Yet, the recurring theme was the universality of financial challenges faced by individuals, further reinforcing the significance of financial literacy. I realized that as an accountant, I could help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions, contributing to their overall success and stability. Four years ago, I returned to college to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Now, on the precipice of achieving this goal, I am more committed than ever to my career aspirations. My experiences have not only equipped me with resilience and a strong work ethic but also provided a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic factors that influence financial decision-making. In the future, I envision myself as a Certified Public Accountant, providing valuable financial services to individuals and businesses and using my expertise to uplift my community. I aim to demystify financial concepts, promote financial literacy, and help individuals achieve financial stability. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between financial knowledge and those who, like my family, have historically been left out of these critical conversations. My journey, both personal and academic, has prepared me to approach this career with empathy, determination, and a deep-seated passion for making a difference through accounting.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bianca, a determined individual who took a non-traditional route in my educational journey. Having left college once, I am now back in the academic sphere, driven by a profound personal tragedy and an innate passion for numerical patterns and logic. In 2018, the death of my boyfriend, Gregory, served as a wake-up call to reassess my life goals and ambitions. His untimely demise inspired me to fulfill a shared dream we once had for me: to return to school and complete my studies. This personal journey took on a deeper meaning in 2020, when my daughter was born. The birth of my child brought a new sense of purpose into my life. Every step I take in my education today is a stride towards providing a more secure future for her. My area of study is accounting, a field I chose not only for my love of numbers and problem-solving but also for its stability and demand in the post-pandemic world. As industries and economies worldwide underwent drastic changes due to the pandemic, the importance of accounting professionals has been accentuated. By building a career in accounting, I aim to secure a path that offers sustainable employment opportunities. Outside of school, my primary focus is on my daughter, nurturing her early learning and development. As a single mother, I invest a considerable amount of time preparing her for her educational journey ahead. Unfortunately, due to my responsibilities at home and my studies, I currently do not have the opportunity to hold down a job, making the financial aspects of college and child-rearing all the more challenging. Despite these challenges, I am proud to share that I am in my final year of studies and on the verge of earning my Bachelor's degree in Accounting. This accomplishment has not been easy to achieve but is one that fills me with pride and fuels my determination to continue pursuing my aspirations. The money saved from paying down my student loans will be channeled into building a better life for my daughter and me. Specifically, I plan to invest in my daughter's education, ensuring that she has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed academically. Additionally, it would provide the financial breathing room necessary to potentially pursue further education or professional certifications, enhancing my career prospects and ensuring our financial stability. In essence, every dollar saved is another step towards a secure future for my daughter and a testament to the promises fulfilled to Gregory.

In the still-vibrant heart of Miami, Florida, life had a unique rhythm. For me, that rhythm resonated most vibrantly in the laughter and support of my boyfriend, Gregory Allen Strong, until December 2018 - a month that marked the end of an era and the beginning of a challenging journey. Gregory was a beam of light in my life, one that left a mark as profound as the brilliant Miami sun. A compassionate man, he encouraged me to chase my dreams and nurture my ambitions. With every shift I pulled in the retail stores, with every hour I added to my already long working hours, he reminded me of my promise to myself - to return to school. Yet, I constantly used time as a shield, deflecting the reality that I was running away from my commitments. We found solace in each other’s company, especially when life seemed unbearably tough. With Gregory's mother's sudden passing, an abyss of sorrow opened before us. In an attempt to bring him some semblance of joy, I gifted him a motorcycle for Christmas - an early present, hoping to uplift his spirit. He, in turn, surprised me with a Chihuahua puppy, a tender creature whose presence was meant to heal us both. One chilly evening, just seven days before Christmas, and seven days after burying his mother, I received a call that will forever echo in my mind. It was a tragedy just an apartment away. The sight that awaited me was one of life’s cruelest jokes. There, under the harsh red and blue lights, lay Gregory, tangled underneath a car - the same motorcycle I had gifted him nearby. I calmly sat next to him, held his hand and reassured him, and myself, that we would get through this. But life had other plans. Struck by a vehicle, he breathed his last on the way to the hospital. The following months were an unending stretch of despair. Wracked with guilt and wrestling with depression, I believed I had orchestrated his demise by gifting him the bike. The sorrow threatened to consume me, but in the deepest recesses of my heart, I remembered Gregory’s kindness, his smile, and the dreams he had for me. On August 2019, I made a decision - a tribute to his memory and a fulfillment of the promise I had often made. I returned to college, to chase the dreams we had dreamt together. It was a struggle, an uphill battle against grief and remorse. Yet, with each passing day, the vision of my future grew brighter. Gregory's memory served as my beacon, guiding me through the dense fog of sorrow. Fast forward four years, and here I am, on the precipice of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, at the brink of fulfilling a promise. As I look back, I realize that the journey hasn’t just been about overcoming grief or guilt, but a journey of re-discovery, resilience, and redemption. Gregory’s spirit has been my constant companion, urging me to reach for the stars. In his memory, I found my purpose; in his dreams for me, I found my own.