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Gelgeli Clemons

575

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Gelgeli Clemons. I’m an 18-year-old rising sophomore at Howard University, currently pursuing a degree in Accounting. I was born in Ethiopia in 2006 and adopted in 2009 by my amazing mother. Since then, I’ve called Texas home for the past 16 years. As I began my college journey, I made the exciting transition to Washington, D.C.; the heart of the nation and now my second home. Before starting college, I had the opportunity to graduate from high school not only with my diploma but also with an Associate of Applied Science in Mortgage Banking from Richland College. It was during those challenging but formative four years that I discovered a passion for Accounting. When the time came to choose a major, I had no doubt that this was the path for me. As I have reflected on the direction I want my life to take, one goal has remained clear: to combine my accounting knowledge with my deep interest in intelligence.The skills and principles of accounting, such as financial analysis and auditing, can be applied to the field of intelligence to uncover financial crimes and illicit activities. Therefore, my long-term aspiration is to become a forensic accountant working for a U.S. intelligence agency. I know there is still much to learn, as I advance forward into my second year, but I am excited to continue growing, and I invite you to join me on this journey. Let us see where it leads.

Education

Howard University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Accounting and Related Services

Richland College

Associate's degree program
2020 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Accounting

    • Dream career goals:

      Working as a forensic accountant at a U.S. Intelligence Agency

    • As a student clerk worker for the Dallas County Election Department, I organized voting centers, assisted voters throughout the polling period, ensured proper ballot distribution, and conducted voter eligibility checks.

      Dallas County Elections Department
      2024 – 2024
    • As a pet sitter, I built strong relationships with clients by providing dependable, compassionate care and delivering consistent routines with prompt updates to ensure their peace of mind.

      2023 – 20252 years

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 20233 years

    Awards

    • Tripple A Award ( Attitude, Academics, and Attendance)

    Cross-Country Running

    Varsity
    2020 – 20244 years

    Awards

    • Triple A Award ( Attendance, Academics, and Attitude)

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2023 – 20241 year

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Feed My Starving Children — As a volunteer, I helped prepare and pack nutritious meals for children in need. These meals were shipped to various partner countries to support local efforts in fighting hunger.
      2020 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS) — I supported back-to-school preparations at Harriet Tubman Elementary by organizing supplies and resources, while demonstrating teamwork and initiative under the guidance of school administrators.
      2024 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      The Movement Street (TMS) — Collaborated with teams to improve local green spaces and community areas
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Delories Thompson Scholarship
    My future plans after completing my undergraduate studies is to continue my education by earning a Master's degree and completing the required credits to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This milestone is essential, as my long-term goal is to combine my accounting knowledge with my deep interest in U.S. intelligence. I have always been fascinated by the idea of working for a government agency, and I plan to pursue a role as a forensic accountant with one of the eighteen federal agencies in the U.S. Attending an HBCU is more than a personal choice; it is something that has become a part of my family. My mother graduated from Jackson State University, my aunt from Mississippi Valley State University, and my uncle from Alcorn State University. Now, I continue that legacy at Howard University's School of Business. Howard's motto, "Truth and Service," is reflected in every class discussion and is the foundation of the school's legacy. That culture of accountability and community gives me more than a sense of belonging; it allows me to transcend and break down barriers. I am hopeful and inspired by the vision of the day when I see more Black professionals working for U.S. intelligence. At Howard, I have found a second home, a network of people who seek to celebrate and propel us toward future change. That is why an HBCU is where I belong, and I am deeply committed to devoting my passion to both “Truth and Service.”
    Sarah F. Watson and James E. Dashiell Scholarship
    Charity has always been a way for individuals to donate or serve a specific cause, but to me, it is about selflessness and a genuine desire to uplift others. It is the idea of putting one's feelings aside and personally offering something meaningful to someone else. The desire to help others shouldn’t come from a sense of obligation, but from a genuine inner drive; a flame fueled by our shared humanity and compassion, connecting us to communities whose lives can change because of our ambition for change. In the future, I intend to give back by dedicating my time and skills to support underserved communities. From mentoring, community service, and mission trips to fundraising, I want to contribute to not only places that speak out to me but anywhere in which my hands may bless another soul. I want to be that hand of service, guided by empathy, compassion, dedication, and a driven purpose to make a difference.
    Gelgeli Clemons Student Profile | Bold.org