Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their background or financial status, has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through quality education. This vision is not just a distant dream but a pressing necessity, especially for students like me who have navigated the complex and often prohibitive landscape of educational access. As a student at Howard University, I am acutely aware of the barriers that exist, not just for myself, but for countless others striving for a better future. My journey, marked by financial struggles and the pursuit of academic excellence, fuels my passion for making education accessible to all. Access to education is a social issue that I care deeply about. As a college student, I experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of pursuing higher education. The journey to further my education has been marked by financial hurdles, a reality that resonates with many students. College is expensive, and even before reaching this stage, finding quality education can be a struggle. Growing up in Atlanta, my mother recognized the importance of a strong educational foundation. To provide me with the best possible education, she enrolled me in The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, a private school 45 minutes from our home, where tuition exceeds $30,000 a year. Thankfully, I was able to obtain financial aid to cover these costs, but the struggle to afford education is a persistent issue, especially now in college, where I continue to navigate the financial demands of tuition and other expenses. The significance of access to education extends beyond my personal journey. I have three younger brothers who I deeply care about and wish to see succeed. Their future opportunities are tied to the quality of education they receive, making the accessibility and affordability of education an even more pressing concern for me. Through my career, I dream of addressing this issue by leveraging my skills and passion for accounting and finance. My ultimate goal is to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where I can influence and implement policies that make education more accessible and affordable for all students. As a Management Team Leader in the School of Business at Howard University, I am developing leadership skills and gaining insights into financial management that will be crucial in my future endeavors. One of the ways I envision making a difference is by creating scholarship programs and financial aid initiatives specifically targeted at low-income families and underrepresented communities. These programs would provide much-needed support to students who have the potential to excel academically but lack the financial resources to pursue their education. Additionally, I aim to advocate for policy changes that address the systemic barriers to education, such as the funding disparities between public schools in affluent areas versus those in underserved communities. Another approach I would take is to collaborate with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop mentorship and tutoring programs. These programs would not only provide academic support but also offer guidance and encouragement to students navigating the educational landscape. By fostering a supportive community, we can help students overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals. In envisioning a future where education is a universal right rather than a privilege, I am inspired by the potential to effect real change. This mission is deeply personal, motivated by my own experiences and my desire to pave the way for my three younger brothers and countless others.

My name is Darryel Brown, and this coming fall I will be a first-year student at Howard University pursuing a major in accounting. My passion for numbers and problem-solving led me to choose this field, as I believe it offers a strong foundation for a successful career in the business world. For me, this includes the glorious title of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). During my time at Howard University, I plan to immerse myself in the study of accounting and develop a solid understanding of financial principles, taxation, auditing, and other relevant areas. After completing an internship at the non-profit organization, The Dairy Alliance, I am eager to learn from experienced professionals and engage in hands-on projects that will enhance my analytical and critical thinking skills. The significance in this lies in the fact that on my way to the position of CFO, it is necessary for me to make informed, reasonable decisions that will benefit the company in the long run. Howard University's School of Business presents the perfect opportunity for this through business orientation classes, internships, business fairs, and so much more. The opportunity to attend such a prestigious university is something that I am beyond grateful for. I look forward to taking advantage of these opportunities to network with professionals, attend workshops, and gain practical insights into the industry. I will obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree after completing my undergraduate studies at Howard. I believe an MBA will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles within the finance industry. More importantly because of that CFO position I aspire to have one day. As a CFO, I envision myself making a mark in the corporate world through playing a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy of a company, being a strategic partner to the executive team, and making informed decisions based on financial analysis. Although the road will jot be easy, I look forward to climbing the ladder to achieve my dreams. To achieve these goals, I understand the importance of gaining practical experience and building a strong professional network. Something that I have learned within these past couple of months is that it is all about who you know. Pit yourself out there with everyone because you never truly know who you are in the presence of. As a result fo experiencing this, I seize every opportunity to meet someone new and network in every space. I plan to seek internships and eventually even part-time positions in accounting firms or finance departments of companies to develop my skills and establish valuable connections within the industry. Overall, my journey at Howard University as an accounting major is just the beginning of my path towards becoming a CFO. I am committed to working hard, seizing every opportunity for growth, and continually expanding my knowledge and expertise in finance and business.

As I reflect on my personal journey, I am struck by how much my identity has been shaped by the choices I have made, and the impact those choices have had on those around me. Each of these experiences has contributed to my sense of self and my desire to make a positive difference in the world as a leader. One of the most significant choices I made was starting my own business, TRENDZ Clothing and Apparel. As an entrepreneur, I am driven by a desire to create something of value that could benefit others. I worked tirelessly to develop my products, learn about marketing, and build relationships with customers. Along the way, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but I persevered. Many of these obstacles did not necessarily come from running the business, but rather other things going on in my life. As a student athlete who is also a business owner, there is a lot of management that needs to happen in order to be successful. I was taught to strive for each and every one of my goals, even if I do not succeed after my first attempt. I took a lot of losses, like failing two classes during senior year. However, I did not allow this to hinder me from being great. While this indeed humbled me and taught some much needed lessons. Through this experience and the encounters I have had, I learned the importance of taking risks, pursuing my passions, and never giving up on my dreams. Beung able to acknowledge these things are what shape leaders. Beyond entrepreneurship, my identity has also been shaped by my role as a responsible big sister. Growing up, I was the oldest of four siblings, and I took this responsibility seriously. I still do. I worked hard to set a positive example for my younger siblings, helping them with their homework, encouraging them to pursue their interests, and always being there for them when they needed support. Nikai, Tyrone, and Tony are my world. This experience taught me the value of leadership, empathy, and compassion, and it motivated me to become involved in community service as well. I worked at a local food pantry for two summers, organized blanket drives for the homeless each year for my birthday, and helped to build houses for families in need during my Spring Break. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of giving back to others and working to create a more just and equitable society. Westminster allowed me to continue this in so many ways. One time during our Varsity Track and Field season, we fundraised in order to help one of our previous bus drivers pay his rent and support his family. Through book drives, food drives, and clothing drives, the importance of giving back and helping those in need when possible became even more significant to me. Finally, my faith has been a central part of my identity, and I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to share my beliefs with others. I have been involved in various faith-based organizations throughout my life, including my church (World Changers Church International), and I have been inspired by the sense of community and purpose that comes from working with others to make a positive impact in the world. Through all of these experiences, I have learned the importance of taking risks, pursuing my passions, giving back to others, and sharing my beliefs with the world. I am excited to continue using my skills to make a positive difference in the world.