Before my mother filed for divorce, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life, even one with a single mother, can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life, even one with a single mother, can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities, creating meaningful connections within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Motivated to spread the awareness to educate others on the knowledge they have learned, I, as a leader, am taking a more proactive role in exploring the dividing, yet uniting duality of money. Aspiring a community where the youth feel confident in starting early to apply practical changes to their money managing habits, my perspective that age isn’t appropriate to working towards the financial goals one may aspire pushes the middle schools of the need for more students to not fear that their lack of prior knowledge. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader and the financially pressured Spanish boy as well as the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum became a mediator between the simple minded students and the unsupportive community by empowering the students with skills - rather than knowledge perhaps - beyond what can be found in the classroom. By teaching children using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive and active tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd meant more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a single common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These things sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: The adoption of this mindset of inspiration in my life will encourage me to grow confident and hopeful that others will work towards finding meaning in their lives. With college ahead, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to pursue financial literacy in my life. If I were to create a charity, I would continue my mission of spreading financial literacy. I would continue to target the youth, but also, I would like to help the elderly, who need help wìth retirement, trusts, and other measures. I would help those in underserved communities and third world countries. Whether through virtual classes, in person presentations, or social media, volunteers would take great pride in obtaining more knowledge to share to all who might desire it.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who need help with learning about retirement and trusts. By raising funds to support financial organizations, financial advising firms, and social media, I hope to bring advice to the elderly, the poor and fill this underserved gap in society. As the elderly should focus on living their life and leaving a health life, I believe that the elderly don’t deserve the financial pressure at their age. All I want is to allow others to live a comfortable, modest life. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life is the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life is the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

I marked a “+” on my notebook every time I learned about my nonna. The crowded table, which held this notebook, seated me - in my detective suit. Some are watching The Office; others are chatting. I pause at an Italian monolingual woman, preparing her favorite Arancini. The window’s breeze awakened my search around the familiar lavender scented room. It was then, when silence spoke to me, language became a daily barrier, and a restless hunger for any meaningful relationship with my grandmother rose. Every Sunday sauce, a reminder of discontent floods my stomach. From movies to textbooks, I attempted to supplement my distance with my grandmother with the lives of others, as this new world seemed to be my only viable escape. I always desired a connection between my Italian culture and my family, and that stuck with me, all because of her Sicilian dialect: so thick, so puzzling…so bright. To cope with not discovering her personality, I lived in denial, searching for a reason nonexistent. I failed to align my life with hers and this possibility diminished. How could our commonalities be blurred by one language? Now, through photos, from internalizing to taking my own, I found myself sharing with nonna what I thought were memories to remember. Photos were small emotional puzzle pieces that, when combined together, created a story only we could understand. My individual capturings became more than just recording the Sicilian Cuccidati; they became the words that I could not pronounce. Photography revealed that culture is what my creative mind can create when language fails. I was not exploring words, but I still was seating nonna at the center of the table. Photography made my residence my home and my relationship with my grandmother a lifelong lesson. Growing up, I was not able to ask nonna about her story, traditions, or most importantly, how she connected with the world. For this reason, language was more than a mode of communication: it became an opportunity to adapt and open the door when the window could not widen. I always dreamed of deepening my grandmother’s presence in my life, but screened by barriers, love felt lost. But that desire for warmth only came with knowing her character and my belonging. Instead of choosing what I was accustomed to, my dedication strengthened and my discovery became possible. Once the notion of needing a common language vanished, our hearts interlocked. Ahead, college will be an opportunity towards exploring my passion of culture, identity, and relationships. Eager to embrace the individuality of others, my own self-acceptance, the power of my imagination, and my persistent confidence have made perceptible the flaws I don’t need to refine. The vulnerability that stemmed from my belonging, not only softened my fear, but made my voice heard—and yes, through my camera. And acknowledging this, I found my chase of communication beyond rewarding. Complete, no. Optimistic, yes. As my nurturing bonds continue to blossom, my hope is a desire I will never lose to experience; it drives my future relationships. I now live through the moments; not just the ones on the wall or in the albums on my phone, but through new avenues and jumping into the unknown. I have learned that success is measured through adaptability and the essential skill communication will continue to be. Image #4, Video #5… the larger the numbers reach, the more motivated I become. As a second generation Italian-American, I have grown prideful in my culture and look to connect with others who similarly admire its beauty. From leading my high school’s Italian Club to networking with Italian speakers, a college education will help me continue to share my customs and traditions, leading those who want to embrace their cultural identity to create an interconnected environment. As I step into a more extensive network of personalities and backgrounds, my search for the best Italian gelato, one of my many adventures, will bring me to other attention deserving parlors : and the many unique flavors I will come to “taste.” Una foto vale mille parole is prominently stamped on the last page of my notebook. While I have significantly improved my understanding of the Italian language, the close of one book came the next with many more “+” to be written down...and photos taken. Pages to fill, the camera to translate, and the words “a photo is worth a thousand words” inscribed in my heart, I have been inspired to cruise through life's obstacles in my own unique way.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

I marked a “+” on my notebook every time I learned about my nonna. The crowded table, which held this notebook, seated me - in my detective suit. Some are watching The Office; others are chatting. I pause at an Italian monolingual woman, preparing her favorite Arancini. The window’s breeze awakened my search around the familiar lavender scented room. It was then, when silence spoke to me, language became a daily barrier, and a restless hunger for any meaningful relationship with my grandmother rose. Every Sunday sauce, a reminder of discontent floods my stomach. From movies to textbooks, I attempted to supplement my distance with my grandmother with the lives of others, as this new world seemed to be my only viable escape. I always desired a connection between my Italian culture and my family, and that stuck with me, all because of her Sicilian dialect: so thick, so puzzling…so bright. To cope with not discovering her personality, I lived in denial, searching for a reason nonexistent. I failed to align my life with hers and this possibility diminished. How could our commonalities be blurred by one language? Now, through photos, from internalizing to taking my own, I found myself sharing with nonna what I thought were memories to remember. Photos were small emotional puzzle pieces that, when combined together, created a story only we could understand. My individual capturings became more than just recording the Sicilian Cuccidati; they became the words that I could not pronounce. Photography revealed that culture is what my creative mind can create when language fails. I was not exploring words, but I still was seating nonna at the center of the table. Photography made my residence my home and my relationship with my grandmother a lifelong lesson. Growing up, I was not able to ask nonna about her story, traditions, or most importantly, how she connected with the world. For this reason, language was more than a mode of communication: it became an opportunity to adapt and open the door when the window could not widen. I always dreamed of deepening my grandmother’s presence in my life, but screened by barriers, love felt lost. But that desire for warmth only came with knowing her character and my belonging. Instead of choosing what I was accustomed to, my dedication strengthened and my discovery became possible. Once the notion of needing a common language vanished, our hearts interlocked. Ahead, college will be an opportunity towards exploring my passion of culture, identity, and the people around me. Eager to embrace the individuality of others, my own self-acceptance, the power of my imagination, and my persistent confidence have made perceptible the flaws I don’t need to refine. The vulnerability that stemmed from my belonging, not only softened my fear, but made my voice heard—and yes, through my camera. And acknowledging this, I found my chase of communication beyond rewarding. Complete, no. Optimistic, yes. As my nurturing bonds continue to blossom, my hope is a desire I will never lose to experience; it drives my future relationships. I now live through the moments; not just the ones on the wall or in the albums on my phone, but through new avenues and jumping into the unknown. I have learned that success is measured through adaptability and the essential skill communication will continue to be. Image #4, Video #5… the larger the numbers reach, the more motivated I become. As a second generation Italian-American, I have grown prideful in my culture and look to connect with others who similarly admire its beauty. From leading my high school’s Italian Club to networking with Italian guest speakers, a college education will help me continue to share my customs and traditions, leading those who want to embrace their cultural identity to create an interconnected environment. As I step into a more extensive network of personalities and backgrounds, my search for the best Italian gelato, one of my many adventures, will bring me to other attention deserving parlors : and the many unique flavors I will come to “taste.” Una foto vale mille parole is prominently stamped on the last page of my notebook. While I have significantly improved my understanding of the Italian language, the close of one book came the next with many more “+” to be written down...and photos taken. Pages to fill, the camera to translate, and the words “a photo is worth a thousand words” inscribed in my heart, I have been inspired to cruise through life's obstacles in my own unique way.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. A successful life can be the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring public service within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. I will be provided with opportunities for public service. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader who priorities the needs of serving the public. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. This is the life of a public service worker, who just aspired to do so through entrepreneurship.

I marked a “+” on my notebook every time I learned about my nonna. The crowded table, which held this notebook, seated me - in my detective suit. Some are watching The Office; others are chatting. I pause at an Italian monolingual woman, preparing her favorite Arancini. The window’s breeze awakened my search around the familiar lavender scented room. It was then, when silence spoke to me, language became a daily barrier, and a restless hunger for any meaningful relationship with my grandmother rose. Every Sunday sauce, a reminder of discontent floods my stomach. From movies to textbooks, I attempted to supplement my distance with my grandmother with the lives of others, as this new world seemed to be my only viable escape. I always desired a connection between my Italian culture and my family, and that stuck with me, all because of her Sicilian dialect : so thick, so puzzling…so bright. To cope with not discovering her personality, I lived in denial, searching for a reason nonexistent. I failed to align my life with hers and this possibility diminished. How could our commonalities be blurred by one language? My grandmother died in August of 2025. She suffered from Type 2 Diabetes for 35 years. My mother lowered her hemoglobin A1C before she was pregnant with my twin brother and I, but when she was pregnant she had gestational diabetes…and it permanently has stayed with her. Living in the same home as my grandmother and always feeling guilty for the stress my mother experienced because of diabetes, their struggle became mine. From bringing down their medication every night to even accompanying them to doctors appointments where they would take blood work for their diabetes, it has definitely impacted my life. My cousin Giuseppe, at the age of 19, developed type 1 diabetes after mysteriously urinating frequently, despite his active and healthy lifestyle.Having to take insulin along with the pills, the impact of diabetes in my family’s life has encouraged me to take my health, my culture, and my life with purpose. I have now learned that diabetes doesn’t wait for anybody, and so, I won’t let time pass till I become its next victim. Ahead, college will be an opportunity towards exploring my passions, identity, and the people around me. I hope to go to the gym more regularly, eat a healthier lifestyle, and beat the chronic disease that has influenced my life. Now, through photos, from internalizing to taking my own, became more than just recording the Sicilian Cuccidati I grew up with; they became the conversation that I could not have, whether I spoke the Italian language or not, with my grandmother. Photography revealed that culture is what my creative mind can create when language fails, but also when one’s legacy prevails - even though diabetes may have tried to take that away. I still was sitting nonna at the center of the table, as if the unforgettable picture of my grandmother sitting at that table may not be what I see today. Diabetes, at first, made me feel that I lost my opportunity to learn about my grandmother, but its obstacle pushed me to discover photography and a passion to make others realize once one is diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn’t mean the end of his/her life. Whether through a charity around diabetes to immigrants or non English speakers who may not have the money to pay for health care, I hope to make a difference in their lives and put a smile to my grandmother's face for making good of the horrible diabetes she knew.

As a rising senior, I have developed a passion to major in accounting. However, my sights weren’t always on being a certified public accountant (CPA). Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end of having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that high school is, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I was provided much more than that. The relationships and individuals who I have met along the way are far more important in my eyes and influential for my career goals. Always intrigued with numbers, the subject math was a priority throughout my years of learning, whether in analyzing the public data of companies in my neighborhood as a hobby or trading stocks. In junior year, my pre calculus teacher had encouraged me to follow my dreams in the field of mathematics, explaining how her husband became an accountant after regrettably becoming the commonly praised “doctor”. When contemplating the life my parents live on a daily basis and the future I want, my choice was clear. In truly deciding to explore my dreams, the life-changing lessons and wisdom, from the my role models like my math teacher, have propelled me to choose societies “boring 9-5 career.” Math has created a large community I hope to continue to immerse myself in, not because of past joy but rather to seek relationships beyond the subject I hold close to my heart.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. This is the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. This is the life of an entrepreneur.

I marked a “+” on my notebook every time I learned about my nonna. The crowded table, which held this notebook, seated me - in my detective suit. Some are watching The Office; others are chatting. I pause at an Italian monolingual woman, preparing her favorite Arancini. The window’s breeze awakened my search around the familiar lavender scented room. It was then, when silence spoke to me, language became a daily barrier, and a restless hunger for any meaningful relationship with my grandmother rose. Every Sunday sauce, a reminder of discontent floods my stomach. From movies to textbooks, I attempted to supplement my distance with my grandmother with the lives of others, as this new world seemed to be my only viable escape. I always desired a connection between my Italian culture and my family, and that stuck with me, all because of her Sicilian dialect : so thick, so puzzling…so bright. To cope with not discovering her personality, I lived in denial, searching for a reason nonexistent. I failed to align my life with hers and this possibility diminished. How could our commonalities be blurred by one language? My grandmother died in August of 2025. She suffered from Type 2 Diabetes for 35 years. My mother lowered her hemoglobin A1C before she was pregnant with my twin brother and I, but when she was pregnant she had gestational diabetes…and it permanently has stayed with her. Living in the same home as my grandmother and always feeling guilty for the stress my mother experienced because of diabetes, their struggle became mine. From bringing down their medication every night to even accompanying them to doctors appointments where they would take blood work for their diabetes, it has definitely impacted my life. My cousin Giuseppe, at the age of 19, developed type 1 diabetes after mysteriously urinating frequently, despite his active and healthy lifestyle.Having to take insulin along with the pills, the impact of diabetes in my family’s life has encouraged me to take my health, my culture, and my life with purpose. I have now learned that diabetes doesn’t wait for anybody, and so, I won’t let time pass till I become its next victim. Ahead, college will be an opportunity towards exploring my passions, identity, and the people around me. I hope to go to the gym more regularly, eat a healthier lifestyle, and beat the chronic disease that has influenced my life. Now, through photos, from internalizing to taking my own, became more than just recording the Sicilian Cuccidati I grew up with; they became the conversation that I could not have, whether I spoke the Italian language or not, with my grandmother. Photography revealed that culture is what my creative mind can create when language fails, but also when one’s legacy prevails - even though diabetes may have tried to take that away. I still was sitting nonna at the center of the table, as if the unforgettable picture of my grandmother sitting at that table may not be what I see today. Diabetes, at first, made me feel that I lost my opportunity to learn about my grandmother, but its obstacle pushed me to discover photography and a passion to make others realize once one is diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn’t mean the end of his/her life. Whether through a charity around diabetes to immigrants or non English speakers who may not have the money to pay for health care, I hope to make a difference in their lives and put a smile to my grandmother's face for making good of the horrible diabetes she knew.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum, as if it was a mediator, empowered the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. This is the life of an entrepreneur.

I marked a “+” on my notebook every time I learned about my nonna. The crowded table, which held this notebook, seated me - in my detective suit. Some are watching The Office; others are chatting. I pause at an Italian monolingual woman, preparing her favorite Arancini. The window’s breeze awakened my search around the familiar lavender scented room. It was then, when silence spoke to me, language became a daily barrier, and a restless hunger for any meaningful relationship with my grandmother rose. Every Sunday sauce, a reminder of discontent floods my stomach. From movies to textbooks, I attempted to supplement my distance with my grandmother with the lives of others, as this new world seemed to be my only viable escape. I always desired a connection between my Italian culture and my family, and that stuck with me, all because of her Sicilian dialect : so thick, so puzzling…so bright. To cope with not discovering her personality, I lived in denial, searching for a reason nonexistent. I failed to align my life with hers and this possibility diminished. How could our commonalities be blurred by one language? My grandmother died in August of 2025. She suffered from Type 2 Diabetes for 35 years. My mother lowered her hemoglobin A1C before she was pregnant with my twin brother and I, but when she was pregnant she had gestational diabetes…and it permanently has stayed with her. Living in the same home as my grandmother and always feeling guilty for the stress my mother experienced because of diabetes, their struggle became mine. From bringing down their medication every night to even accompanying them to doctors appointments where they would take blood work for their diabetes, it has definitely impacted my life. My cousin Giuseppe, at the age of 19, developed type 1 diabetes after mysteriously urinating frequently, despite his active and healthy lifestyle.Having to take insulin along with the pills, the impact of diabetes in my family’s life has encouraged me to take my health, my culture, and my life with purpose. I have now learned that diabetes doesn’t wait for anybody, and so, I won’t let time pass till I become its next victim. Ahead, college will be an opportunity towards exploring my passions, identity, and the people around me. I hope to go to the gym more regularly, eat a healthier lifestyle, and beat the chronic disease that has influenced my life. Now, through photos, from internalizing to taking my own, became more than just recording the Sicilian Cuccidati I grew up with; they became the conversation that I could not have, whether I spoke the Italian language or not, with my grandmother. Photography revealed that culture is what my creative mind can create when language fails, but also when one’s legacy prevails - even though diabetes may have tried to take that away. I still was sitting nonna at the center of the table, as if the unforgettable picture of my grandmother sitting at that table may not be what I see today. Diabetes, at first, made me feel that I lost my opportunity to learn about my grandmother, but its obstacle pushed me to discover photography and a passion to make others realize once one is diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn’t mean the end of his/her life. Whether through a charity around diabetes to immigrants or non English speakers who may not have the money to pay for health care, I hope to make a difference in their lives and put a smile to my grandmothers face for making good of the horrible diabetes she knew.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum empowering the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others. EconED is only one part of my journey in the world of business, but I know the skills and lessons I have learned will propel me to understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur - a leader. A successful life isn’t a life with the largest business created. A successful life isn’t a life calculated by the fame or recognition you may receive. A successful life is a life where the most people are impacted, the largest problems are solved, and a lasting legacy is left. This is the life of an entrepreneur.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader, the financially pressured Spanish boy and the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum empowering the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. After my B.S + M.S in Accounting, I hope to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end up having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that college offers, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I will be provided much more than that. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: While in college, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to spread financial literacy on a greater scale. In addition, I hope to create a charity, continuing to target the youth, but also, to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. My past financial obstacles have influenced my desire to learn about personal finance, and as a result, I (whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations) have come to fill that desire through the lives of others.

Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These obstacles sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader and the financially pressured Spanish boy as well as the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum empowering the students with skills - rather than just knowledge - beyond what can be found in the classroom. Using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd means more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: The adoption of this mindset of inspiration in my life will encourage me to grow confident and hopeful that others will work towards finding meaning in their lives. With college ahead, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to pursue financial literacy in my life. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. Hoping to create a charity, I hope to continue my mission of spreading financial literacy. I hope to continue to target the youth, but also, I want to help the elderly, who also need help wìth learning about retirement and trusts. I would help those in underserved communities and third world countries. Whether through virtual classes, or in person presentations, volunteers would take great pride in obtaining more knowledge to share to all who might desire it.

Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities, creating meaningful connections within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Motivated to spread the awareness to educate others on the knowledge they have learned, I, as a leader, am taking a more proactive role in exploring the dividing, yet uniting duality of money. Aspiring a community where the youth feel confident in starting early to apply practical changes to their money managing habits, my perspective that age isn’t appropriate to working towards the financial goals one may aspire pushes the middle schools of the need for more students to not fear that their lack of prior knowledge. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader and the financially pressured Spanish boy as well as the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum became a mediator between the simple minded students and the unsupportive community by empowering the students with skills - rather than knowledge perhaps - beyond what can be found in the classroom. By teaching children using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive and active tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd meant more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a single common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These things sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: The adoption of this mindset of inspiration in my life will encourage me to grow confident and hopeful that others will work towards finding meaning in their lives. With college ahead, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to pursue financial literacy in my life. If I were to create a charity, I would continue my mission of spreading financial literacy. I would continue to target the youth, but also, I would like to help the elderly, who need help wìth retirement, trusts, and other measures. I would help those in underserved communities and third world countries. Whether through virtual classes, in person presentations, or social media, volunteers would take great pride in obtaining more knowledge to share to all who might desire it.

Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities, creating meaningful connections within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Motivated to spread the awareness to educate others on the knowledge they have learned, I, as a leader, am taking a more proactive role in exploring the dividing, yet uniting duality of money. Aspiring a community where the youth feel confident in starting early to apply practical changes to their money managing habits, my perspective that age isn’t appropriate to working towards the financial goals one may aspire pushes the middle schools of the need for more students to not fear that their lack of prior knowledge. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader and the financially pressured Spanish boy as well as the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum became a mediator between the simple minded students and the unsupportive community by empowering the students with skills - rather than knowledge perhaps - beyond what can be found in the classroom. By teaching children using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive and active tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd meant more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a single common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. Before my mother filed for divorce in the summer going into my junior year, my family and I discovered my father’s obsessive gambling addiction. In addition, due to his health conditions, he changed employment to a job with a reduced income. These things sparked my curiosity to address the world’s increasing poverty, specifically the need for more people to understand the importance of sharing the financial knowledge they have learned. As an accounting student, I hope to devote part of my career and effort in driving towards solving the lack of financial education programs. While I have begun spreading financial literacy to the underprivileged youth through my chapter of EconEd, I am not yet satisfied: The adoption of this mindset of inspiration in my life will encourage me to grow confident and hopeful that others will work towards finding meaning in their lives. With college ahead, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities I may find and continue to pursue financial literacy in my life.

Embracing diverse human interactions and exploring complex identities, creating meaningful connections within limited opportunities has become my mission; and for this reason, my passion to target youth middle schools through my chapter’s non profit (EconEd) involvement has alerted me to underserved students, in need of an essential life skill : financial literacy. Motivated to spread the awareness to educate others on the knowledge they have learned, I, as an entrepreneur, am taking a more proactive role in exploring the dividing, yet uniting duality of money. Aspiring a community where the youth feel confident in starting early to apply practical changes to their money managing habits, my perspective that age isn’t appropriate to working towards the financial goals one may aspire pushes the middle schools of the need for more students to not fear that their lack of prior knowledge. Through organizing decision making workshops and activities focused on interactive discussions, the divide between the wealthy 6th grader and the financially pressured Spanish boy as well as the 12 year old girl felt invisible. My inviting curriculum became a mediator between the simple minded students and the unsupportive community by empowering the students with skills - rather than knowledge perhaps - beyond what can be found in the classroom. By teaching children using my cost effective resources, I learned that adaptability to change and open communication led to more inclusive and active tight-knit circles. In this way, EconEd meant more than just another opportunity to support future leaders in the financial world; it is about bonding others by a single common interest and inspiring meaningful relationships despite their differences. Through the accountancy BBA + M.S program at CUNY Baruch, I hope to achieve my goal of earning my CPA license in New York. Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business has engaging professors who will not only educate me on the topics needed for the exam, but also provide me with unique experiences outside the classroom, such as providing social media marketing and demographic research to small mom and pop shops. With my education, I aspire to one day be a CFO of a nonprofit organization surrounded around giving guidance to high school and college students in search of job opportunities, college scholarships, and other opportunities. Many can’t afford the price of college to get the opportunity to be educated in this country, but everyone should have the opportunity to learn about personal finance they choose to, especially in making the proper financial decisions. My journey as an entrepreneur has only began, but I can’t wait to continue to impact the lives of those I encounter and execute relationships that will last beyond the businesses I hope to create.

Growing up in a household where my family spoke Italian (such as my immigrant mother, my twin brother, and I) in order to speak my grandmother, Italian was a second language to me. But as soon as high school arrived, I explored a world where that wasn't a reality for all. What others saw as a struggle, I took for granted. During the onset of my sophomore year, a change of mindset occurred once a freshman, who went to the same middle school as I, reached out to me for assistance with his Italian homework. The moment I received the message that read that his grandmother was out of town (and couldn’t help him), I felt the need to peer tutor other freshmen and sophomores in Italian. It was that commonality that enabled me to take pride in helping others who are eager to learn but also daily speak the Italian language. The student who initially sparked my passion finished with a 90% in the class before previously having a 75%, later became a peer tutor himself, and even gave a presentation in Italian to my school’s Italian Club (which I am Co-President of). Once I learned that my volunteer work could significantly shift a student's learning from one near abandonment to a positive one, I developed a personal strive, within the connections I developed, to bring my talents beyond my high school. In Junior Year, I tutored two more students : one from my Mother’s school and another through zoom. However, I wasn’t yet satisfied with the forty-five hours of volunteer work I had accumulated. With eye opening success with that singular student from my middle school, I only began to imagine the wonders I can do with forty young students ranging between grades K-8 currently attending my middle school. From teaching Italian after school to assisting younger students with their homework assignments, I began to admire the Italian language for the relationships it enabled me to create - lasting far beyond the one hour weekly meeting we would have. Once I developed the relationships that I created, it made me realize that I was in a position to be a role model for these kids, which I would have drastically yearned for when I was at that point in my life. Thus, I feel that it is my responsibility to answer this call of service because I can put a smile on these kids' faces and give back to the middle school that guided me to where I am today. When seeing the insurmountable growth and identity that the Italian culture has fostered, it has entrenched this mindset to lead, educate and strike confidence in others to master Italian as well. Peer tutoring truly has brought me to believe that a little courage to spread our talents to others, can and will continue to unite our community into diligent leaders - in which I remind myself every morning - we are called to become.

“Giovanni, go to bed! It’s 1 A.M!” my mother would scream before she closes the door to go to sleep. Meanwhile, my mind is in a world of system of equations, semicolons, and geometric shapes. Practice on Khan Academy, SAT Question Bank, and the Collegeboard Practice Tests are only a few of the many resources I have throughly utilized in hopes to improve my score. To say the least, I am determined to improve my score, even if necessarily it isn’t “Ivy League bound”. Sending myself random TikTok posts to look back on and joining free google classrooms has provided me with supplements worth hours of time. Used to prepared in December of 2024, I scored a 1260 on my first SAT, getting a 630 on both the reading and writing and the math sections. However, this score was nowhere near my initial expectations. While I never set a specific target score, I wanted a feeling of satisfaction - in whatever way that may be. As a result, I attempted to hire an SAT tutor, which only lasted a month or so; it was too expensive for my parents to pay for my twin brother and I. After seeing my twin brother score higher than me, I felt destined to do better than him, and not just to brag in his face. I wanted this for me and only me. Not yet satisfied, I continued to watch YouTube videos and even started to read books to enhance my vocabulary. I spent countless hours wanting to get a better score, not for colleges, but for my own personal gratification for the work I have put in. On March of 2025, I scored a 1260 again, with the same score break down as December’s. I can’t even recreate the confused expression I had the first moment I saw that score or the amount of times I exclaimed, “It must be a glitch.” Devastated but not defeated, I knew that I had to put even more work than before. Studying on the bus from clubs and sports, doing daily practice on Play SAT’s website, and buying the Barron SAT Prep book, were only some of the adjustments I made. When I took the April SAT, my score changed drastically. My reading and writing score jumped to a 700 while my Math jumped to a 660, totaling a 1360! Reflecting on my only goal to put in the most effort possible, the 100 points score boost didn’t determine my success. While many don’t settle for below their dream score of a 1500, this didn’t matter to me. The sleepless nights and the constant prioritization of my score over my friends built values of patience, resilience, and confidence. With these life long skills acquired, I am satisfied with my journey. I have learned that a score doesn’t define me or my worth. However, I will not quit - I have participated in and completed Schoolhouses’ Math and R+W Bootcamp, a 4 week long free program in June. Now leading it in July, my goal is to encourage others to put in their all and be passionate shout the SAT. Self-studying during the summer, I will most likely take the August SAT for my last time. While my mindset will not change by then, one thing will - I will not stay up till 12 o clock and study (in order to satisfy both my mom and I).

Growing up in a household where my family spoke Italian (such as my immigrant mother, my twin brother, and I) in order to speak my grandmother, Italian was a second language to me. But as soon as high school arrived, I explored a world where that wasn't a reality for all. What others saw as a struggle, I took for granted. During the onset of my sophomore year, a change of mindset occurred once a freshman, who went to the same middle school as I, reached out to me for assistance with his Italian homework. The moment I received the message that read that his grandmother was out of town (and couldn’t help him), I felt the need to peer tutor other freshmen and sophomores in Italian. It was that commonality that enabled me to take pride in helping others who are eager to learn but also daily speak the Italian language. The student who initially sparked my passion finished with a 90% in the class before previously having a 75%, later became a peer tutor himself, and even gave a presentation in Italian to my school’s Italian Club (which I am Co-President of). Once I learned that my volunteer work could significantly shift a student's learning from one near abandonment to a positive one, I developed a personal strive, within the connections I developed, to bring my talents beyond my high school. In Junior Year, I tutored two more students : one from my Mother’s school and another through zoom. However, I wasn’t yet satisfied with the forty-five hours of volunteer work I had accumulated. With eye opening success with that singular student from my middle school, I only began to imagine the wonders I can do with forty young students ranging between grades K-8 currently attending my middle school. From teaching Italian after school to assisting younger students with their homework assignments, I began to admire the Italian language for the relationships it enabled me to create - lasting far beyond the one hour weekly meeting we would have. Once I developed the relationships that I created, it made me realize that I was in a position to be a role model for these kids, which I would have drastically yearned for when I was at that point in my life. Thus, I feel that it is my responsibility to answer this call of service because I can put a smile on these kids' faces and give back to the middle school that guided me to where I am today. When seeing the insurmountable growth and identity that the Italian culture has fostered, it has entrenched this mindset to lead, educate and strike confidence in others to master Italian as well. Peer tutoring truly has brought me to believe that a little courage to spread our talents to others, can and will continue to unite our community into diligent leaders - in which I remind myself every morning - we are called to become.

As a rising senior, I have developed a passion to major in accounting. However, my sights weren’t always on being a certified public accountant (CPA). Growing up in an Italian immigrant household, I never had the opportunities or funds that my peers did. When I would aspire about my future, I always thought I would end of having to start a restaurant like my uncle or work multiple time consuming jobs like my mother. Taking the grateful opportunity that high school is, I am provided with educational college classes to improve my knowledge of the accounting field and build valuable workplace skills. However, I was provided much more than that. The relationships and individuals who I have met along the way are far more important in my eyes and influential for my career goals. Always intrigued with numbers, the subject math was a priority throughout my years of learning, whether in analyzing the public data of companies in my neighborhood as a hobby or trading stocks. In junior year, my pre calculus teacher had encouraged me to follow my dreams in the field of mathematics, explaining how her husband became an accountant after regrettably becoming the commonly praised “doctor”. When contemplating the life my parents live on a daily basis and the future I want, my choice was clear. In truly deciding to explore my dreams, the life-changing lessons and wisdom, from the my role models like my math teacher, have propelled me to choose societies “boring 9-5 career.” Math has created a large community I hope to continue to immerse myself in, not because of past joy but rather to seek relationships beyond the subject I hold close to my heart.

Whether driving weekly to the pharmacy to pick up the numerous pills I would hand to to Italian grandmother every morning and night or cooking meals after school with the limited number of ingredients she could eat (diabetic and high cholesterol), taking care of my “nonna” was standard. Doctor’s appointments, errands, and even daily bathing became routine, especially when I have been living with her since I was born… The following is a moment and story I haven’t forgotten, 3 years later : I put a “+” on a page of my notebook every time I correctly answered my grandmother. The crowded marble table, which held this notebook, seated my cheerful mother joking with my brother, my dad conversing with my uncle, and I - examining the room. Some are watching The Office. Others are scrolling away on Facebook. On the other side of the room sits a modest woman, preparing her favorite arancini, distant from the gathering. The cold, awakening breeze from the open windows fills the lavender scented 11:03 A.M Sunday room. Nothing seems off-at first glance-but I begin to see that woman quietly mumble, as if she holds her thoughts obscured from the world. Acknowledging that a language became a daily barrier, a restless hunger rose to develop a meaningful relationship, like the window’s gust arousing my discovery into the world of Italian - a call to answer the women’s self-uttered sentence. Every Sunday dinner, my thoughts became reflective and conscious, similarly how the withdrawn women felt. I turned to cure this neglectful and detached connection I believed to have with my grandmother by learning Italian. “Cosa significant?” and “Io non capisco!" were commonly spoken as I attempted to explore the new culture of syllables. No progress meant no satisfaction, until I discovered old photos of my grandmother in the attic. All the distance and separation I felt dissolved when the sight of my grandma sewing a pillowcase brought a sense of enlightenment. The photos were small puzzle pieces of emotion, which once stringened together, created a story that truly taught the compassion I strived for. From internalizing photos to taking my own, I found myself sharing to “nonna” what I thought were memories to remember. My individual capturings became more than just remembering what ingredients create the Sicilian “Cuccidati”; they became the words that I couldn't pronounce. Photography became my gentle and devoted expression of my grandmother - who I then learned - I matched the image of. I wasn’t exploring a spoken set of words but I was seating my grandma at the center of the table and my life. Like her rice balls, I’ve learned to understand relationships are built by identity - to be a broadcast to others I’ve regrettably, not allowed others to be. Satisfaction became discovering my own memories and jumping into the unknown, without knowing that a camera would be my translator. Ambition, warmth, and passion fostered my hunt into the social identity that an “above surface” connection with my grandmother created. Pictures finally filled my emptiness, and the thoughts that flooded my brain when I imagined my grandmother’s reaction, uncovered how success is measured through adaptability - now, my daily mindset. Image #1, Video #2… the larger that number reached, the more empathetic I became. I was ready to open; I felt destined to a nurturing companionship. That failing to learn the language that became “Nonna” came with curiosity to explore the unique figures that truly made her : bonds. My intuition branched out to discover a world where unison became possible. And through this, I found my chase of communication beyond complete. I found out who I sought to be through others. The bond I shared was a desire I never lost to experience; it drove my future relationships. I live through the moments, not just the ones on the wall or in the catalog on my phone. When struggle hits, I don’t panic. “Ti amo più della mia vita,” emphasized with my grandmother’s heavy Sicilian accent, was written on the last page of my notebook. The close of one book came the next with many more “+” to be written down. It was this decision to continue filling up pages that demonstrates the man she has raised. With the Italian language dividing yet connecting us, my journey hasn’t been easy, yet I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Currently, as the Italian club co-president at my high school, I have developed a passion for my Italian culture and would love to impact others the same way I have been. With this scholarship, not only will it allow me to better enjoy the little time my grandmother has left but it’ll be another photo to add to the collection titled “family.”

Growing up in a household where my family spoke Italian (such as my immigrant mother, my twin brother, and I) in order to speak my grandmother, Italian was a second language to me. But as soon as high school arrived, I explored a world where that wasn't a reality for all. What others saw as a struggle, I took for granted. During the onset of my sophomore year, a change of mindset occurred once a freshman, who went to the same middle school as I, reached out to me for assistance with his Italian homework. The moment I received the message that read that his Italian grandmother was out of town (and couldn’t help him), I felt the need to peer tutor other freshmen and sophomores in Italian. It was that commonality that enabled me to take pride in helping others who are eager to learn but also daily speak the Italian language. The student who initially sparked my passion finished with a 90% in the class before previously having a 75%, later became a peer tutor himself, and even gave a presentation in Italian to my school’s Italian Club (which I am Co-President of). Once I learned that my volunteer work could significantly shift a student's learning from one near abandonment to a positive one, I developed a personal strive, within the connections I developed, to bring my talents beyond my high school. In Junior Year, I tutored two more students : one from my Mother’s school and another through zoom. However, I wasn’t yet satisfied with the forty-five hours of volunteer work I had accumulated. With eye opening success with that singular student from my middle school, I only began to imagine the wonders I can do with forty young students ranging between grades K-8 currently attending my middle school. From teaching Italian after school to assisting younger students with their homework assignments, I began to admire the Italian language for the relationships it enabled me to create - lasting far beyond the one hour weekly meeting we would have. Once I developed the relationships that I created, it made me realize that I was in a position to be a role model for these kids, which I would have drastically yearned for when I was at that point in my life. Thus, I feel that it is my responsibility to answer this call of service because I can put a smile on these kids' faces and give back to the middle school that guided me to where I am today. When seeing the insurmountable growth and identity that the Italian culture has fostered, it has entrenched this mindset to lead, educate and strike confidence in others to master Italian as well. Peer tutoring truly has brought me to believe that a little courage to spread our talents to others, can and will continue to unite our community into diligent leaders - in which I remind myself every morning - we are called to become.

Growing up in New York City, basketball has always been a core part of my identity. From playing on a travel team to outside with my friends, I have spent a lot of time watching and analyzing - especially beloved LeBron James we know today. After getting drafted first overall in 2003, my father used to tell my how he knew he was going to be special, but did he know the influential figure, both on and off the court, we know today? While many may believe that stats, such as LeBron’s longevity or leading the NBA’s all-time scoring record, basketball is about the long lasting impact with his fans. I know. I know. One can argue Micheal Jordan, but the fact that LeBron won the hearts of Miami, Los Angeles and of course Cleveland is something truly remarkable (compared to Jordan with Chicago). Now,we can go back and forth between stats that are just opinionated, or we can accept that both are great players and we should admire both of them. While LeBrons averages 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, he has populated the game and made it widespread as we know today. For this reason I love LeBron.

You’re building a wooden 16 by 5 feet bench to put in your room. You’re enjoying a bowl of Raisin Bran for lunch. You’re scrolling through videos of pigs rolling in mud. Whatever you wouldn’t associate together, think the opposite. This is the mindset, I, as a young man, has learned to accept. Being weird or quirky doesn’t mean it’s wrong. This creative side to has always been a core identity in my life. Whether my mom’s yelling at me for stacking a bunch of cans I found on the floor of the super market or another silly thing I’m doing, I’m different, unique or Giovanni - to say the least. The following quote from the first and one of my favorite song, all-american b****, (contending with the underrated “the grudge” and “vampire”) is very representative of who I am : “Coca-Cola bottles that I only use to curl my hair.” While this combination of words may leave you staring at the screen in puzzlement, happiness and a feeling of relatability reaches my soul every time I hear it. Something about the unconventional use of soda bottles to curl one’s hair instead of holding the sugary liquid teens love reminds me of something I would do. The word “only” really resonated with me, inferring that the Coca Cola bottles-in her eyes-are used for hair. It caught my attention because we live in a world where the ideas that brings someone happiness, becomes nullified by another’s opinion. For this reason, I feel passionate that the biggest growth in adolescence comes from personal development, and so, more artists need to utilize their influence to impact their young audiences on this key message. Attending a small, middle school of 30 kids per grade, I struggled to make friends until I joined high school, finally surrounding myself with a group who wanted the best for me. However, the feeling from the same disrespectful people never diminished. Entering freshman year, I felt isolated, either forced to succumb to my classmates’ nasty opinions or to be alone. Whether because of my physical figure, the death of my grandparents, or being a loser to my “always cooler” twin brother, there was always temptation from others that I was doing something wrong in my life. That temptation, surprisingly, was the best thing that happened to me; it motivated me to explore and fulfill my curiosity (my is the key word). Hence, I believe your adolescent years teaches you about your character and the importance of setting yourself with the “right” people for your life. While I might not have enough hair to curl with Coca Cola bottles, this is a representation of myself and many others dealing with the struggle of “peace”. Society, whether due to jealousy or lack of dignity, crushes the hopes and dreams of many. One’s years of adolescence, I would argue, are the best years of his or her’s life; they were the first step of my journey. This line is more than just a daily motto I say before I jump out of my bed. It’s a reminder. It’s self-love. It’s acceptance. Learning to accept is the kryptonite of sadness. My family is the most important thing in my life. Throughout college, my 40’s, and even my old age, we will continue to reminisce and laugh at the wacky memories of my childhood. Always caring about my grades, I have now turned to the two most important aspects of life - building the “guts” to be who I want and acknowledging me in the word “home”.

“Giovanni, go to bed! It’s 1 A.M!” my mother would scream before she closes the door to go to sleep. Meanwhile, my mind is in a world of system of equations, semicolons, and geometric shapes. Practice on Khan Academy, SAT Question Bank, and the Collegeboard Practice Tests are only a few of the many resources I have throughly utilized in hopes to improve my score. To say the least, I am determined to improve my score, even if necessarily it isn’t “Ivy League bound”. Sending myself random TikTok posts to look back on and joining free google classrooms has provided me with supplements worth hours of time. Used to prepared in December of 2024, I scored a 1260 on my first SAT, getting a 630 on both the reading and writing and the math sections. However, this score was nowhere near my initial expectations. While I never set a specific target score, I wanted a feeling of satisfaction - in whatever way that may be. As a result, I attempted to hire an SAT tutor, which only lasted a month or so; it was too expensive for my parents to pay for my twin brother and I. After seeing my twin brother score higher than me, I felt destined to do better than him, and not just to brag in his face. I wanted this for me and only me. Not yet satisfied, I continued to watch YouTube videos and even started to read books to enhance my vocabulary. I spent countless hours wanting to get a better score, not for colleges, but for my own personal gratification for the work I have put in. On March of 2025, I scored a 1260 again, with the same score break down as December’s. I can’t even recreate the confused expression I had the first moment I saw that score or the amount of times I exclaimed, “It must be a glitch.” Devastated but not defeated, I knew that I had to put even more work than before. Studying on the bus from clubs and sports, doing daily practice on Play SAT’s website, and buying the Barron SAT Prep book, were only some of the adjustments I made. When I took the April SAT, my score changed drastically. My reading and writing score jumped to a 700 while my Math jumped to a 660, totaling a 1360! Reflecting on my only goal to put in the most effort possible, the 100 points score boost didn’t determine my success. While many don’t settle for below their dream score of a 1500, this didn’t matter to me. The sleepless nights and the constant prioritization of my score over my friends built values of patience, resilience, and confidence. With these life long skills acquired, I am satisfied with my journey. I have learned that a score doesn’t define me or my worth. However, I will not quit - I have participated in and completed Schoolhouses’ Math and R+W Bootcamp, a 4 week long free program in June. Now leading it in July, my goal is to encourage others to put in their all and be passionate shout the SAT. Self-studying during the summer, I will most likely take the August SAT for my last time. While my mindset will not change by then, one thing will - I will not stay up till 12 o clock and study (in order to satisfy both my mom and I).

Eminem blasting, windows down, and the moon shining are only a few of the sights and sounds I remember on my 3 A.M adventures to McDonalds with my cousins. I’m scrolling on “try not to laugh” videos on TikTok and just chillin’ in the summer air. A second later I hear my 12 year old obnoxious cousin named Alessia giggling, and the next, my twin brother screaming “food fight”. While quite chaotic, I would never replace anything for it. It’s these memories and vibes that I hope to cherish when I retire. I’m not sure if I’m doing justice in calling those late nights an “event” but surely it’s quite memorable. Growing up in Generation Z, my immigrant Italian grandparents would always yell at me for being on the “gadgets.” “This generation’s always on those phones!” she would say in her thick accent. Meanwhile, quite honestly, in that moment I’m texting about the plans for the weekend in the the group chat with my friends (named The 5 Musketeers) or replying to a comment on Instagram, defending Raisin Bran cereal with all my heart. Whether it’s because they grew up in a generation where morals were different or because time before 1996 was just boring, chewing bubble gum with braces (don’t tell my orthodontist) or playing video games like Fortnite has became common in a society where digital communication, anxiety, and self identity is prevalent. My late night brain dump on the Notes app, or making slime - these chaotic or strange yet satisfactory behaviors is the epitome of Gen Z. After the COVID -19 pandemic, the world’s coming together has encourages many, like myself, to build confidence- in whatever weird manner that may be. That’s why I bleed Gen Z - it’s embracing what I want it to be.