What makes me different is that I’ve never waited for someone to open the door. I’ve learned to build my own—and make sure it stays open for others. As an African American and first-generation college student, I’ve had to navigate systems I wasn’t born into. I fund my education through scholarships, part-time work, and the kind of determination that comes from knowing what’s at stake. These challenges didn’t just shape my work ethic; they helped me discover my identity. I’ve learned not to dilute myself to fit in. Instead, I lead with honesty, humility, and service. When I stepped into the world of business and finance, I rarely saw faces that looked like mine. But I refused to let that invisibility define me. I leaned into who I am—someone who learns quickly, leads quietly, and stays committed to helping others move forward too. That’s my version of being unapologetically myself. I don’t just want to succeed. I want others who come from where I come from to know they can do it too. That’s why I mentor seven students every week. Some go to my school; others I’ve met through networking or mutual connections. They’re students trying to break into finance, navigate college life, or simply believe that they belong in competitive spaces. I help them with interview prep, resumes, and mindset. But more than anything, I offer perspective—proof that their background doesn’t disqualify them; it equips them. One of the most meaningful moments I’ve had came after a campus event, when a student I didn’t know came up to me and said, “You don’t know me, but I’ve been following your story. You helped me believe I could do this too.” That moment reminded me that we are always influencing someone, even in silence. You don’t have to know their name to make a difference. This belief drives everything I do. Whether I’m in class, volunteering, speaking on panels, or sharing parts of my journey online, I show up fully. I stay prepared, speak with care, and lead by example. Not for recognition, but because I know someone might need to see a version of success that looks like them. Beyond mentorship, I’ve volunteered as a tax preparer through Just Harvest, taught financial literacy at local schools, and judged youth business competitions in my community. Right now, I’m building a freshman-focused development program at my university to guide underrepresented students into fields like investment banking and private equity. To me, service isn’t just about giving back. It’s about making access easier for those still trying to find the door. This mindset is also what I bring into my future. In 2026, I’ll intern with HSBC’s Global Infrastructure Finance team in New York. I’m not just preparing to enter a complex industry—I’m preparing to reshape it and to lead in a way that reflects the communities I represent. The legacy of Miss Gladys Ruth is a reminder that being yourself isn’t just powerful—it’s necessary. I carry my difference with pride, and I use it to serve others who may never tell me I made an impact. That, to me, is leadership. That is legacy.

Over the next five years, I plan to use my studies at Duquesne University—where I’m pursuing a double major in Finance and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Accounting to create meaningful environmental impact in both local and global communities. I’ve come to believe that where capital flows, change follows. If we want a more sustainable world, we need professionals who are intentional about how that capital is used. My journey begins with continued preparation for my 2026 role at HSBC, where I’ll be joining their Global Investment Banking Infrastructure Finance team. This group specializes in supporting infrastructure that improves environmental outcomes. That includes renewable energy projects such as solar and wind, as well as advisory work to help decarbonize industries that have historically contributed the most to environmental harm—like metals, coal, and oil. Being part of these efforts will allow me to support both the development of cleaner systems and the transformation of older, high-impact sectors. In addition to infrastructure finance, I’ve developed a strong interest in global markets and geopolitics. My study abroad experience helped me understand how interconnected environmental and economic challenges truly are. Over the next several years, I want to deepen my knowledge of international trade, climate policy, and cross-border investing. This will help me better understand how to align financial systems with environmental goals around the world. Eventually, I plan to launch an investment fund focused on sustainable and inclusive development. This fund would support entrepreneurs building clean energy solutions, finance public projects in underserved regions, and connect capital to climate-positive initiatives that are often overlooked. The goal is to use both my future industry experience and global network to drive solutions that benefit people and the planet. At the personal level, I’ve also learned the importance of wellness and internal sustainability. After a challenging fall semester marked by stress and burnout, my time abroad gave me space to rebuild healthier routines. I now prioritize habits like meditation, regular exercise, and focused time blocks for studying and reflection. These habits have helped me become more consistent and thoughtful, reinforcing my belief that taking care of your mind and body is essential to doing meaningful work. I’m not just aiming to work in finance. I want to use my education, experience, and values to help shape a financial system that supports long-term environmental progress. Whether through sustainable infrastructure or mission-driven investing, I’m committed to ensuring that the work I do in the next five years contributes to a healthier, more resilient world.

This past academic year has been the most defining—and humbling—chapter of my life. It began with intense pressure and isolation and ended with clarity, global connection, and renewal. And in between, I learned what it truly means to be mentally sound—not just surviving, but living in balance with myself. During the fall semester, I took on some of the most difficult classes of my college career while juggling investment banking recruitment—a process known for its rigor, especially for first-generation students like me. I was working jobs, applying for scholarships like this one, and preparing for interviews that could determine the trajectory of my future. The pressure became overwhelming. I spent most days alone, moving from class to work to study sessions, with little time to rest and even less time to be around the people I cared about. I felt mentally and physically cut off from everything and everyone, including myself. I began questioning the years of effort it took just to make it to college—the sacrifices, the stress, the relentless grind. Was it all sustainable? Was I still the same person who once dreamed of building a life rooted in purpose? At the time, I couldn’t answer those questions. I was too deep in the day-to-day survival mode that so many first-gen students know too well. Then came study abroad—an opportunity I had fought hard to make possible. Studying in Ireland gave me more than cultural insight; it gave me space. For the first time in a long time, I could slow down. I took long walks by myself, journaled, meditated, and finally had the time to check in with my own thoughts. Some may have seen this solitude as similar to what I experienced in the fall, but for me, it was completely different. It was rooted in balance, not burnout. I wasn’t escaping responsibility—I was reclaiming control over how I approached it. That clarity brought results. I became more productive, more conscious of my decisions, and more in tune with what I needed to succeed—mind, body, and spirit. I built daily habits that I still carry now: consistent study blocks, mindfulness exercises, and regular physical movement. I made friendships across the world—with students from Germany, France, Ireland, and the U.S.—that reminded me how vast and connected life can be when you open yourself up to it. And in the midst of all this, I succeeded in my original goal: I earned a 2026 investment banking offer with HSBC’s Global Infrastructure Finance team in New York. But unlike in the fall, this achievement didn’t feel like a finish line. It felt like a new beginning, one built not just on grit, but on groundedness. This year taught me that mental health isn’t a side note to success; it’s the foundation of it. I now believe deeply in the power of balance, self-trust, and stepping outside your comfort zone to find home within yourself. That understanding has reshaped how I mentor others, how I plan for the future, and how I define leadership. I’m no longer just working to build a career—I’m working to build a life that feels whole. And for that, I’m truly grateful.

Financial struggles have been present in my family for as long as I can remember. While my parents always did their best to shield us from the hardships, the reality of financial instability deeply shaped my outlook on life. From an early age, I learned the true impact that money or the lack thereof can have on a family's well-being. Witnessing my family’s quiet struggles instilled in me an instinctive desire for independence and self-sufficiency. It created a sense of emotional trauma that motivated me to ensure that my family would never have to worry about me becoming another burden. My father often shares a story that illustrates how early I developed an analytical mindset. When I was nine, after moving frequently throughout my childhood, my parents finally saved enough money to buy a house. They eagerly shared this news with me, expecting excitement. Instead, my first response was, "Can we afford it?" I was told to have a joyous response soon after they confirmed that we could indeed afford it, but that shows you what was on the forefront of my even as a child. A mixture of curiosity and early awareness of financial responsibility ultimately shaped my academic and professional paths. By high school, college seemed out of reach due to the financial burdens it represented. At that time, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to start and operate a successful plant nursery business from my basement, gaining media attention and sufficient financial success for a 14-year-old. However, it wasn't until a mentor during my junior year connected me with faculty at Duquesne University that I seriously considered college. Once I decided higher education was the path I needed to take, I knew I had to find a way to make it financially feasible. I applied for every scholarship and competition I could find, viewing each application as an opportunity to make my dream a reality. Through this relentless pursuit, coupled with academic aid and merit-based scholarships, I successfully funded my education for my first year of college. My parents have always supported my ambitions, instilling in me the courage to persist. I fondly recall my mom, dad, and Nanna coming together to prepare food for my summer lemonade stands. In truth, it wasn't just lemonade; it was practically a full-fledged fast-food chain, selling everything from hot dogs and cheese fries to strawberry shortcakes, candy, and even fidget spinners( the fidget spinners were from a previous young business venture). My family continues to be my greatest cheerleaders, and their support has deeply influenced my drive and perseverance. This entrepreneurial foundation has shaped my perspective significantly. My childhood experiences taught me that making my goals happen was not unfamiliar territory—it was natural. They taught me that limits are merely thoughts of doubt and that true growth comes from continually challenging these boundaries. One of my immediate goals is to establish a foundation that provides scholarships for young students facing similar financial challenges. Receiving the CJM Rampelt Family Legacy Scholarship would significantly accelerate my ability to achieve this goal, allowing me to plant seeds of support for future generations now. Through my journey from financial hardship to entrepreneurial ambition, I've learned firsthand the importance of community, compassion, and perseverance—values I am committed to passing forward.

From my earliest days doing candy sales at age five, I've always been driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and an insatiable curiosity about business. 1. As a first-generation sophomore at Duquesne University, double majoring in finance and entrepreneurship with a minor in accounting, my passion has evolved into a deep enthusiasm for alternative investments. My experience ranges from working with Hewlett-Packard’s corporate venture capital team, engaging with local VC firms, participating in growth equity programs to currently serving as a Real Estate Private Equity intern with Project Destined. Today, I'm actively recruiting for investment banking roles for the summer of 2026, determined to build, grow, and foster global connections. Expected to graduate May 2027 2. My short-term career goal immediately after graduation is to secure a role in investment banking at a firm with a robust global presence. I view investment banking as an extension of my education—an intensive training ground where I'll develop essential skills to understand businesses from qualitative and quantitative perspectives. I intend to actively work on international deals, building lasting relationships that span continents and cultures. I believe these experiences will equip me to progress effectively into the next stage of my career and personal development. Long-term, my ambition is to establish my own firm, focusing on investments across the United States, Europe, and beyond. This firm will not simply serve as an investment vehicle but also as a platform for giving back. I plan to create a program that supports students and young professionals who are eager to enter the world of alternative investments and build global networks. My goal is to establish an ecosystem where aspiring young business leaders can receive mentorship and resources essential for cultivating both emotional intelligence (EQ) and analytical intelligence (IQ) to prepare them for their future careers. A big goal of mine would be to not only hire motivated people but also expose the potential team members at the firm to whats possible and, through the training program experience, let them choose for themselves if it would a right fit. 3. Alternative investments fascinate me because they represent the epicenter of innovation and creativity within finance. Before attending Duquesne, I studied at Pittsburgh CAPA, a performing arts high school, majoring in visual arts, where I spent over three hours daily sculpting, painting, and drawing. This artistic foundation has profoundly shaped my belief in the power of creativity across various disciplines. In fields such as venture capital, private equity, and real estate, creativity serves as the cornerstone that enables true innovation. To enhance diversity and accessibility in alternative investments, I strongly advocate for expanding incubator-style initiatives. Many existing incubators focus narrowly on startups; however, broadening this model to include alternative investment careers such as investment banking and private equity would democratize access, particularly for underrepresented groups. These programs could partner with high schools alongside local firms and entrepreneurs. This approach would allow students to begin expanding their knowledge and networks in the field even before stepping foot on a college campus. 4. If I had the opportunity to shadow an investor for a year, I would choose Robert F. Smith. As a prominent Black founder of his own private equity firm, his journey deeply inspires me. I would seek to understand his path, the mentors who guided him, and how he navigates being the "only one in the room." Ultimately, I'm curious about what drives him beyond wealth and success—how he maintains motivation and purpose after achieving remarkable heights. Additionally, as I aspire to reach similar successes, I would seize the opportunity to ask him in person about becoming an investor in my future ventures. 5. If not for my passion for finance and alternative investments, I would channel my energy into the arts—perhaps creating large-scale sculptures or directing films. Art, like business, thrives on breaking barriers, challenging conventions, and innovating relentlessly. Regardless of the path, my core values remain rooted in creativity, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

I became vegan at age 13, during a moment of clarity over dinner. My mom had made steak, a common family meal, but that night, something changed. I simply couldn’t eat it. My family has a history of health problems related to the overconsumption of meat and dairy, and I was determined to rewrite that story for myself—and for them. What began as a personal choice for better health became a profound journey toward compassion, independence, and advocacy. The first few months were tough. My family initially believed my veganism was a phase. Meals became a quiet battleground—steaks placed in front of me to see if I’d crack—but I held firm. Eventually, they understood this wasn’t just a diet—it was who I was becoming. With family meals no longer simple, I learned to cook my own food. Armed with Pinterest recipes and my first paycheck from my first job, I bought ingredients, prepared lunches, and mastered nutrition, becoming fiercely independent. For the first time, I controlled my health, proving through blood tests that I was healthier than ever, even exceeding levels of vitamins like B12 that skeptics thought impossible without meat. However, veganism soon became much more than personal health. Documentaries like The Game Changers, Cowspiracy, and Seaspiracy shifted my perspective dramatically. Watching the harsh realities of animal agriculture transformed my dietary choice into an ethical commitment to protect animals and the environment. Veganism became about valuing life above mere taste, extending my empathy beyond humans to the animals and the planet itself. My journey also shaped me socially and emotionally. Early on, I was passionately anti-meat and confrontational in my views. Over time, however, I learned the power of leading by example. People became curious about veganism—not because I argued passionately against meat, but because I was healthier, happier, and respectful toward others. This taught me a vital lesson: meaningful change comes through empathy and understanding rather than confrontation. We are all products of our environment, and compassionate education is the best way to help others evolve. Today, as a rising junior double-majoring in Finance and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Accounting, I see powerful ways my education aligns with my vegan advocacy. My choice has strengthened my commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in business, pushing me toward roles where sustainability and ethical practices are paramount. My ambition is clear: as a future business leader, I aim to transform industries by encouraging businesses to offer more vegan options, driving widespread awareness of the environmental and ethical impact of our food choices. My dreams extend even further. I envision a future where documentaries highlight not only the tragedies of animal agriculture but also the joy and health benefits of vegan living. I aim to support businesses and initiatives that make plant-based products more accessible, affordable, and appealing, creating a compassionate economy that values sustainability and life equally. Promoting veganism is critical to solving global issues like climate change, water misuse, and animal cruelty. Vegan choices directly reduce greenhouse gases, conserve water, and protect countless animals from needless suffering. Six years after that life-changing dinner, I remain unwaveringly grateful for my decision. Veganism has not only reshaped my health—it has reshaped my heart, my independence, and my vision for a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable world.

When I was five years old, I wanted to be an artist. I used to trace Transformers and color in Walmart coloring books my mom bought me. It wasn’t just about staying inside the lines—it was about creating my own world. I found joy in bringing the characters I loved on TV to life through my hands. But not everyone saw it that way. I still remember the day my kindergarten teacher told my parents I didn’t “draw correctly.” My drawings had horns coming out of heads with no bodies, and it raised concern. But I didn’t see it as a problem—I saw it as possibility. That moment shaped something important in me: the belief that art isn’t about right answers; it’s about perspective. Different interpretations can all be valid, just like there are different ways to solve a problem in life. That curiosity, the desire to express what I saw in my head and heart, never left me. As I got older, my love for art grew. I applied to a performing arts school in eighth grade and built a portfolio filled with drawings, paintings, and sculptures—dragons, sea turtles, African tikis, Egyptian busts. I got in. High school was a creative explosion where I was free to mold ideas into reality. Art taught me how to think limitlessly, and that mindset continues to guide me today. Now, I’m 19 years old, studying abroad in college as a triple major in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Accounting. On paper, I may no longer be studying art, but it’s always with me. Whether I’m capturing moments through photography or building out new ventures, creativity is the root. I’ve learned that business is just another medium for storytelling—another way to mold something out of nothing and offer it to the world. I’m currently using money from my part-time job to start a foundation that gives art supplies and scholarships to kids like me—kids with talent and dreams who just need someone to believe in them. My passion for business also started early—around the same time as art—when my dad helped me install a soda machine at the local barbershop. That lit the fire for entrepreneurship. I ran lemonade stands and sold candy in middle school, not just to make money, but to feel capable. To feel free. Still, not everything in my life has been light. I grew up in a loving family, but the world around me wasn’t always kind. I’ve lost friends to community and gun violence—people who should still be here. I carry them with me in everything I do. When I work hard, give back, or speak up, it’s for them too. I want to give the next generation what my friends never had access to: opportunity. What drives me most is the belief others have had in me. I want to pass that belief on. To create a legacy of kindness, courage, and change. Because I’ve always been told that nothing is impossible—and I believe that’s true, especially when we choose to believe in each other.

Growing up, my family faced financial challenges that instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of economic stability and financial empowerment. As the son of hardworking parents, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices they made to provide for our family's needs and ensure a better future for us. My parents' resilience and determination in the face of adversity inspired me to pursue a career in business and finance. I recognized the transformative power of financial literacy and strategic decision-making in achieving long-term prosperity and stability. From an early age, I developed a keen interest in understanding economic principles and exploring opportunities for wealth creation and investment. Moreover, witnessing the impact of community support and resources on our family's well-being fueled my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I believe that access to financial education and resources is essential for empowering individuals and communities to overcome economic challenges and achieve their full potential. Venture capital, in particular, captivated my interest as a powerful mechanism for fueling innovation and driving economic growth. The prospect of investing in visionary startups with transformative potential resonated with my entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create positive change. I recognized venture capital as a catalyst for supporting innovative ideas, fostering entrepreneurship, and generating economic opportunities. Post-graduation, I am committed to leveraging my skills and knowledge in business and finance to make a meaningful impact on my community. Through initiatives focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic development, I aim to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future for themselves. Specifically, I plan to collaborate with local organizations and educational institutions to offer workshops and resources on financial management and entrepreneurship. By equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, I hope to foster economic empowerment and resilience within my community. Furthermore, I aspire to support initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address systemic barriers to financial access and opportunity. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or strategic partnerships, I am committed to driving positive change and creating pathways to prosperity for all members of my community. In essence, my upbringing and experiences have shaped my passion for business and finance and inspired my commitment to making a positive impact on my community. I am eager to embark on this journey post-graduation and contribute to building a more equitable and prosperous future for generations to come.

My favorite artwork I've ever created is a 7ft 3 inch Earth Dragon mixed media sculpture I made in my 11th-grade year. It took roughly five months to complete as a solo project between my academic and art classes-- it is also the largest artwork I've ever created to date. I started working on it on September 10th, 2021, and finished in May of 2023. The body of the sculpture is made from yards of chicken wire that I twisted and shaped with my bare hands and pliers. I wanted the Earth Dragon to have a throne, so I went to a local supply store, Construction Junction, where I found two chairs of the same make and model for $10. I brought the chairs to my school and then up to my classroom on the 6th floor, where I began cutting them apart with a hand saw, stacking the chairs on top of one another, and wood-gluing them together to make the Dragon's grand throne. After working on the Dragon for two months straight, skipping lunch, and working four hours a day or more, I had to stop because the next round of students for the sculpture class didn't have room for it. After all, it was one solid piece. So, the work advancing the sculpture halted for about a month and a half. Realizing the problem with moving a 7ft 3-inch sculpture everywhere I go. I cut the work into smaller pieces to transport it more easily. As if the Earth Dragon wasn't an intensive sculpture already. I made handmade paper from recycled plant fibers and embedded them with seeds to cover the Dragon. The Earth Dragon was on display at the Contemporary Crafts BNY Mellon Satellite Gallery between April 2022 and June 2022, Manchester Craftsman’s Guild art competition MCGI, along with Carnegie Mellon University's Hall of Fine Arts for two weeks. It was even the star in two of my school's middle school dance recitals. As I previously said, it took roughly five months to complete as a solo project, and here is the story behind the work. The Earth and The Earth Dragon The Earth and the Dragon have a special connection. When the Earth is in pain, so is the Earth Dragon. The Earth is held in the Earth Dragon's left claw, on fire, symbolized by its covering of red plastic. Its burns, illustrated on the body as the peeling of flesh from the Dragon's face, with smaller openings across its legs, torso, and back. In the right claw lies a purple human skull, with purple being a sign of mourning and a symbol of the pain and suffering which we have inflicted on the Earth. It also signifies the dark side of human greed and intentions. As a last-ditch effort to heal the Earth, the Earth Dragon's body, covered in handmade paper embedded with seeds to regrow the Earth. The Dragon, because of the burns we caused it-- looks like a scary monster, which is a misrepresentation of what's on the inside – someone who wants to heal the planet, not destroy it. The conflicts on our planet inspired me to create this sculpture. I aimed to present a mirror to us as a society, how we treat our world, and our ignorance of the consequences of our actions. In addition to the sculpture signifying a protector of the planet, It's also about me and every other black person worldwide. Often as black people, we are stigmatized, racially profiled, hated, and berated for nothing more than the color of our skin. No questions asked.

My plan for educating my community on financial literacy involves various approaches. Financial literacy is an essential life skill that many individuals lack, and I believe it is crucial to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. One approach I plan to use is to continue to develop and expand the Financial Solutions Club of which I am president and founder. The club currently provides financial literacy lessons to high school students, and I aim to develop it into a non-profit organization that serves the broader community. Through this organization, I will work with public high schools and middle schools to provide financial literacy education to students. This will involve working with teachers and school administrators to integrate financial literacy lessons into the curriculum, as well as offering after-school programs that provide additional instruction. The concept of community engagement can be interpreted in various ways, depending on an individual's perspective. For me, community engagement embodies a proactive approach to social responsibility, empowering individuals to effect positive and lasting changes in their neighborhoods and local communities. It involves understanding the needs and concerns of the community and working collaboratively to address them. Another approach that I will use is to create online courses that cater to students from the 5th grade to the college level. These courses will be designed to be interactive and engaging and will cover topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning. By creating online courses, I can reach a wider audience and make financial literacy education more accessible to individuals who may not have the opportunity to attend after-school programs. In addition to the above, I also plan to organize workshops and seminars to educate adults in the community about financial literacy. These workshops will cover topics such as managing debt, saving for retirement, and investing, among others. These workshops will be tailored to the needs of the community and will be delivered by financial experts, including myself. Finally, I will use social media and other digital platforms to spread awareness about financial literacy and engage members of the community. I plan to create engaging content such as videos, infographics, and blog posts that simplify complex financial concepts and make them accessible to everyone. With social media, I can reach a wider audience and engage individuals who may not be able to attend workshops or other events. My plan for educating my community about financial literacy involves a combination of approaches, including after-school programs, online courses, workshops, and social media engagement. My ultimate goal is to build a more financially literate and equitable society, using my future career as a business entrepreneur. I plan to collaborate with brands, apps, and non-profit organizations that share my vision to create more financially literate communities. I believe that by using these approaches, I can make a significant impact on financial literacy education in my community and empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.

My name is Jason Garland Jr. I am a 17-year-old artist, innovator, and entrepreneur. I founded JG's Plant Nursery, a garden business that combines environmental sustainability with AI technology. Awarded an agricultural technology grant from Carnegie Mellon University, which I used to build and program a farming robot that weeds, seeds, and waters the plants I sell to my customers. This endeavor allowed me to feature on PBS NewsHour's "Crafting the Future" and WQED Pittsburgh's "The Growing Field: Future Jobs in Agriculture." Where I spoke about the intersection of technology and agriculture, I am in the process of getting this AI technology into local communities and schools that would benefit from the education and learning experience my farming robot can provide students. Though this is not the career I want to pursue, it is one of the many ways I impact my community. I plan to make a positive impact with my future degree by getting a business degree and using the knowledge I will acquire to improve the economic state of my community. As a senior in high school, I serve as the President and Founder of Financial Solutions, a club I started to enhance economic awareness among my peers by providing lessons on budgeting, tax laws, real estate, and stock market investing. As I enter college, I plan to build on the skills I have acquired from teaching finance lessons and transform the club into a non-profit organization that addresses financial and social inequities in Pittsburgh. I believe it's important for young teens and adults to have the skills to be financially savvy. My goal is to make financial literacy accessible to everyone by creating online courses that cater to students from the 5th grade to the college level. Through my future career as a business entrepreneur, my goal is to create a more financially literate and equitable society by partnering with brands, apps, and non-profits that align with this mission. I was fortunate enough to have access to my dad's vast collection of books on business and finance, which exposed me to the world of investing at an early age. My parent's guidance has given me the knowledge and resources to invest, budget, and save money. I have learned never to take for granted the life I have. More importantly, I have acquired the opportunity to help other people who are less fortunate than I am to become better.

Since the age of 5, I have had an intense love for business and entrepreneurship. I set up quarter-operated candy machines at my local barbershop, started a neighborhood lemonade stand in the summer months, built a fully operational Plant Nursery business in my 9th-grade year of high school, and became the President of Financial Solutions. A Club that teaches High school students how to take finance into their own hands through Company Analysis, Stock Market, Paper Trading, tax laws, and Real Estate. Over the past month, I have been researching a specific piece of technological advancement that merges the world of finance with tech and computer science. Quantitative investing uses mathematical modeling and data analysis to calculate the intestine values of companies. I love going through the income and balance sheets. But the ability to expand my knowledge into a program that can take the process I have used to find value companies is a software I am working to build. Over the past few weeks, I've been teaching myself javascript and python to fast-track my way to success by not waiting for a mandatory assignment but taking the initiative myself. I want to solve Finacial inequity by creating access to what I have been teaching to my club and speaking engagements. The vast majority of economic disparity is cyclical from the previous generations. But, I know it only takes one person to break the cycle for the betterment of themselves, their family, and future generations. Which is a service I know I can provide.

In 9th grade, I started a business, My Civics teacher gave the class a prompt: Make a promotional presentation for a commercial business. While searching for a company to research, I thought, Why not just make up my own company? I had some plants at home, including lucky bamboo, and decided I would start a plant business. I've never been one to take an assignment lightly, so I created a commercial for my plant nursery business: JGs Plant Nursery. I used a 5-Stalk Lucky Bamboo to star in my commercial, and my entrepreneurial journey began. I ran the books managing every sale- I started an Instagram page to reach a broader audience, and I went to concerts and theater play venues to set up shop in and out of school. The joy of running my own company and transforming my mock civics project into a recognizable brand outside the classroom is something I will take with me outside of high school into a future career. Success is consistency, not straying away from the challenge. When I started my plant business, I didn't know if people would like it. I didn't do a survey or pre-trial. The most powerful tool you can have when pursuing anything is to start. These are the lessons we must share with the youth, as without a start there is nothing. We often let the lack of funds holt our ability to make a change. Change isn't simply currency; it's a relationship, a conversation, it's a start to build a better space for the next generation.