During high school, and my first attempt at college, I was involved in athletic programs, worked part time, volunteered during elections and was part of Phi Mu sorority. Then when my stepfather passed away in 2016; I decided to take “just one year” off from school to help my mother raise my younger siblings. That turned into an eight-year hiatus from academics. In all honesty, it was for the best because my first attempt at college was not a great one. I put in minimal effort towards my classes, changed schools and majors three times, and had dismal grades. If I had not chosen to withdraw my junior year, I surely would have been kicked out of school as my grades were at an all-time low. I was lost. So, I left IUPUI and moved to Colorado to help my mother. I spent the last two weeks with my Abba while he was in hospice and was able to be around in his final moment. During this time I really got to bond with my younger siblings, Eli, Mosha, and Tziyon; who I did not know well because of our 10+ year age gap. I also got to share in our jewish heritage which included weekly shabbat dinners, bar/bat mitzvahs, seders, and even my birthright trip. Thankfully during my eight years off, I’ve grown as a person. I now know what I want out of life and have gained the discipline and persistence I did not possess in my twenties. I’ve returned to school to finish my accounting and finance degree. I am a hard worker. I actually enjoy learning and being in the classroom now. I want to be hired at a prestigious accounting firm and join the corporate workforce. I want to continue to be a contributing member to my community. I want a good paying job so I can pay back my student loans and not struggle in life. Abba was a successful entrepreneur and owned multiple businesses in his life. I like to think that finishing my degree and entering the business world would make him proud. I also know that if it was not for his passing I would never have gone to Colorado and reconnected with my mother and my heritage. It is an unfortunate blessing which saddens me when I think of it but I am grateful none-the-less. I have paid for everything in my life since graduating high school but need help paying to finish my college degree. Hopefully one day I can donate or even set up a scholarship fund for returning students who want to better their lives like me.