Pursuing an accounting degree is not merely a step toward personal career advancement but a pathway to making meaningful contributions to my community. As an individual with a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, the skills and knowledge I acquire through my accounting education can be leveraged to create positive, lasting change. This essay explores how I intend to use my accounting degree to benefit my community, emphasizing financial literacy education, support for small businesses, nonprofit financial management, and advocacy for economic equity. Financial literacy is a crucial yet often overlooked component of individual and community empowerment. Many people in my community lack basic financial knowledge, which hinders their ability to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing. By using my accounting degree, I aim to address this gap by organizing and conducting financial literacy workshops. These workshops will cover essential topics such as personal finance management, understanding credit scores, and planning for retirement. By equipping community members with the tools they need to manage their finances effectively, I hope to foster greater financial stability and independence. Small businesses are the backbone of any community, providing jobs, fostering local economic growth, and enhancing community cohesion. However, many small business owners struggle with financial management due to a lack of expertise. With my accounting degree, I plan to offer pro bono consulting services to local entrepreneurs. This support will include helping them set up robust accounting systems, preparing financial statements, and developing strategies for tax planning and compliance. By assisting small businesses in maintaining healthy financial practices, I aim to contribute to their sustainability and growth, which in turn will benefit the broader community. Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in addressing social issues and providing essential services in the community. Effective financial management is critical for these organizations to fulfill their missions and secure funding. My accounting expertise will allow me to volunteer with local nonprofits, helping them with budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting. By ensuring that these organizations have sound financial practices, I can help them maximize their impact and continue to serve those in need. Detroit, Michigan, a city known for its rich history, resilience, and cultural diversity, has profoundly influenced my desire to pursue a career in accounting. Growing up in Detroit exposed me to unique economic challenges and opportunities that have shaped my ambitions and aspirations. Growing up, I observed how businesses and local organizations adapted to economic challenges. These experiences highlighted the importance of financial stability and strategic planning. I became fascinated by how businesses could navigate financial difficulties and contribute to the community's revitalization. This curiosity naturally led me to the field of accounting, where I saw an opportunity to gain the skills necessary to help organizations thrive financially. Through volunteering at community centers and participating in financial literacy programs, I realized the transformative power of financial education. Teaching others about budgeting, saving, and investing not only empowered them to take control of their finances but also strengthened the overall economic health of the community. These experiences solidified my desire to become an accountant, as I recognized the potential to make a tangible difference in people's lives by promoting financial literacy and responsible financial practices. Detroit, Michigan, with its rich history and resilient spirit, has profoundly shaped my aspiration to become an accountant. The city's economic challenges and revitalization efforts have inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact through financial expertise. By promoting financial literacy, supporting community development, and contributing to economic resilience, I hope to play a role in building a brighter future for Detroit

The world changed in an instant. One day, life was ordinary, and the next, it was plunged into chaos. For me, the COVID-19 pandemic was a storm that upended every aspect of my life, forcing me to adapt, endure, and find resilience within myself. In March 2020, when the news of the virus spreading globally began to dominate headlines, I was an 8th grader in middle school, focused on maintaining my grades. Initially, the idea of remote learning sounded like a short break from routine, a novelty. Little did I know, it would be the beginning of an extended period of isolation and uncertainty. The first few weeks of lockdown were surreal. My bedroom became my classroom, and the screen my connection to the outside world. The initial excitement quickly faded as the reality of online learning set in. Technical difficulties, lack of interaction, and the absence of a structured environment made it hard to stay motivated. The boundaries between school and home blurred, and it became challenging to find a balance. Social isolation took a heavy toll. I missed my friends, the casual conversations in the hallways, the after-school hangouts, and the sense of community. Video calls and text messages were poor substitutes for face-to-face interactions. The loneliness was pervasive, creeping into my thoughts and weighing down my spirits. I longed for the return of normalcy, but each day brought news of rising cases and extended restrictions. My family wasn’t spared from the impact either. My parents, both working in hospitality, faced job insecurity as their industry was hit hard. The financial strain added another layer of stress. We had to make do with less, cutting back on expenses and adjusting to a more frugal lifestyle. The anxiety about health and safety, coupled with economic uncertainty, created an atmosphere of constant worry. Mental health became a significant challenge. The monotony of daily life, the absence of social interactions, and the continuous barrage of negative news stories led to feelings of despair and helplessness. I struggled to find motivation for schoolwork and hobbies I once loved. It felt like I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of anxiety and fatigue. The pandemic also taught me the value of adaptability and perseverance. I learned to navigate the challenges of remote learning, developing new study habits and time management skills. My teachers and school administrators worked tirelessly to provide support, offering virtual office hours and resources to help us succeed. Their dedication inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when things seemed insurmountable. As the months passed, the rollout of vaccines brought a glimmer of hope. Slowly, life began to regain a semblance of normalcy. Schools started reopening with safety measures in place, and I was able to see my friends again, though with masks and social distance. The experience left an indelible mark on me, but it also revealed a resilience I didn’t know I possessed. Reflecting on the past four years, I realize that the pandemic was a crucible that tested my strength and character. It taught me to value the simple joys of life, the importance of human connection, and the need to be adaptable in the face of adversity. While it was a period of significant hardship, it was also a time of growth and self-discovery. COVID-19 affected me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, but it also showed me that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way to find light and keep moving forward. The storm may have been fierce, but it also forged a resilience within me that will last a lifetime.