My personal experiences with finances and financial education have come more from real-life responsibility than formal instruction. As a first-generation college student, financial topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, and long-term planning were not always clearly explained or discussed in my household. Because of this, I had to take initiative and begin learning on my own. While this presented challenges, it also helped me develop independence, discipline, respect and a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to managing money. One of the most meaningful experiences that shaped my understanding of finances is running a small hair business on the side. Through this, I have learned how to manage my own income, set fair prices, and balance spending with saving. I have had to think about the cost of supplies, how much profit I am making, and how to reinvest money back into my work. This hands-on experience has taught me valuable lessons about financial decision-making, organization, and the importance of planning ahead. It has also shown me how financial stability is built over time through consistency, mannerism and smart choices. Even with these experiences, I recognize that there is still a lot that I need to learn. This is one of the main reasons I plan to major in accounting and business. I want to gain a deeper understanding of financial systems, investing, taxes, and money management so that I can make informed and strategic decisions in the future. I am especially interested in learning how to build and manage wealth, not just earn income. In the future, I plan to use what I learn to create financial stability for myself and open doors for my family. I want to avoid the uncertainty that can come from a lack of financial knowledge and instead build a strong foundation based on informed choices. With a background in accounting and business, I will be able to manage my finances effectively, grow my business interests, and work toward long-term financial security. Beyond personal success, I also want to give back by sharing what I learn with my family and others in my community. Financial education is not always accessible, and I want to help change that by guiding others in budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. Ultimately, gaining financial knowledge will allow me to take control of my future, build stability, and create opportunities that can positively impact generations to come.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into unfamiliar territory without a clear guide. While many of my peers can rely on family members for advice about classes, applications, and financial decisions, I have had to figure out much of the process on my own. Despite these challenges, this experience has given me a strong sense of independence, determination, and purpose. Earning a degree in accounting and business will not only transform my future, but it will also create lasting change for my family. Higher education represents more than just a personal achievement for me—it is an opportunity to shift my family’s trajectory. By going to college, I am setting a new example and creating a path that others in my family can follow. Instead of facing the same uncertainty I experienced, future generations will have someone they can turn to for guidance and support. I want to be the person who can help them understand the importance of academic planning, financial aid, and career preparation. In addition to being a full-time student, I have balanced extracurricular activities such as National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and marching band, while also maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.375 weighted GPA. I graduated 33rd in a class of 349, which reflects my commitment to academic excellence. Outside of school, I run a small hair business, which has taught me responsibility, time management, and customer service. These experiences have prepared me for my future goals in business and accounting, where I hope to build a stable and successful career. Earning a degree will allow me to provide financial stability for my family and begin building generational wealth. With knowledge in accounting and business, I will be able to make informed financial decisions and teach my family about budgeting, saving, and investing. This knowledge is just as valuable as financial support because it creates long-term security and independence. Ultimately, earning my degree is about more than myself. It is about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that future generations in my family grow up with access to the guidance and resources I had to seek out on my own. I want my journey to make college feel less intimidating and more attainable for those who come after me. By achieving this goal, I will not only change my own life, but I will help build a stronger foundation for my family’s future.