My future goals revolve around pursuing a career in Finance, with a strong focus on the sports industry and business. Sports have always been a major part of my life, not just as a fan, but as someone deeply interested in the financial and strategic aspects of the industry. I want to work in sports finance, helping teams, leagues, and businesses make sound financial decisions, manage investments, and grow their brands. Whether it’s structuring team contracts, negotiating sponsorship deals, or working on stadium financing, I see myself playing a key role in the business side of sports. At the same time, I also have a personal motivation to use my financial knowledge to make an impact in healthcare. I’ve seen the impact epilepsy had on my younger sister. She requires frequent medical care, medications, doctor’s appointments, monitoring, and safety checks. My sister was born with epilepsy; however, her symptoms had gone away when she was about two years old. Nine years later, at age eleven, Leilani had an unexpected seizure. It was devastating to learn that her epilepsy had come back. Facing a reality like this was indescribable for our family, and we have all had to make a bit of a sacrifice. I've seen the absurd cost of anti-epileptic drugs and the burden it’s had on my parents. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my Finance and business education. With this education, I hope to work with others to decrease the costs of these medicines and advance epileptic drug development. While my primary focus is on the sports industry, I want to use my knowledge and resources to support efforts that ensure life-saving medications are accessible to families like mine. To achieve my goals, I plan to start by excelling in my Finance degree at Fairfield University. I will take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience, whether through internships with sports agencies, financial firms that work with teams, or investment companies involved in sports business. I also plan to join finance and sports business clubs to build connections and gain insight into industry trends. Beyond my undergraduate studies, I aim to pursue an MBA at a prestigious institution, specializing in finance and sports management. This will give me the expertise needed to take on leadership roles in the industry. My ultimate goal is to work in investment banking or private equity, focusing on sports business deals such as franchise acquisitions, sponsorship negotiations, and stadium development. At the same time, I want to use my financial knowledge to advocate for more funding and research in the pharmaceutical industry, helping to lower costs for essential medications like those my sister needs. Throughout my life, my experiences—whether refereeing soccer games, working at Camp Harbor View, or analyzing sports strategies—have shaped my ability to think critically, adapt, and make strategic decisions. These skills will be essential as I navigate the competitive world of sports finance and work toward making a meaningful impact in both sports and healthcare. This scholarship will help me take the next step in my journey, allowing me to focus on my education and career aspirations without financial burden. With my passion for finance, sports, and making a difference, I am determined to contribute to a future where both industries continue to grow and make a lasting impact.

Refereeing soccer games has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It has put me in high-pressure situations, forced me to make quick decisions, and taught me how to manage both the game and the emotions of players, coaches, and parents. Through this experience, I have developed confidence, leadership, and resilience—qualities that have shaped my character and influenced my future aspirations. One of the most defining moments in my refereeing journey came during a tightly contested youth match. The game was fast-paced, with both teams battling for control. Late in the second half, with the score tied, a player went down in the penalty box. Immediately, shouts erupted from both sidelines—one team demanding a penalty kick, the other insisting it was a dive. In that split second, I had to make a decision. I evaluated the situation, trusted my judgment, and ruled that no foul had occurred. The reaction was instant—coaches protested, parents yelled, and players expressed their frustration. Despite the pressure, I remained calm, explained my decision clearly, and continued officiating the game with confidence. That moment reinforced my ability to handle intense situations, stand by my choices, and not let outside opinions shake my judgment. Refereeing has taught me how to handle criticism with maturity. No matter how well I officiate a match, someone will always disagree with my calls. Early on, I struggled with this and took criticism personally. Over time, I learned to stay composed, tune out the noise, and focus on my role. I began to view feedback—both positive and negative—as an opportunity to improve. This ability to remain level-headed in high-pressure situations has strengthened my resilience, a skill that will serve me well in any career path I choose. Beyond developing mental toughness, refereeing has also improved my leadership and communication skills. As the referee, I am responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the game is played fairly. This requires clear, assertive communication with players and coaches, as well as the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently. I have learned how to command respect without being confrontational and how to de-escalate tense situations through calm, professional dialogue. These skills have carried over into my academic and professional life, helping me work effectively in team settings and handle challenges with confidence. Refereeing has also shaped my long-term goals in unexpected ways. The fast-paced decision-making and strategic thinking required on the field have deepened my interest in finance. Just as I analyze plays and anticipate outcomes in soccer, finance involves assessing risks, making informed decisions, and staying composed under pressure. The problem-solving skills I have developed as a referee align with my passion for numbers and strategy, reinforcing my decision to pursue a finance major in college. Ultimately, my experience as a soccer referee has been about more than just enforcing rules—it has been about growth. It has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and stand by my decisions with confidence. These lessons will continue to guide me as I navigate my academic and professional journey, helping me approach challenges with the same poise and resilience I have developed on the field.