The alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. Marisol didn’t even think about it. She reached over, turned it off, and got up. No hesitation. No snoozing. She had things to do. Her day was already planned out in her head. Study before school. Pay attention in every class. Work after school. Homework at night. Then do it all again tomorrow. People always told her she was doing too much. “Why are you always busy?” her friend Elena asked one day. “It’s not that serious.” Marisol just smiled. It was easier than explaining. Because to her, it was serious. She sat in class later that day, writing notes as fast as she could. Around her, people whispered, laughed, checked their phones. They didn’t seem worried about anything. Marisol noticed everything she could be doing better. Writing neater. Listening harder. Getting ahead instead of just keeping up. It was exhausting, but stopping felt worse. After school, Elena asked her to hang out. “Come on,” she said. “You can take a break for once.” A break. Marisol thought about it for a second, then shook her head. “I can’t. I have work.” Elena rolled her eyes. “You always have something.” Marisol watched her walk away, laughing with someone else. For a second, she felt something she didn’t want to name. But then she checked the time and kept moving. That’s how it always went. When she tried to relax, it didn’t feel good. It felt wrong. Like she was wasting time. Like she was falling behind without even knowing it. So she stayed busy. That night, she sat at the kitchen table with her books open. Her mom was asleep on the couch, tired from work. The apartment was quiet. Marisol looked down at her list of things to do. She had already finished most of it, but there was always more she could add. There was always something else she could improve. People thought being productive was just a habit. Like it was something small. Something you could turn on and off. They didn’t see what it felt like. They didn’t feel that pressure in their chest when they weren’t doing something useful. They didn’t think about how one lazy day could turn into falling behind. They didn’t worry about wasting chances they might never get again. To them, it was just being busy. To Marisol, it was everything. She stared at her notebook for a long moment. Then, slowly, she closed it. She leaned back in her chair and just sat there. At first, it felt uncomfortable. Like she was doing something wrong. But after a minute, nothing bad happened. The world didn’t fall apart. She didn’t suddenly fail. Everything was still there, waiting for her. Marisol took a breath. Maybe people thought it was trivial because they didn’t need it the same way she did. Or maybe they just didn’t understand. She picked up her pencil again, but this time, she didn’t rush. For once, she let herself go a little slower.

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American and navigating college largely on my own has shaped both my perspective and my purpose. Being bilingual has given me more than just the ability to communicate in two languages—it has allowed me to understand different cultures, bridge gaps between people, and recognize how easily others can feel excluded when they are not fully understood. These experiences have helped me develop empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility to give back. I plan to use these qualities, along with my skills in accounting, to help build a more empathetic and understanding global community. One of my strongest talents is my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. Growing up speaking both Spanish and English, I have often been in situations where I needed to translate not just words, but meaning, tone, and cultural context. This has taught me how important it is to listen carefully and be patient with others. In a global community, misunderstandings often come from lack of communication or cultural awareness. By using my bilingual skills, I can help create more inclusive environments where people feel heard and respected. Whether it is assisting individuals who are not fluent in English or working in diverse teams, I want to be someone who helps others feel seen rather than overlooked. In addition to communication, I plan to use my future career in accounting to make a meaningful impact. While accounting is often seen as numbers and reports, it is also about trust, transparency, and responsibility. I want to use my knowledge to support underserved communities, small businesses, and individuals who may not have access to financial education or resources. Many families, especially those similar to mine, struggle with understanding financial systems, which can create barriers to success. By offering guidance and support, I can help people make informed decisions and build more stable futures. Financial empowerment is an important part of creating a more understanding and equitable world. My personal experiences have also taught me resilience and independence. Living on my own while pursuing my education has required discipline and determination. These challenges have helped me better understand what others may be going through, especially those who feel isolated or unsupported. Because of this, I want to be someone who not only succeeds personally but also uplifts others along the way. Empathy is not just about understanding someone’s situation—it is about taking action to make a difference. Beyond my career, I aim to continue growing as a person who values authenticity and self-expression. I have been inspired by individuals who encourage others to be themselves and embrace their identity, and I want to pass that forward. Creating a more empathetic global community means encouraging people to feel confident in who they are while also being open to learning about others. I believe that when people feel accepted, they are more likely to extend that same understanding to those around them. Ultimately, I will use my bilingual abilities, cultural awareness, and professional skills in accounting to break down barriers and create opportunities for others. By combining empathy with action, I hope to contribute to a global community that values understanding, inclusion, and support for all.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because I have grown up watching her evolve, and her journey has closely paralleled my own personal growth. I first became aware of her in middle school when she starred in the Disney Channel show Girl Meets World. At that time in my life, I was still figuring out who I was, and watching her on screen gave me someone to look up to. I admired her confidence, her humor, and the way she expressed herself so naturally. Even though it was just a show, her presence made a real impression on me during a time when I was still trying to find my own voice. Not long after, I remember hearing her first song released through Disney, which was Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying. That moment made me see her in a completely different way. She was not just an actress playing a role, but an artist sharing her own thoughts and emotions. The song felt honest and relatable, and it showed me that she had depth beyond what I had seen on television. As someone who was still young and learning how to express myself, it was inspiring to see someone not much older than me confidently share her feelings through music. As Sabrina Carpenter continued to grow in her career, I found myself growing alongside her. She transitioned from being a Disney Channel star into a more independent artist, and that evolution stood out to me. It showed me that it is okay to change, to take risks, and to step outside of what people expect from you. Watching her take control of her image and her music made me realize the importance of staying true to yourself, even as you grow and enter new phases of life. One of the biggest ways she has impacted me is by inspiring me to be myself without feeling the need to fit into a specific mold. Throughout her career, she has shown confidence in who she is, whether through her music, her style, or the way she carries herself. That has encouraged me to become more comfortable with expressing my own personality and opinions. In middle school and even beyond, it can be easy to compare yourself to others or feel like you have to change to be accepted. Seeing her embrace who she is helped me understand that being authentic is more important than trying to meet other people’s expectations. Her music has also played a role in helping me grow emotionally. Many of her songs reflect personal experiences, relationships, and self reflection, which makes them easy to connect with. As I have gotten older, I have been able to relate to her music in different ways, and it has helped me process my own feelings and experiences. It feels like her career is not just about entertainment, but also about growth, honesty, and self discovery. Overall, I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because she represents growth, confidence, and authenticity. From watching her on Girl Meets World in middle school to listening to her music starting with Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, I have been inspired by her journey. She has influenced me to be more confident in who I am and to embrace my own growth, and that is why her career has had such a meaningful impact on me.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am pursuing a future in the accounting field because it combines several of my interests, strengths, and personal motivations. Originally, I planned to become a lawyer because I was drawn to the idea of working within the legal system and helping others navigate complex issues. I admired the structure, reasoning, and advocacy involved in law, and I saw it as a meaningful way to make a difference in people’s lives. However, as I continued my education and explored different subjects more deeply, I realized that I have a strong interest in mathematics and problem solving. I found satisfaction in working through numbers, identifying patterns, and arriving at clear and logical solutions. At the same time, I still wanted a career connected to business and, in some ways, to law. Accounting stood out as the ideal path because it blends analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and elements of legal responsibility such as tax regulations and compliance. My desire to pursue accounting is also deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my parents face challenges with managing their finances, especially when it came to understanding and filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often struggled with systems that were unfamiliar and complicated. Language barriers and limited access to reliable information made these tasks even more difficult. I remember seeing the stress they experienced during tax season, and it left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize how many families face similar challenges, not because they lack the ability, but because they lack access to clear guidance and support. These experiences inspired me to want to help others. I began to see accounting not just as a career, but as a way to serve my community. One of my main goals in becoming an accountant is to assist individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. I want to provide clarity, build trust, and make complicated financial processes easier to understand. Whether it is helping someone file their taxes correctly, explaining financial information, or offering advice on managing money, I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I also hope to work with small businesses, especially those owned by immigrants or first generation entrepreneurs, so that I can help them stay organized and financially stable. I also want to make a broader impact within my community. I plan to use my skills to educate others about financial literacy through workshops or community programs. Many people are not taught how to manage money, build credit, or plan for their future, and I want to help change that. By breaking down complex financial topics into simple and understandable ideas, I hope to empower others to take control of their financial futures. I want to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions and gaining knowledge without fear of judgment. My goal is not only to help people solve immediate problems, but also to give them tools they can use long term. Throughout my life, I have faced personal challenges that have shaped who I am today. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. In my early years, this made me feel isolated and frustrated. I struggled to communicate with others and sometimes felt left out because I could not express myself clearly. However, instead of letting this hold me back, I used it as motivation. I became determined to learn English and improve my communication skills. Over time, my hard work paid off. I gained confidence, adapted to my environment, and developed resilience. These experiences taught me perseverance and empathy for others facing similar struggles. As I continue my journey into the accounting field, I carry these lessons with me. I am committed to building a career that is not only successful, but also meaningful, where I can support my community and help others navigate their financial futures with confidence.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am pursuing a future in the accounting field because it combines several of my interests, strengths, and personal motivations. Originally, I planned to become a lawyer because I was drawn to the idea of working within the legal system and helping others navigate complex issues. I admired the structure, reasoning, and advocacy involved in law, and I saw it as a meaningful way to make a difference in people’s lives. However, as I continued my education and explored different subjects more deeply, I realized that I have a strong and natural interest in mathematics and problem solving. I found satisfaction in working through numbers, identifying patterns, and arriving at clear and logical solutions. At the same time, I still wanted a career connected to business and, in some ways, to law. Accounting quickly stood out as the ideal path because it blends analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and elements of legal responsibility such as tax regulations, compliance, and ethical standards. Beyond my academic interests, my desire to pursue accounting is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my parents face challenges with managing their finances, especially when it came to understanding and filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often struggled with systems that were unfamiliar, complicated, and sometimes overwhelming. Language barriers and limited access to reliable information made these tasks even more difficult. I remember seeing the stress and uncertainty they experienced during tax season and other financial situations, and it left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize how many families and individuals face similar challenges, not because they lack intelligence or determination, but because they lack access to clear guidance, education, and trustworthy support. These experiences inspired me to want to be part of the solution. I began to see accounting not just as a career, but as a way to serve my community and empower others. One of my main goals in becoming an accountant is to assist individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. I want to be someone who can provide clarity, build trust, and make complicated financial processes easier to understand. Whether it is helping someone file their taxes correctly, explaining financial documents in a way that makes sense, or offering advice on budgeting and managing money, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting difference in people’s lives. I want my work to reduce stress and create confidence for those who feel overwhelmed by financial systems. I also hope to work with small businesses in the future, especially those owned by immigrants or first generation entrepreneurs, so that I can help them stay organized, compliant, and financially stable. Throughout my life, I have also faced personal challenges that have shaped who I am today and strengthened my determination to succeed. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. In my early years, this often made me feel isolated, uncertain, and frustrated. I struggled to communicate with my peers and teachers, and there were moments when I felt left out because I could not express myself the way others could. Simple tasks such as participating in class, asking for help, or making friends were often more difficult for me than for others. These experiences were discouraging at times, but they also pushed me to develop patience and persistence. Instead of allowing these challenges to limit me, I used them as motivation to grow. I became determined to learn English, improve my communication skills, and prove to myself that I was capable of succeeding in any environment. I dedicated extra time to practicing, asking questions, and stepping outside of my comfort zone, even when it felt uncomfortable. I took advantage of every opportunity to improve, whether that meant speaking up in class, reading more, or seeking help when I needed it. Over time, my hard work paid off. I gained confidence in my abilities, adapted to my surroundings, and developed a strong sense of resilience and independence. These experiences have taught me perseverance, empathy, and the importance of supporting others who may be facing similar obstacles. I understand what it feels like to be unsure or overwhelmed, and that perspective drives my desire to help others feel more confident and supported. As I continue my journey into the accounting field, I carry these lessons with me. They not only shape my work ethic but also guide the way I interact with others. I am committed to building a career that is not only successful but also meaningful, one where I can use my knowledge and experiences to create positive change, support my community, and help others navigate their financial futures with confidence and clarity.

I am a first-generation Mexican American student currently pursuing a degree in accounting, and my journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility. My parents spent over 30 years building their lives in the United States before being deported back to Mexico. They now live there with my two younger sisters, working to support themselves through rental properties while also building a small convenience store to create more stable income. Their situation has motivated me to stay focused on my education and build a future where I can provide support and stability for my family. During this transition, I spent eight months living in Mexico, where I attended university and studied international business. That experience pushed me to adapt quickly to a new academic system, cultural expectations, and environment. After returning to the United States, I made the decision to continue my education independently. Living on my own has taught me essential life skills, including financial responsibility, time management, and self-discipline. Balancing school while supporting myself has not always been easy, but it has strengthened my determination to succeed and make the most of every opportunity. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in accounting and work toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). My long-term goal is to work with small businesses, particularly those owned by immigrants or first-generation entrepreneurs, to help them better understand financial systems, taxes, and business growth strategies. I also hope to one day open my own accounting firm that focuses on providing accessible and affordable financial services to underserved communities. Coming from a background where financial knowledge was limited, I understand how impactful it can be to have someone guide you through those processes. My first language is Spanish, and being bilingual has played a major role in shaping my academic and personal experiences. One of the challenges I have faced is navigating between two languages in educational settings, especially when learning complex or technical material like business and accounting concepts. There were times when I had to put in extra effort to fully understand terminology or express my ideas clearly in English. However, these challenges have ultimately made me a stronger learner and communicator. Being bilingual allows me to connect with a wider range of people and gives me the ability to serve diverse communities more effectively. It has also given me a deeper appreciation for different perspectives and cultures. In addition to my academic goals, I am committed to personal growth and giving back to my community. Whether through mentoring other first-generation students or volunteering my skills in the future, I want to use my education as a tool to create opportunities for others. My experiences have taught me perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of staying focused on long-term goals. I am determined to turn the challenges I have faced into motivation for success and to build a future that reflects both my ambitions and my values.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am pursuing a future in the accounting field because it combines several of my interests and personal motivations. Originally, I planned to become a lawyer, as I was drawn to the idea of working within the legal system and helping others navigate complex issues. However, as I continued my education, I realized that I have a strong interest in mathematics and problem-solving. At the same time, I still wanted a career connected to business and, in some ways, to law. Accounting quickly stood out as the perfect path because it blends analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and elements of legal responsibility, such as tax regulations and compliance. Beyond my academic interests, my desire to pursue accounting is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my parents face challenges with managing their finances, especially when it came to understanding and filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often struggled with systems that were unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. Seeing this firsthand had a lasting impact on me. It made me realize how many families and individuals face similar challenges, not because they lack the ability, but because they lack access to clear guidance and support. This inspired me to want to help others feel more confident and informed about their financial situations. One of my main goals in becoming an accountant is to assist individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. I want to be someone who can provide clarity, build trust, and make complicated financial processes easier to understand. Whether it is helping someone file their taxes correctly or offering advice on managing money, I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Throughout my life, I have also faced personal challenges that have shaped who I am today. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. In my early years, this often made me feel isolated and frustrated. I struggled to communicate with my peers and sometimes felt left out because I could not express myself the way others could. However, instead of allowing this to hold me back, I used it as motivation. I became determined to learn English, improve my communication skills, and prove to myself and others that I was capable of succeeding. Over time, my hard work paid off. I gained confidence, adapted to my environment, and developed a strong sense of resilience. These experiences have taught me perseverance, empathy, and the importance of helping others who may be facing similar obstacles. As I continue my journey into the accounting field, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they will guide me in both my career and my efforts to support others.

1. Their debut announcement was very meaningful to me because I was already an ARMY at the time, and it was BigHit’s first time debuting a group after BTS. I remember feeling very curious and excited to see how a new group would grow under the same company and what kind of concept they would bring to the K-pop industry. Watching their debut and early promotions made me feel like I was witnessing the beginning of something special, and it made me want to support them from the very start. 2. That we always support the members of TXT when they need it. As a fan, I believe it is important to show consistent encouragement not only during their successes but also during moments when they may be facing pressure or challenges. I try to support them by streaming their music, engaging with their content, and appreciating their hard work. Being part of MOA means creating a positive and supportive environment for them and for other fans as well. 3. Kai, I loved his vocals since he debuted and it has not changed since their debut. His voice has always stood out to me because of its unique tone and emotional quality. Whether he is singing soft melodies or more powerful parts, I feel like he adds something special to every TXT song and performance, and I continue to look forward to his growth as an artist. 4. Wonyoung is my ult bias, I’ve supported her since her Produce 48 days because she was the contestant closest to my age and I felt inspired watching her confidence and growth. Even now, I still support her and her activities in IVE, and I admire how she has developed her career while maintaining her image and professionalism in the industry. 5. “Fairy of Shampoo” is my favorite TXT song. I enjoy listening to songs that sound whimsical and relaxing, and I feel like this song really gives off the vibe of someone running through fields or a quiet forest. It has a dreamy atmosphere that helps me calm down and escape from stress, which is why I keep returning to it. 6. I have not had the opportunity to see them live yet because they have not performed anywhere near where I live, so I have not had the chance to attend a concert. However, I really hope I will be able to see them in the future if they tour closer to my area, because it would be an unforgettable experience. 7. My favorite album is their most recent, 7th Year. I like the color schemes and concept photos they released with this album because they feel very creative and visually appealing. Not only that, but I also really enjoy the title track and the full tracklist, since every song feels like it contributes to a complete story and theme. 8. I am paying out of pocket for my education, which makes managing tuition very important and sometimes stressful. I work hard to stay on top of my expenses and continue my studies at the same time, even when it becomes difficult financially. 9. It would help me pay for my college tuition. I am currently paying for my own tuition due to my parents’ deportation, and this scholarship would greatly help reduce my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my education instead of constantly worrying about costs. 10. TXT has always shown the utmost support and thoughtfulness to MOA, and I feel like I should also be showing this same kindness to the people around me. When others are having hard times and need someone to help them, I want to be someone who can offer support, encouragement, and understanding just like they do for their fans. 11. I plan to help immigrants and anyone else who needs a guiding hand in their financial struggles. When people do not have access to guidance or support, I want to be there to help them understand their finances and make better decisions. My goal is to give back to communities that often feel overlooked and provide them with the assistance they need to succeed.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am interested in pursuing a career in accounting because it combines my strengths and personal experiences. I originally planned to become a lawyer, but I realized I have a strong interest in mathematics while still wanting to work in a field connected to business and law. Accounting stood out to me because it blends problem-solving, financial knowledge, and legal aspects like taxes and regulations. My motivation for choosing this field comes from my family’s experiences. Growing up, I saw my parents struggle with managing their finances, especially when it came to filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often faced confusion due to unfamiliar systems. Watching this made me realize how many people lack access to financial guidance. I want to help individuals and families better understand their finances and feel more confident making important decisions. One challenge I have faced is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. This made it difficult to communicate and sometimes left me feeling isolated. However, these struggles motivated me to work harder and learn the language. Over time, I became more confident and adapted to my environment. These experiences have shaped my determination and empathy for others. As I pursue a career in accounting, I hope to use my knowledge to support people who may be facing similar challenges and make a positive impact in their lives.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am pursuing a future in the accounting field because it combines several of my interests and personal motivations. Originally, I planned to become a lawyer, as I was drawn to the idea of working within the legal system and helping others navigate complex issues. However, as I continued my education, I realized that I have a strong interest in mathematics and problem-solving. At the same time, I still wanted a career connected to business and, in some ways, to law. Accounting quickly stood out as the perfect path because it blends analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and elements of legal responsibility, such as tax regulations and compliance. Beyond my academic interests, my desire to pursue accounting is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my parents face challenges with managing their finances, especially when it came to understanding and filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often struggled with systems that were unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. Seeing this firsthand had a lasting impact on me. It made me realize how many families and individuals face similar challenges, not because they lack the ability, but because they lack access to clear guidance and support. This inspired me to want to help others feel more confident and informed about their financial situations. One of my main goals in becoming an accountant is to assist individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. I want to be someone who can provide clarity, build trust, and make complicated financial processes easier to understand. Whether it is helping someone file their taxes correctly or offering advice on managing money, I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Throughout my life, I have also faced personal challenges that have shaped who I am today. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. In my early years, this often made me feel isolated and frustrated. I struggled to communicate with my peers and sometimes felt left out because I could not express myself the way others could. However, instead of allowing this to hold me back, I used it as motivation. I became determined to learn English, improve my communication skills, and prove to myself and others that I was capable of succeeding. Over time, my hard work paid off. I gained confidence, adapted to my environment, and developed a strong sense of resilience. These experiences have taught me perseverance, empathy, and the importance of helping others who may be facing similar obstacles. As I continue my journey into the accounting field, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they will guide me in both my career and my efforts to support others.

My name is Jessica Arevalo, and I am pursuing a future in the accounting field because it combines several of my interests and personal motivations. Originally, I planned to become a lawyer, as I was drawn to the idea of working within the legal system and helping others navigate complex issues. However, as I continued my education, I realized that I have a strong interest in mathematics and problem-solving. At the same time, I still wanted a career connected to business and, in some ways, to law. Accounting quickly stood out as the perfect path because it blends analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and elements of legal responsibility, such as tax regulations and compliance. Beyond my academic interests, my desire to pursue accounting is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my parents face challenges with managing their finances, especially when it came to understanding and filing taxes. As immigrants adjusting to a new country, they often struggled with systems that were unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. Seeing this firsthand had a lasting impact on me. It made me realize how many families and individuals face similar challenges, not because they lack the ability, but because they lack access to clear guidance and support. This inspired me to want to help others feel more confident and informed about their financial situations. One of my main goals in becoming an accountant is to assist individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity to learn about financial literacy. I want to be someone who can provide clarity, build trust, and make complicated financial processes easier to understand. Whether it is helping someone file their taxes correctly or offering advice on managing money, I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Throughout my life, I have also faced personal challenges that have shaped who I am today. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome is growing up without knowing English or fully understanding American culture. In my early years, this often made me feel isolated and frustrated. I struggled to communicate with my peers and sometimes felt left out because I could not express myself the way others could. However, instead of allowing this to hold me back, I used it as motivation. I became determined to learn English, improve my communication skills, and prove to myself and others that I was capable of succeeding. Over time, my hard work paid off. I gained confidence, adapted to my environment, and developed a strong sense of resilience. These experiences have taught me perseverance, empathy, and the importance of helping others who may be facing similar obstacles. As I continue my journey into the accounting field, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they will guide me in both my career and my efforts to support others.