Lebron James, a 4× NBA champion, a 4× NBA Finals MVP, a 4× NBA Most Valuable Player, an NBA Cup champion, an NBA Cup MVP, a 20× NBA All-Star, a 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP, a 13× All-NBA First Team, and finally he is the NBA all-time leading scorer. LeBron's achievements are endless, but that is not what makes me a fan of The Goat. Lebron James came nothing, growing up in Akron Ohio with a teen mother and no father. Lebron played high school basketball and was one of the best to do it at the high school level, he was so good he didn't even need to play college ball, he went straight to the league, and as soon as he arrived in the NBA he started making waves immediately averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, which is all-star numbers as an 18-year-old. But this is not why I am a fan of Lebron, Lebron has donated almost 40 million dollars to the Lebron James Family Foundation which has helped over 1,000 kids in his hometown (Akron). This charitable effort was one of many that he participated in and led, and this is the main reason why I am a huge fan of the GREATEST TO EVER DO IT. And finally, the most important question is, Is he the Goat? Yes Lebron James is the Goat, he blows MJ out of the water, Lebron has played in a much tougher era of basketball with far greater talent, and has dominated every single year of his career

I embody selflessness through random or intentional acts of kindness, showing empathy to those in need, and making small sacrifices for others without expectations or in return. One example in which I helped someone in need involved my best friend, Nathaniel. He was involved in a tragic car accident when we were twelve years old. His father was driving under the influence and crashed into a tree. Nathaniel was flown flight for life to the hospital on Christmas Day just after midnight. I talked to him on the phone the night of Christmas Eve and he told me he was concerned, that is dad “seemed off”. On Christmas Day, my mom received the news from Nathaniel’s mom, Tanya. She told us to get right to the hospital, that Nathaniel was in critical condition. One side of his face was shredded by broken glass and bones were broken, his face was almost double its size, and his arm had to be amputated up to the shoulder. At the hospital, Tanya met us in the hallway. He was recovering from several surgeries and was heavily sedated. She told us to “brace ourselves”. As I entered the room and saw my friend lying there lifeless and battered, I knew his life was changed forever and no matter what I was going to stick by his side. It was one of the most difficult moments of my life, feeling so helpless and wanting to turn back time to help my friend who was like my brother. I visited the hospital daily and did everything to lift Nathaniel’s spirits by just being there. Nathaniel’s life as he knew it was forever changed. He had a long road to recovery and had to learn to live with one arm which was not his predominant arm. I supported him in every way I could, from the smallest things like helping him to tie his shoes, put on his socks, or zip his jacket at school and wherever we were together; to the bigger things like supporting him emotionally when he would cry or encourage him to seek help when he was in pain. I always pushed Nathaniel to greater heights to reach milestones. As time went by, we started playing sports together again, he was attending school regularly and was gaining his confidence back. He was able to get his driver’s license and played varsity baseball and football. This experience and my compassion, empathy, and ongoing support to my friend taught me the importance of selflessness and the impact this had on building a lifelong connection and authentic relationship with Nathaniel. Another example in which I helped people in need involved several of my elderly neighbors, Jeanine and Dale, who lived right next door when I was growing up. They were so kind to me, treating me like their own grandchild when many of our neighbors were not so friendly to kids. As time passed, they became less mobile, limiting their activities and eventually, they could not drive. They needed me and I was there to help them regardless of what I had on my plate; I made the time. I shoveled, picked up and unloaded groceries, brought in their mail, and would stop just to say hello and brighten their day. They watched me grow into a young man, and these acts of kindness and selflessness brought so much joy and enrichment to our lives. It gave me great insight into the powerful impact this experience had on my character and the importance of helping people in need.

My leadership stems from a variety of experiences throughout my life, which shaped my character and work ethic. Growing up in a single parent home, my mother taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, the pursuit of excellence and commitment. I played competitive sports, persevered for academic success, and was committed to people around me and my community. Since a young age, I played competitive sports and varsity football for two years in high school. I learned the importance of teamwork and perseverance towards a common goal, the win! As a leader on the team, I used my communication skills to develop bonds that allowed me to support and inspire my fellow teammates to focus and reach their full potential which led to several seasons of success. I not only embraced opportunities to lead on the field, but worked hard for high honors, and academic awards as a scholar athlete. I have always set high standards for myself in the classroom, graduating with high honors and earning college credits through Advanced Placement courses. My academic success provided me opportunity to learn advanced subject knowledge, critically evaluate information, problem solve complex information, mental discipline, and confidence when faced with challenges. I used my academic abilities to tutor and inspire classmates with difficult courses, further developing my leadership skills. I have always been committed to people around me and my community, which further shaped my leadership abilities. I coached youth football camps each summer in high school, mentoring young athletes and teaching them dedication to their team, sportsmanship, and perseverance. I worked hard to inspire and motivate the young athletes, and gained valuable insight on the impact a positive role model and leader has on the behavior and mindset of others. As a leader, I have also shown commitment to my community through service to others. I have worked since I was 14 years old, and the last three at the same employer receiving promotions. I reach out to help my elderly neighbors by shoveling and shopping for groceries. I also worked with classmates to organize community events for those in need. One of the most fun and rewarding experiences was leading and organizing an event for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This event required strong collaboration and leadership to effectively plan and organize key activities and timelines for success. The event brought so much joy to people in our community who needed it most. My service to others allowed me to further demonstrate my leadership characteristics including compassion and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of people around me. These experiences have taught me that being a leader must go beyond one’s self, but the positive impact your leadership skills and abilities have on those around you. I developed into the leader I am today through my experiences, which contributed to my character, values, and work ethic. My success as a leader is a result of hard work, integrity, the pursuit of excellence, and commitment. For me, leadership is not just about one’s own accomplishments but helping others in your life and community. This is what makes me a leader.

As a 19-year-old high school graduate on the brink of a new chapter in my life, I reflect on my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my mother. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mom taught me the importance of compassion, respect, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in all of my endeavors. These values have shaped my interactions with others and my approach to life, leading me to make a positive impact in my community through acts of kindness. One defining moment that solidified my belief in compassion occurred during my time at a high school with little diversity. Witnessing an individual new to our school facing acts of ignorance and hatred due to his race, I knew I had to do something. Instead of being an innocent bystander, I extended a hand of friendship and support to him, knowing he was struggling and did not deserve anything less than to be treated with respect despite differences. Through conversations, sharing experiences, and standing up to discrimination, I supported him to navigate through challenging times and to overcome the negativity he was facing. He deserved to be seen for his humanity, appreciated for his differences, and recognized for his potential. The impact of these small gestures and kindness became apparent when I received a letter from him and his mother. In their heartfelt words, they expressed sincere gratitude explaining how my presence and support created hope in their darkest moments. They revealed that he has been contemplating dropping out of school and even suicide in the face of so much cruelty. They thanked me for my friendship and kindness. Words cannot express how much of an impact this had on me and my views on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and specifically being kind and respectful so we can seek to understand and find strength in our differences. Knowing that I played a role in altering the course of his life filled my heart with profound joy, and it reinforced the transformative power of love and empathy. This experience has illuminated my path as I prepare to enter college, and has reaffirmed my commitment to continue creating positive change in the community by treating others with the same compassion and understanding I would want to receive. I will carry forward this experience and the fact that a simple act of kindness can have ripple effects far beyond what we can imagine. This inspires me to be continue to be there for people in need and a force of positive change in my community, all through love, compassion, and acts of kindness.

I chose to pursue finance as my field of interest, as it is a dynamic and complex career path that will be both rewarding and exciting by providing me the opportunity to impact individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. My education and career in finance will provide me with sound financial practices to help people and businesses achieve their goals, such as planning for financial security, expanding operations, or making strategic investments to meet financial targets. Expertise in the field of finance is a powerful tool that drives growth, innovation, and prosperity. My desire to create an impact in the field of finance stems from a deep-seated belief in the importance of financial literacy and empowerment. So many people and businesses in our society struggle with making informed financial decisions and do not have access to the same resources or opportunities, leaving them with an uncertain financial future and struggling to thrive and make ends meet. I have a strong desire to use my education and skills to educate and empower individuals and businesses to take control of their finances and achieve financial stability and success. I am committed to learning and growing in the field of finance so that I can have a positive impact on individuals and businesses, as well as our overall community. My goal is to become an important resource and a trusted financial advisor who guides and supports others to overcome financial adversity and achieve financial milestones. I look forward to expanding my knowledge base and strengthening my skillsets by keeping up to date with best practices and industry trends. I have always set high standards for myself, personally, academically, and professionally, and I embrace core values of respect, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in everything I do. This, in conjunction with my goals, will ensure I successfully achieve my professional passion.

My name is Jonathan Novitt, I am eighteen years old and finishing my senior year at Oconomowoc High School. I am a highly motivated individual and put a lot of pressure on myself to excel in everything I do. I have been employed since I was 14 years old, and at my current job for the last three and a half years, receiving several promotions. I have played sports since I was four years old, and played varsity football for two years, earning an academic scholar award. I have a 4.6 weighted Grade Point Average and am a member of several honor societies. I am getting ready to graduate and embark on my journey of continuing education at the University of Minnesota. I was accepted into the Carlson School of Business and am very excited to pursue a career in business finance. My long-term goal is to become a successful investment banker or financial analyst. This scholarship will make a huge difference for me, as I come from a single parent home and it would reduce the financial burden on me as a full-time student, allowing me to focus on my studies and other activities on the college campus. It would reduce my stress with the overall debt associated with the increasing and significant costs to obtain my college degree. During my senior year in high school, I was faced with the significant challenge of trying to balance multiple responsibilities which were all priorities in my life. I was juggling part-time employment, varsity football with a rigorous workout schedule, volunteering in my community and with the youth football camp, family obligations, and challenging advanced placement courses to earn college credits. This took a toll on me, both physically and emotionally. I often felt overwhelmed and questioned my ability to keep up with everything and do well. I knew that the only way I would achieve my long-term goals and remain competitive for college applications and acceptance into the school of my choice, was to find a way to stay strong and motivated. I sought the support and encouragement of my guidance counselor, my teachers, my coaches, my employer, and my mom. With the direction from adults that I knew wanted the best for me and I trusted, I learned to prioritize the responsibilities on my plate, determining a strict schedule that would work best for me to optimize my time and achieve success in each area. And, through it all, my commitment to my future goals, determination, and willingness to seek support when needed helped me to get through my senior year with huge success. This boosted my self-confidence and helped me learn the value of discipline when faced with challenging situations and has better prepared me for future opportunities as I pursue a college degree and future career in business finance.

It is important for businesses to implement sustainable practices to protect our environment from increasing carbon emissions and to reduce waste. Businesses have the ability to lead the way for future generations to fight against the serious consequences of climate change. Further, reducing waste significantly impacting the world’s natural resources. With the heightened awareness of these issues on our environment, people are increasingly looking for eco-friendly solutions in products and services from businesses. Businesses can increase customer satisfaction and profits from sustainable practices that are more efficient, save money, and reduce climate change and waste. Three eco-friendly practices businesses can implement to reduce their carbon footprint include being more energy efficient, a focus on source materials and products that are not harmful to the environment and reduce harmful waste, and implementing polices and practices that focus on recycling and waste reduction. Businesses focused on being energy efficient can conserve energy and resources by using eco-friendly sources of energy such as solar power or LED lighting, and conserve the amount of energy used when they are not open for business through programmable lighting and thermostats. Additionally, businesses that focus on source materials and using products that reduce environmental impact can also achieve benefits such as reduced costs, and improved social relations internally and externally. With an increased focus on green initiatives in our society, businesses can attract top talent. Using suppliers and products that have consideration for our environment and overall human welfare can boost a business’s reputation attracting more consumers. Some examples include cardboard straws and containers for takeout food instead of products made out of plastic. Finally, businesses can implement policies and practices for recycling products to reduce the amount of waste they contribute to the environment and their carbon footprint. This can also reduce material costs, as scrap materials can be sold to offset costs and recycled into reusable materials increasing the profitability of a business. Recycling programs can also offer businesses the opportunity to apply for grants, supporting the overall financial viability, especially for small and emerging businesses. In summary, there are many reasons business should consider sustainable practices. Implementing the above eco friendly practices will benefit the overall environment by reducing harmful waste and the carbon footprint. Business must lead the way to protect our natural resources and reduce climate change to do their part to prevent further devasting weather events and pave the way for future generations. All of these eco- friendly practices would not come without benefits from improved social relations to financial rewards like reduced costs, increased sales and grant funding.

Diabetes has shaped who I am today because my mother has the disease, and it has impacted me in a significant way. When I was seven years old, my mom and I were outside playing. Suddenly, she was struggling, and I did not know what was going on. My neighbor was outside and started yelling at me to help my mom. She could barely walk, she was breathing heavily, and she tried to get behind a tree where she collapsed and threw up. My neighbors called the ambulance. I was terrified and in shock, as I thought she was dying. I felt so incredibly helpless. It turned out she was diagnosed with diabetes and was very sick. I have watched her struggle to control her diabetes for 11 years with diet, exercise, and medications. Not to mention the significant financial burden on our household from all of her medical bills, which will be lifelong. My mom gets really sick when she is exposed to illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, and this has heightened my awareness of the impact of the disease on the person I love and care for the most. It also has shaped my behavior, knowing Diabetes is hereditary. This experience has taught me a lot about the disease and has motivated me to work hard for my health and my future and to support my mom when she is struggling. I am also driven to influence and mentor others in my life in a positive way through my experience and knowledge of Diabetes. I am dedicated to the gym, working out daily. This helps me to manage stress in my life, as this can be a significant factor with the disease. I am also very conscientious about my diet and overall health and well-being, eating healthy foods and getting the sleep I need to stay healthy. This experience will impact my future, as I know I am at greater risk with my genetics to inherit the disease. The risk for Diabetes will be a major contributing factor to my choices and behaviors in the future, and I am doing what I can to prevent this from happening to me and others. As an adult entering college, I refuse to be helpless with all that I have learned from my experiences with this disease. I will continue to exercise, have healthy eating and sleeping habits, and avoid negative behaviors such as drinking too much alcohol and overeating. I will also ensure I receive annual examinations with my primary care physician to ensure early intervention if I were to inherit Diabetes. I intend to share my knowledge on fitness by offering personal training services to individuals at my university’s fitness club who are at-risk or have Diabetes, as well as for family members and friends. Finally, I plan to continue to help with fundraisers and donate money to Diabetes research once I graduate from college and obtain a good job. These efforts are crucial to create awareness, support prevention efforts, new medications to effectively treat the disease, and support ongoing research to find a cure. The impact of my experience with Diabetes will motivate me to work hard for success in college and achieve my goals so I can contribute to the efforts to find a cure for this disease that has impacted my mom, and over 30,000,000 people across the United States in negative ways. In summary, I refuse to ever feel helpless about Diabetes again in my life with all of the knowledge I have gained to do the right thing now and in the future.