Faith has played a central role in helping me navigate challenges and remain focused on my goals, especially during moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. As a Christian, my faith has been a source of strength, guidance, and perspective when obstacles felt overwhelming. One particular period in my life stands out as a time when relying on my faith helped me overcome discouragement and reaffirm my purpose. As a first-generation college student from a low-income household, entering higher education came with pressures I was not fully prepared for. I felt the weight of expectations—wanting to succeed not only for myself, but also for my family—while simultaneously trying to adjust to a demanding academic environment. There were moments when setbacks made me question my abilities and my place in college. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities tested my confidence, and I often felt isolated in navigating challenges without a clear roadmap. During this time, my faith became an anchor. I turned to prayer when anxiety and doubt clouded my focus, asking God for clarity, strength, and patience rather than immediate solutions. Scripture reminded me that growth often comes through perseverance and that challenges are not signs of abandonment, but opportunities to trust more deeply. Verses about endurance, humility, and faith over fear helped me reframe my struggles and view them as part of a larger journey rather than as defining failures. Relying on my faith also influenced how I responded to difficulty. Instead of withdrawing or giving up, I learned to slow down, reflect, and take responsibility for what I could control. My faith encouraged me to seek help, remain disciplined, and approach each day with intention. Trusting God did not mean waiting passively for change—it meant showing up consistently, learning from mistakes, and believing that effort combined with faith would lead to growth. My experiences working with children further strengthened this reliance on faith. In roles such as youth camp counselor and Behavioral Technician supporting children on the autism spectrum, I have seen how patience, compassion, and consistency can make a profound difference. These experiences reinforced the Christian values I strive to live by—serving others, leading with empathy, and remaining steadfast even when progress is slow. Faith reminded me that every small act of care matters and that perseverance often produces results we cannot immediately see. Through this period, my faith helped me develop resilience and a deeper sense of purpose. It reminded me that setbacks do not erase potential and that God’s plan often unfolds through moments of challenge. Instead of allowing obstacles to discourage me, I began to view them as opportunities to strengthen my character and reliance on God. This mindset helped me regain confidence and recommit to my goals with renewed determination. Ultimately, relying on my faith taught me that strength does not come from having all the answers, but from trusting God while continuing to move forward. My faith has shaped how I face challenges—with humility, perseverance, and hope. It continues to guide me as I pursue my education and future career, reminding me that no obstacle is faced alone and that growth is possible when faith and effort work together.

Sustainability should be a priority in the field of business because the decisions made by businesses shape not only economic outcomes but also environmental and social ones. Accounting and finance influence how resources are allocated, how companies measure success, and how long-term risks are managed. If sustainability is ignored in these areas, short-term profits can come at the expense of long-term environmental damage. Prioritizing sustainability ensures that businesses operate responsibly, remain resilient, and contribute positively to the communities and ecosystems they depend on. In accounting and finance, sustainability matters because financial decisions determine which projects receive funding, how companies value assets, and how environmental risks are accounted for. Climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation pose significant financial risks, including supply chain disruptions, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm. When sustainability is integrated into financial planning and reporting, businesses can better anticipate these risks and make informed decisions that protect both profitability and the planet. Sustainable practices are no longer optional; they are essential to long-term financial stability and ethical business operations. As a student pursuing a business degree with a focus on accounting and finance, I see sustainability as a responsibility rather than a trend. Accounting systems have the power to measure environmental impact through carbon accounting, sustainability reporting, and environmental cost analysis. By accurately tracking resource usage and environmental costs, businesses can identify inefficiencies and implement strategies that reduce waste and emissions. Finance professionals play a critical role in directing capital toward sustainable investments, renewable energy projects, and companies committed to environmental responsibility. In my future career, I plan to contribute to sustainability by promoting transparency and accountability in financial practices. Whether working in corporate finance, public accounting, or financial consulting, I hope to help organizations adopt sustainable reporting frameworks such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Clear and honest reporting allows stakeholders to understand a company’s environmental impact and encourages businesses to improve their practices. By supporting ethical financial reporting, I can help ensure that environmental considerations are not overlooked in pursuit of short-term gains. Additionally, I see myself using my financial knowledge to support organizations and initiatives that prioritize sustainability. Through responsible budgeting, cost analysis, and strategic planning, finance professionals can help businesses invest in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable supply chains. These investments often lead to long-term cost savings and reduced environmental impact. By demonstrating the financial benefits of sustainable practices, I can help bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and economic success. My commitment to sustainability is also shaped by my experiences working with children and families. Supporting younger generations has made me more aware of the importance of protecting the environment they will inherit. Sustainable business practices are not just about numbers—they are about ensuring a livable future. By integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making, I hope to contribute to a business culture that values responsibility, innovation, and long-term impact. Ultimately, sustainability should be a priority in business because financial success and environmental responsibility are interconnected. As a future accounting and finance professional, I aim to use my skills to reduce environmental impact by promoting sustainable investments, transparent reporting, and ethical decision-making. By aligning financial goals with environmental stewardship, I can help create a future where businesses thrive while minimizing harm to the planet

The phrase “not all stars must fall” means that setbacks do not determine our destiny. To me, it represents hope, resilience, and the belief that even when circumstances feel overwhelming, we are still capable of rising, learning, and continuing forward. It reminds me that struggle is not a sign of failure, but part of the process of becoming who we are meant to be. Not every challenge is meant to defeat us—some exist to strengthen us. One of the greatest challenges I have faced in pursuing my goals has been navigating higher education as a first-generation college student from a low-income household. Entering college without a clear understanding of how the system works was intimidating. I lacked the guidance that many students take for granted—how to manage coursework, balance responsibilities, seek academic support, or plan long-term goals. At the same time, I felt pressure to succeed not only for myself, but also for my family, knowing that education was one of the few pathways available to create lasting stability. Adjusting to college was not easy, and there were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities tested my confidence and resilience. I encountered academic and personal obstacles that forced me to confront self-doubt and fear of failure. However, instead of allowing those moments to define me, I made the conscious decision to learn from them. I reflected on what wasn’t working, sought help, and committed myself to growth rather than perfection. Through this process, I learned that setbacks are not endpoints—they are lessons. My work with children has deeply shaped how I approach adversity. Through roles at youth camps, childcare settings, and my current position as a Behavioral Technician supporting children on the autism spectrum, I have witnessed perseverance in its most genuine form. Many of the children I work with face daily challenges that require patience, consistency, and unwavering effort. Progress is often slow, but every small victory matters. Seeing these children continue to try, even when tasks are difficult, has taught me that persistence is powerful. Their determination inspires me to approach my own challenges with patience and resilience. These experiences have reinforced the meaning of “not all stars must fall” in my life. Even when progress feels slow or uncertain, continued effort leads to growth. I have learned to measure success not by immediate results, but by commitment, discipline, and the willingness to keep going. Each challenge I’ve faced has strengthened my resolve and clarified my purpose, reminding me why I started and where I want to go. This journey has inspired me to encourage others not to give up, especially those who may feel discouraged by their circumstances. I want to be an example for other first-generation students and young people who feel unsure of their place in higher education or their future. By sharing my experiences honestly—both the struggles and the growth—I hope to show that setbacks do not erase potential. They simply shape it. “Not all stars must fall” means that our light does not disappear because of hardship. We can stumble, learn, and still rise. My challenges have taught me resilience, empathy, and determination, and they continue to motivate me to strive for my goals while uplifting others along the way. This belief fuels my commitment to my dreams and reminds me that perseverance is always worth it.

Obtaining a business degree will have a transformative impact on my life because it represents far more than an academic credential—it represents stability, upward mobility, and the ability to create opportunities that were not readily available to my family growing up. As a 19-year-old Latino and first-generation college student from a low-income household, I have witnessed firsthand how limited access to education and financial knowledge can shape the trajectory of a person’s life. Pursuing a degree in business, with a concentration in accounting and finance, is my way of breaking that cycle and building a foundation for long-term success. Growing up, financial responsibility often came before long-term planning. I learned early on how financial stress can affect families, decision-making, and overall quality of life. These experiences sparked my interest in business and finance, not simply as a career path, but as a tool for empowerment. Earning a business degree will equip me with practical skills such as financial analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making—skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market and critical for personal and professional stability. In an environment where employers increasingly expect candidates to have both experience and formal training, a business degree provides credibility and structure to my goals. While experience is valuable, education offers a framework that allows individuals to understand why decisions are made, not just how tasks are completed. A degree in accounting and finance will allow me to approach problems analytically, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing economic conditions. This preparation will open doors to career opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible and allow me to compete confidently in professional spaces. My pursuit of a business degree is also deeply connected to my commitment to service. I have spent much of my time working with children, beginning with youth camps and childcare roles and continuing in my current position as a Behavioral Technician supporting children on the autism spectrum. These experiences have shaped my sense of responsibility, patience, and empathy. Working closely with families has shown me how crucial stability and access to resources are, especially for those facing financial or social challenges. A business education will allow me to expand the impact of this work by understanding how organizations operate, how resources are allocated, and how ethical financial practices can support communities more effectively. Looking ahead, my goal is not only to secure a stable career but also to use my education to uplift others. With a strong background in business and finance, I hope to contribute to organizations that prioritize integrity, inclusion, and long-term growth. I also aspire to be a role model for other first-generation students who may feel uncertain about their place in higher education. By earning a business degree, I can demonstrate that persistence, education, and purpose can lead to meaningful change. Ultimately, obtaining a business degree will give me the tools to build a future defined by opportunity rather than limitation. It will allow me to support my family, serve my community, and pursue a career grounded in knowledge, responsibility, and impact. This degree is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in my future and the communities I hope to serve.