Growing up, I learned early that education is not just about earning a degree, but about creating opportunities for stability, growth, and service. As a student at Ball State University, pursuing a degree in accounting, I see higher education as a pathway to both personal development and the ability to make a meaningful impact on my community. Attending Ball State has allowed me to stay connected to the Muncie area while working toward goals that extend far beyond myself. I chose to pursue higher education because I value independence, accountability, and long-term growth. College has challenged me to think critically, manage my time effectively, and step outside of my comfort zone. As an accounting student, I have learned that attention to detail, ethical decision making, and consistency matter not only in the classroom but also in real world situations. These lessons have shaped the way I approach both my academic work and my personal responsibilities. I am motivated by the idea that the skills I am developing now will allow me to contribute to organizations and individuals who rely on accuracy and trust. My long-term goal is to build a career in accounting where I can apply my skills in a way that supports informed decision making and financial stability. I am especially interested in work that allows me to help businesses or individuals understand their financial information clearly and confidently. Whether that is through corporate accounting, public accounting, or another professional path, I hope to work in a role where integrity and impact are prioritized. I also plan to continue developing my skills beyond graduation through certifications and professional growth opportunities. Being a student comes with financial pressures that extend beyond tuition alone. Balancing coursework, living expenses, and professional development opportunities can be challenging, especially while trying to fully engage in internships, campus involvement, and academic success. Receiving the Bonita J. Gribble Memorial Scholarship would help ease that financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education and career preparation. This support would give me the ability to invest more time into my studies and professional development without the constant stress of financial limitations. This scholarship holds special meaning because of its connection to the Muncie community and Ball State University. Knowing that it honors the life of someone who was deeply rooted in this area makes it even more impactful. I am proud to be pursuing my education at Ball State and to be part of a community that believes in supporting students as they work toward a better future. With ambition, drive, and a strong sense of purpose, I am committed to making the most of my education. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey, but also reinforce my determination to give back through meaningful, ethical, and impactful work.

"Imagine human beings living in an underground cave, with their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, unable to see anything except the wall of the cave in front of them. Behind them is a fire burning, and between the fire and the prisoners is a raised walkway. People outside the cave walk along this walkway carrying objects that cast shadows on the wall of the cave. The prisoners perceive these shadows as reality, unaware of the objects or the world outside." Plato’s allegory of the cave, found in The Republic, remains one of the most profound philosophical metaphors about knowledge and reality. The story describes prisoners chained inside a dark cave who can only see shadows cast on a wall by objects behind them. These shadows become their only understanding of reality. The allegory illustrates the human condition of ignorance, how people often accept superficial appearances as truth and remain trapped within limited perceptions. At its core, the allegory teaches that true knowledge requires breaking free from these confines and confronting deeper, sometimes uncomfortable realities beyond mere appearances. The cave itself symbolizes a state of ignorance and limited awareness. The prisoners are chained so they cannot turn their heads; their reality is defined solely by the shadows projected before them. This captures the way humans can be prisoners of their own limited perspectives, constrained by cultural conditioning, personal biases, or incomplete information. The shadows represent distorted reflections of reality, mere illusions that people mistake for the whole truth. This condition is tragically common, as many live their entire lives accepting what is familiar or presented to them without critical examination. The fire behind the prisoners plays a crucial role, as it casts the shadows they see. This fire can be understood as the sources of information and influences we rely on daily: media outlets, societal narratives, traditions, or even peer opinions. These sources often filter and manipulate reality, providing incomplete or misleading impressions, much like the distorted shadows on the cave wall. The allegory suggests that without awareness of this filtering, people risk mistaking shadows for truth, perpetuating ignorance. Plato’s allegory also emphasizes the transformative power of education and enlightenment. The prisoner who is freed and forced to leave the cave undergoes a painful process of adjustment. Initially blinded by the sunlight outside, the symbol of truth and knowledge, the prisoner gradually acclimates and begins to see the world as it truly is. This journey captures the difficult, often uncomfortable nature of genuine learning. Acquiring true knowledge is not a passive experience but an active struggle to confront and move beyond falsehoods. Furthermore, the freed prisoner’s return to the cave to help others illustrates the moral responsibility of those who gain insight to guide others still trapped in ignorance, despite resistance or misunderstanding. In modern society, Plato’s allegory resonates deeply. The shadows on the cave wall can be likened to the “echo chambers” and algorithm-driven bubbles of social media. Platforms designed to maximize engagement often expose users to content that reinforces their existing beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints. This digital environment can trap individuals in a modern cave, where the shadows are personalized misinformation or selective truths. Just as the prisoners mistake shadows for reality, many today struggle to discern fact from distortion amid an overwhelming flood of information. Moreover, the allegory’s chains symbolize the psychological and societal constraints people face. Everyone harbors unconscious biases, cognitive dissonance, or social pressures that prevent critical questioning. These invisible chains make it difficult to break free and challenge deeply held assumptions. The allegory underscores the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths and the effort needed to overcome intellectual inertia. In this context, education should aim not merely to transfer knowledge but to foster critical thinking skills that empower students to identify and break their own chains. On a personal level, the allegory of the cave reflects the journey of self-awareness and authenticity. Many people live with illusions about themselves or the world, comforting but false narratives that shield them from difficult realities. The sunlight outside the cave symbolizes not only intellectual enlightenment but also an awakening of the soul. This metaphor aligns with various spiritual traditions that emphasize awakening as a process of shedding illusions to connect with a deeper truth. In this way, Plato’s allegory transcends philosophy to touch on universal human experiences of growth and transformation. The allegory also challenges modern relativistic perspectives on truth. In an era where “truth” is often seen as subjective or multiple truths are accepted simultaneously, Plato’s metaphor calls attention to the pursuit of objective reality. It reminds us that while perspectives may vary, there exists a deeper truth that demands rigorous effort to uncover. This pursuit is neither easy nor comfortable, but it is necessary to escape the shadows of ignorance. Finally, the allegory speaks to the ethics of leadership and social responsibility. The freed prisoner who returns to the cave embodies the ideal of the philosopher-king, someone who having seen the truth takes on the burden of educating others. This message is timeless. Those who gain insight have a duty to help their communities overcome ignorance and injustice, even when faced with hostility or skepticism. The allegory thus inspires patience, empathy, and perseverance in the quest for social progress. In conclusion, Plato’s allegory of the cave reveals the fundamental human challenge of discerning reality beyond appearances. It calls us to question our assumptions, seek knowledge courageously, and embrace the transformative journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The shadows on the wall are not just ancient metaphorical images but warnings for today’s society, urging vigilance against accepting shallow narratives and encouraging active pursuit of truth. The world outside the cave, though often difficult and blinding at first, offers genuine understanding and freedom, the ultimate human aspiration.

In my community, mental health was rarely talked about unless someone was already in crisis. Not because we didn’t care, but because we were taught to survive first and feel later. When I started struggling with anxiety in college, I finally understood how isolating it is to need help but not know where to turn. Therapy felt like a resource reserved for people with money, access, and time — three things I’ve often lacked. That’s exactly what I want to change. As a Business Analytics and Information Systems student, I want to build a digital platform specifically for BIPOC youth that connects them to affordable, culturally competent mental health resources. But I also want to incorporate what helped me cope when therapy wasn’t accessible: creative expression. Through journal prompts, visual art, poetry, and audio stories, users will be able to share their experiences anonymously, find connection through creativity, and learn to express their pain in a space that feels safe and stigma-free. Mental health care should not feel like a luxury item. It should be visible, affordable, and rooted in empathy. We need systems that reflect us, speak our language, and meet us where we are. I want to build that system, not just with code but with compassion. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and helped. And I’m determined to make that possible for as many people as I can. With this scholarship, I will turn lived experience into lasting impact.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of sales or marketing. I grew up watching my mom figure out how to stretch a dollar just far enough to keep the lights on, dinner on the table, and hope in the room. What I didn’t realize then was that she was showing me the core of great business. It is about resourcefulness, empathy, and storytelling. That is what sales and marketing really are: the ability to meet people where they are, understand what they need, and find creative, honest ways to deliver it. As an Accounting and Business Analytics major with a minor in Information Systems, I’ve learned to look at numbers, trends, and patterns. But what truly excites me is when those patterns tell a story. That story helps businesses make smarter decisions, connect better with their customers, and ultimately create value that matters. I’m not chasing sales just for the sake of making a profit. I am pursuing this path because I want to be part of building trust, solving problems, and creating human-centered strategies that actually improve lives. My interest in business started with watching how small local shops in my hometown operated. These weren’t large corporations. They were families. The ones that succeeded weren’t just selling the cheapest products. They knew how to talk to people, how to show value, and how to build relationships. I started volunteering to help some of them organize basic inventory and track costs using spreadsheets. Eventually, I helped one redesign their social media to boost foot traffic. That small experience sparked something bigger in me. What drives me now is the belief that behind every product or service is a story waiting to be told. Telling that story well, honestly, creatively, and strategically, is what separates a good business from a great one. I want to be the person who helps organizations not only sell more, but connect more. Whether it is through digital campaigns, client relationship building, or branding strategies, I want my work to mean something deeper than just numbers on a chart. Learning about Neal Hartl's legacy deeply resonated with me. His ability to connect with people, to be both passionate and effective, and to leave a mark through his work is the exact kind of professional I aspire to become. It is clear that he didn’t just succeed because he could sell. He succeeded because he cared, and people could feel that. I want to carry that same spirit into my career by using my education not just to hit targets, but to build real relationships that last. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education without the constant financial pressure pulling at my focus. More than that, it would be a vote of confidence in my belief that business should always start and end with people. I am not just learning how to market a product. I am learning how to market with purpose, with empathy, and with results that reflect both. Thank you for considering my application. I am ready to take everything I have learned, inside the classroom and out, and turn it into something meaningful.

My name is Devaney Wooten, and I am an undergraduate student double-majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics with a minor in Information Systems. I’m writing this from a place of deep vulnerability and relentless determination. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, I’ve learned early what it means to carry dreams not just for myself but for my entire family. My mother has given everything to ensure I had a chance at a future she could only imagine. Growing up, we didn’t always have a lot. What we lacked in money, we made up for in heart. Watching my mom work long hours while still managing to show up for me in every way possible taught me one of life’s most valuable lessons. True success is not measured in titles or bank accounts. It is measured in perseverance, character, and purpose. College, for me, is not just about a degree. It is about breaking cycles. It is about paving a new road for my younger relatives and proving to myself that I am capable of overcoming every barrier that society said would stop me. I am determined, but I have also had to face the financial reality of higher education. Every semester becomes a race. I am constantly balancing deadlines, exams, tuition bills, and financial stress. I have scraped together scholarships, worked jobs between classes, and still worry that my funding will not last through graduation. When I read about Kalia D. Davis, something inside me paused. Her story is not just heartbreaking. It is familiar. She reminded me of the kind of person I strive to be, someone who works hard, leads with grace, and lifts others up while pursuing her goals. Kalia was not just a high achiever. She showed up for her community, her family, and her future. The way she balanced academics, leadership, service, and work-study, all while preparing to serve her country, left me deeply moved. Kalia’s story challenged me. It made me reflect on why I keep pushing forward, even when I feel overwhelmed or exhausted. People like Kalia did not wait for perfect conditions. They gave their all with what they had. Receiving this scholarship in her name would not only ease my financial burden. It would remind me to keep living with compassion, courage, and purpose, just as she did. I have participated in community service projects such as food drives, youth mentorship, and neighborhood clean-up events. I played sports in high school, not just for competition but to learn discipline, resilience, and teamwork. These are the same values I apply to my academic and personal life today. I currently hold a GPA above 3.0 and plan to use my degree to help organizations make ethical financial decisions, especially to serve underrepresented communities. This scholarship would allow me to finish strong and honor the sacrifices my family has made. Most importantly, it would help me carry forward a legacy that deserves to live on, not just in memory, but through meaningful action. Thank you for considering my application. I do not just want to succeed. I want to make a lasting impact. And with your help, I will.

I’ve never had the luxury of convenience. I don’t drive, so something as simple as volunteering becomes a puzzle of bus routes, walking in the rain, or depending on someone else’s schedule. But I still show up. Every food drive I help unload, every child I help with homework, every time I stand in a food bank sorting canned goods, I’m not there because it’s easy. I’m there because I need to be. Because it matters. I’m a first-generation African American college student majoring in accounting. I chose this field because I’ve seen the impact that financial literacy, or the lack of it, can have on families like mine. Numbers aren’t just numbers to me. They represent stability, opportunity, and freedom. I want to become someone who not only understands how money moves, but who can help others build futures they didn’t think were possible. College hasn’t been a smooth path. Without the financial cushion that many of my peers have, I’ve had to be careful and creative to stay afloat. I juggle classes with volunteer work and personal responsibilities. That means sacrificing sleep, small joys, and often my social life just to keep up. What makes this especially hard is that I genuinely love people. I enjoy listening to stories, learning about others, and forming connections. But I’ve never really had the time or resources to experience that part of college. My energy goes into getting to class, studying hard, and showing up for my community. Education and service have always come first. It’s tough feeling like you’re missing out on what should be “the best years of your life.” But I’ve learned to find fulfillment in other ways, through the smiles of kids I tutor, the thank-yous from families at the food bank, and the quiet pride that comes from knowing I didn’t quit, even when things were hard. I’ve always believed that if I work hard and stay kind, doors will eventually open. Still, being a student of color in a field like accounting can feel isolating. There are times I’ve looked around classrooms and didn’t see anyone who looked like me. That’s why representation matters so much. That’s why scholarships like this matter. You’re not just investing in one student. You’re helping shape the future of a field that needs more diverse voices, more lived experiences, and more heart. If awarded this scholarship, I won’t take it lightly. I’ll carry it with me into every lecture, every late-night study session, every moment where I feel like giving up but choose not to. I’ll continue serving my community, even when getting there isn’t easy. And one day, I’ll be in a position where I can help students like me, those with big dreams, limited resources, and the grit to keep going. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you see in me not just a worthy candidate, but someone who is ready to make this opportunity count, someone who’s been waiting for a door to open so I can walk through it and pull others with me.

Being a first-generation college student of mixed heritage, with African American and white roots, has deeply influenced how I see the world and my place in it. My major in Accounting and Business Analytics, along with my minor in Information Systems, reflects a balance of logic, curiosity, and the desire to create real, measurable change. But my goals go beyond academics. They are grounded in the experiences that shaped me, growing up in a household where money was tight, support was stretched thin, and every small success had to be earned through persistence. I was raised by a single mother who had to start working right after high school to support her family. She had children soon after graduating, and college wasn’t an option for her. Despite the challenges she faced, she never stopped showing up for me. I watched her skip meals, work extra hours, and still find the time to remind me that I was capable of more. While she never had the chance to go to college, she gave me the motivation to pursue my education. Her strength taught me that success doesn’t come from having it easy. It comes from learning to rise in spite of everything working against you. That upbringing is what led me to pursue a career in accounting. To some, it may seem like a field of numbers and spreadsheets. To me, it represents a path toward empowerment. I want to become a Certified Public Accountant who helps underrepresented communities and small business owners, especially those in Black and brown communities, make smart, data-driven decisions that protect their dreams and futures. I want to use what I learn to help people who are often overlooked or underestimated gain the tools they need to succeed. Throughout my college journey, I’ve faced challenges that many others never have to think about. I’ve had to decide between paying for class materials or essentials like groceries. I’ve passed up on career-building opportunities because I couldn’t afford the cost of getting there. I’ve juggled part-time jobs with full-time classes, often pushing through exhaustion just to stay afloat. These obstacles don’t define me, but they have shaped the kind of person and professional I am becoming, one who doesn’t give up, no matter what. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial weight that makes each step forward more difficult than it has to be. It would give me the space to focus fully on my studies and career goals, rather than the stress of how to cover the next unexpected cost. Most of all, it would represent belief, not just in me, but in what I’m trying to build. I don’t want to just graduate. I want to change what success looks like for students who come from backgrounds like mine. I want to show that no matter your starting point, you can move forward with purpose. My vision is to create a future where more students of color, more young women, and more people from overlooked communities feel seen, supported, and financially empowered. I want to be the reason someone else believes it is possible.

As a first-generation African American college student majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics with a minor in Information Systems, I’ve had to figure out most of my path on my own. My family has always supported me emotionally, but when it came to navigating college, I had to learn by doing. From applying for financial aid to managing course schedules and finding internships, every step has been a new experience. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the financial pressure that comes with higher education. While I didn’t have to pay for the SAT or ACT themselves, I did have to purchase study materials to feel prepared. Once I started college, I realized those expenses were just the beginning. Textbooks, software, housing, and even basic school supplies add up quickly when you’re trying to make every dollar count. Transportation has also been a much bigger hurdle than I expected. I thought not "wanting" to drive would help save my family money by avoiding costs like gas, insurance, and possibly car payments. But that decision ended up creating more stress than I could have imagined. I live in an area without reliable public transit, and there are few sidewalks, so biking isn’t really an option either. I remember missing a networking event I had been excited about because I couldn’t find a ride and didn’t have the money to pay for an Uber. That moment stuck with me, not just because I missed an opportunity, but because it reminded me how easily small barriers can add up and hold you back. Receiving this scholarship would lift some of that weight. It would give me more freedom to focus on my studies and prepare for the CPA exam without constantly worrying about how I’ll cover the next unexpected cost. It would also open the door for me to take on internships and professional development opportunities that sometimes feel out of reach financially. My long-term goal is to use my skills in accounting and analytics to support Black-owned businesses and underserved communities. I want to help small businesses make data-driven financial decisions that lead to growth and sustainability. I also plan to create mentorship programs and offer free financial literacy workshops for students who are walking the same path I’m on now. I want my journey to be more than personal success. I want it to be a blueprint. I am not just working for my own future. I am building a path for others to follow.

I didn’t grow up knowing what a healthy relationship looked like, so when I entered my first serious one, I didn’t recognize the warning signs. The yelling, the harsh words disguised as jokes, the “playful” threats like being told I might get slapped if I didn’t shut up all made me feel uneasy, but I didn’t have the words to call it abuse. He told me I was overreacting, that I was too sensitive, and that I couldn’t take a joke. Over time, I started to believe him. It was confusing. I found myself constantly second-guessing everything I said or did. I walked on eggshells, trying to avoid setting him off. I didn’t realize how much of myself I was losing until I no longer recognized who I was. I felt trapped. The relationship didn’t just hurt emotionally; it made me feel invisible. My feelings didn’t seem to matter, and eventually, I began to believe that I didn’t matter. With the help of friends and some counseling, I found the strength to leave. That experience changed me. It opened my eyes to how many women go through the same thing and never speak about it, especially in the Black community. Too often, we are expected to be strong no matter what. But I’ve learned that strength isn’t about staying silent. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is ask for help and walk away from what is hurting you. I am currently majoring in accounting, and for a while, I wondered if that limited how I could help others. But the more I’ve learned, the more I’ve seen how powerful financial independence can be. Many women stay in abusive relationships simply because they can’t afford to leave. Money becomes a trap. That’s why I want to use my degree to teach women how to manage their finances and build secure, independent lives. After graduation, I plan to volunteer with local shelters and community centers to offer free financial literacy workshops. I want to teach budgeting, saving, credit building, and financial planning. These skills may seem simple, but they can give survivors the confidence and ability to start fresh. I want women to feel in control of their futures again. What I went through was painful, but it gave me a purpose. I want to be a source of encouragement for other young women who are going through something similar. I want them to know that they are not overreacting, they are not too sensitive, and they are not alone. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also allow me to carry on the legacy of Linda Hicks. Like Linda, I want to live a life of service, compassion, and strength. I want to turn my past into something that helps others heal and move forward.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household meant learning resilience from a young age. There was always a quiet but heavy pressure to succeed, not just for myself but for the future of my family. I am the first person in my household to even attempt going to college, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility. There is no financial safety net. I cannot ask my family for help because they are already doing everything they can just to keep the lights on and food on the table. When times were rough, I did not have the option of giving up. That would have only made things harder for my family, both emotionally and financially. I knew I had to keep going, even when I felt overwhelmed or exhausted. So I did. I work part-time while studying full-time, and I have learned how to manage my time, plan ahead, and push through even the hardest moments. Through it all, I have held on to my belief that education is my way forward. I also try to lift others as I climb. I help mentor younger students in my community and encourage them to dream big, even when their circumstances feel limiting. I want to use my experience to make a difference in the lives of people like me, those who are told that success is out of reach because of where they come from. This scholarship would be more than financial help. It would be a vote of confidence in everything I am working for. I plan to use my education to give back, to build opportunity, and to create a path that others can walk with hope.

As a Black undergraduate student majoring in accounting and business analytics, I am keenly aware of the racial disparities in business and finance. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of representation in leadership roles discourages many young Black people from pursuing careers in business. However, I refuse to let these challenges define my future. Instead, I am committed to using my education to pave the way for greater representation and success for Black people in the business world. The underrepresentation of Black individuals in decision-making roles in business is not just a matter of diversity. It is an issue of access and opportunity. Throughout my academic journey, I have been motivated by the desire to see more people who look like me in positions of power, influence, and leadership. It is my belief that by breaking barriers in business, we can create a ripple effect that not only empowers individuals but also improves industries by diversifying the perspectives that shape their direction. My passion for business stems from personal experiences growing up in a community where access to financial education was limited. I saw so many people struggle with managing their finances and securing opportunities simply because they were never taught the skills to succeed. This gap in knowledge and access is what drives me to pursue business and accounting, as I see these fields as essential for creating change. I know that education in finance and business administration can help individuals unlock financial freedom and opportunities, not just for themselves but for their families and communities as well. Once I complete my degree, my goal is to help diversify the business world by creating mentorship programs that connect young Black students with business professionals. By providing guidance, resources, and networking opportunities, I hope to show these students that there is a place for them in business and finance. Representation is critical. When students see successful Black professionals in these spaces, they are more likely to believe that they, too, can achieve their goals. I also plan to work on creating initiatives within the business world that focus on supporting Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Many entrepreneurs from marginalized communities face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding, resources, and opportunities. By collaborating with financial institutions and businesses, I hope to develop programs that provide access to capital, networking, and mentorship for Black business owners. This is essential for creating long-term success and sustainability for Black-owned businesses and increasing economic mobility within our communities. This scholarship will help me take one step closer to fulfilling this mission. With the support of this award, I will continue to pursue my degree with the knowledge that I am not just working toward my personal success but also laying the foundation for future generations of Black leaders in the business world. I am determined to be part of the movement that ensures that Black people can enter, thrive in, and lead within the business world, thereby shaping a future that is more inclusive and equitable for all.

I am a Black woman who has always been motivated by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. From a young age, I saw the struggles many people in my community face, particularly women of color, in accessing the resources and opportunities they deserve. These struggles fueled my determination to not only succeed but to bring others along with me as I make progress in my journey. As an incoming undergraduate student pursuing an accounting major, I know that the path ahead will not be easy. There are financial challenges, societal expectations, and the weight of being a first-generation college student, but none of these obstacles will stop me. I am committed to making a positive impact in my community and the world by helping those who face barriers like the ones I have experienced. Growing up, I witnessed how limited access to financial education can trap families in cycles of poverty. I watched my own family face hardships that could have been mitigated with the right resources, support, and knowledge about managing money. This personal experience made me realize that financial literacy is an incredibly powerful tool for breaking barriers and creating opportunities. It became clear to me that if I could master the skills of accounting and financial management, I would be able to help others escape the constraints that financial ignorance often imposes. This scholarship, in memory of Michele L. Durant, resonates deeply with me because it emphasizes the importance of education in creating change. Like Michele, I understand the significance of lifelong learning. I am committed to using my education not just for my personal success but also to uplift my community. I want to teach others the vital skills they need to manage their finances, improve their economic standing, and ultimately gain greater control over their lives. Through financial literacy workshops, mentoring programs, and community outreach, I plan to empower people, particularly young women and families, with the tools they need to overcome the financial hurdles that have long held them back. I believe that when we understand how to manage our money, we gain the freedom to make better choices, pursue new opportunities, and change our futures. Additionally, as I advance in my education and career, I want to advocate for more opportunities for Black women in leadership roles. The barriers that women of color face, especially in higher-paying and high-status careers, are real. I am determined to break down these barriers, not just for myself, but for the generations that will follow me. I want to be a voice that pushes for equity and representation in all sectors, particularly in finance and business. Michele L. Durant’s life and legacy as a dedicated student and a trailblazer in her field are a powerful reminder of what is possible through perseverance and education. Her story motivates me to continue pursuing my dreams, to push through the challenges, and to give back to those who need support. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also allow me to expand my impact, ensuring that I can make a tangible difference in my community and beyond.

I am an accounting major with a passion for numbers, problem-solving, and making a real difference in the world. Growing up in a household where financial literacy wasn’t emphasized, I was often confused by the complexities of money, taxes, and budgeting. But instead of feeling limited, I became driven to understand these concepts deeply, to not only help my family manage but also to empower others to do the same. This drive to understand financial systems has shaped my journey toward STEM and fuels my ambition to contribute to the field of accounting with a focus on innovation and efficiency. I realized the importance of this field when I took my first economics class in high school. The teacher introduced us to real-world financial models and concepts that I had never been exposed to before. It was like a light bulb went off. I understood immediately that understanding these systems was key to making informed decisions in both business and personal finance. As someone from a family with limited financial education, I saw firsthand the impact that a lack of understanding could have on individuals and communities. That was the moment I decided to pursue accounting. However, as I continued my education, I also realized that the financial sector is dominated by a male majority. I often found myself as one of the only women in the room, particularly in advanced courses and discussions about business and finance. While this was initially intimidating, it also fueled my desire to push through the barriers and prove that women can excel in these spaces. I have always believed that diversity of thought and experience strengthens any field, and I am determined to contribute my perspective to the world of accounting, both in academia and in the workplace. Being a woman in a male-dominated field comes with challenges, but I see it as an opportunity to break stereotypes and inspire other women to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. I am passionate about breaking down the barriers that women, especially women from historically underrepresented backgrounds, face in STEM. In a field like accounting, where precision, critical thinking, and problem-solving are essential, I want to be a role model to others who may not see themselves reflected in the numbers they work with. I want to show them that they, too, can succeed in this field. This scholarship is a step toward making that dream a reality. By supporting my education, it will allow me to continue my journey and pursue a career where I can combine my passion for problem-solving with my desire to impact businesses and communities positively. I am committed to not only breaking barriers for myself but also to paving the way for the women who will come after me. I want to use my education and experience to contribute to a more equitable future, where women are equally represented in all fields of STEM, including accounting.

There is one problem that has consumed my thoughts and drives my actions every day: access to quality education for underrepresented communities. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I saw how difficult it was to pursue higher education when you lack the resources and support that many others take for granted. My family struggled to cover basic expenses, let alone the rising costs of tuition, textbooks, and fees. While I understood that my education was the key to a better future, I also knew that for many people like me, it often felt out of reach. It was during high school that I truly understood the depth of this issue. I was part of a mentoring program that aimed to help students from low-income families prepare for college. I watched as the dreams of my peers began to fade because they faced overwhelming barriers: lack of financial resources, no guidance on how to navigate the application process, and no one in their lives who had attended college to guide them. It became clear to me that the system was not designed for students like them to succeed. I realized that too many talented students were being left behind simply because they didn’t have the support they needed. The problem goes beyond just financial barriers. It is about a lack of mentorship, resources, and access to knowledge. This gap in opportunity has long-lasting effects, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting social mobility. This realization ignited a passion in me to solve this problem. I am determined to create pathways for students who face these challenges. Students who, like me, deserve a chance at higher education but need more than just financial aid to succeed. I want to use technology and community-based resources to build mentorship programs, affordable educational tools, and resources that will empower students to successfully navigate the college application process. By combining my background in business with a passion for problem-solving, I aim to create scalable solutions that provide equal opportunities for students in underserved communities. I envision developing an online platform that connects high school students with mentors, resources, and workshops that guide them through every step of the process: from researching colleges and applying for scholarships to preparing for college life. My goal is to be part of a movement that helps students break through the systemic barriers that have historically held them back. The first time I realized how important this issue was when I saw my peers lose confidence in their dreams. I saw potential wasted because they didn’t have the tools or support to move forward. That moment strengthened my determination to make a difference. I am driven not only by my own desire to succeed but also by the opportunity to help others rise. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and further my mission to empower students to reach their full potential. I am committed to making a tangible impact and ensuring that future generations of underrepresented students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Being a first-generation college student has shaped every part of who I am. In my family, college was never seen as a real option. Most days were about surviving, not dreaming. But I chose to believe in something more. I chose to believe in myself, even when no one around me had walked this path before. What makes me different is that I carry that belief with pride, and I use it to support others who may not yet see their own potential. I come from a single-parent, low-income household where financial struggles were a constant part of life. Asking my family for help was never realistic because they were already doing everything they could just to stay afloat. Still, giving up was never something I allowed myself to consider. I knew that if I stopped, the weight would fall even heavier on the people I love. So, I kept going. I balanced school with work, stretched every dollar, and held tightly to my goals, even when everything around me said it would be easier to quit. What truly sets me apart is how I respond to struggle. I do not hide where I come from, and I do not try to blend in to feel accepted. I lead with the strength of my story, and I share it openly because I know someone is always listening. Even if they never tell me. Even if I never meet them. I know there is a younger version of me out there watching someone like me do what they were told was impossible. That is why I keep going. At Ball State University, I have found ways to serve that align with my values. I have volunteered at local food banks, helped prepare and donate sack lunches, and participated in community cleanups across Muncie. These are not just volunteer hours to me. These are acts of connection. Every bag of food packed, every piece of trash picked up, every smile shared without needing anything in return is a reminder that someone always notices kindness, even if they never say it out loud. Someone sees it and feels inspired. Someone feels less alone. There have been times I walked into a room and felt invisible, like nothing about me fit or belonged. I know what it is like to feel unseen. That is why I use every opportunity to let others know they matter, no matter where they come from or what they are facing. I speak up when it is hard. I show up when I am tired. I keep pushing when it feels impossible, because someone is always watching. Not for perfection, but for proof that they can keep going too. I believe in being unapologetically myself. I believe in the quiet power of showing love through service. And I believe that even the smallest act of compassion can change someone’s entire day or even their path in life. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, it would also allow me to keep serving and inspiring others through everything I do.