I did not have a childhood where money meant safety. I grew up in a house where money meant anxiety. A house where piles of envelopes from creditors cluttered the kitchen table and my parents put their heads together late into the night whispering about how to stretch one more dollar just a little bit further. As the oldest child, I could feel those whispers pressuring on my chest. So, I did something no teenager should do, I became a financial protector. In my freshman year of high school, I sat at the kitchen table with my parents asleep and taught myself about money. I read personal finance books, watched endless videos and researched budgeting strategies while my friends were out enjoying summer vacations and gaming. With what I discovered, I crafted a snowball debt repayment plan for my parents to start tackling off the great burden that had for so long defined our lives. I opened 529 accounts for my siblings as I created a retirement plan for my dad that ideally wouldn't leave him in the dust. Eventually, I helped turn our financial mess into somewhat of a plan, not perfect, but hopeful at least. Most importantly, I was able to provide my family with some breathability. I provided them with dignity. I discovered I loved finance not for charts or numbers, but for what it could do, relieve suffering, change lives. Since then, I've taken that passion with me wherever I go. I have worked in venture capital through HP Venture Tech and learned how to evaluate and invest in early-stage startups. I took a job in marketing with my community college and have used that experience to expand our small family party-rental business, which I run with my sisters to help pay bills and save for school. This summer I will be interning with the U.S. House of Representatives to use my personal story and financial expertise in conversations that inform policy. And all along the way, I have never stopped teaching, whether that's helping my younger sister stand out at networking events, or helping a friend with their first budget. For me, finance has never been about wealth. It has been about protection. It has been about love. I did not get a lot of financial aid this year, and my parents, as much as they would give me the world, cannot help because they are still paying off their own debt. I have classes coming and because my certificate in financial planning requires extra courses, I will likely be paying most of it out of pocket. I am trying my best, but it is hard. Getting the Neal Hartl Memorial Scholarship would provide more than relief, it would remind me people like me can and should be in this field. That people who come from struggle do not have to be defined by it, but can be strengthened by it. It would be a hand on my shoulder, saying, "Keep going. You are doing exactly what you were meant to do." Neal Hartl was a family man that worked hard, loved hard, and motivated everyone around him to be better. I would be honored to carry on that legacy. Because I know what it means to protect a family. And I have spent my life making sure that no one ever has to be alone in that fight again.

My name is Juan Cano, and while I never had the privilege of meeting Kalia D. Davis, her story feels deeply familiar, like looking into a mirror and recognizing someone who worked hard, cared deeply, and aimed to leave a mark. I hope to carry her spirit forward in my own life through how I live, serve, and grow. I grew up in a family where the hugs were loud and the bills were quiet; love filled the gaps that income couldn’t. I didn’t navigate the world with a single mother or father, yet I learned to keep an eye on the ledger before I learned the names of the states. While classmates posted summer vacation photos from oceans I’d never seen, I clocked hours bagging groceries and scanning garden hoses. During my first year of high school, I signed up for a personal finance course with a single question: how can my family borrow tomorrow’s breath for today? That semester, we tackled debt, we mapped college, and we laid a network sturdy enough for more than one name. I partnered with my sisters to launch a party rental service, stringing together borrowed speakers and borrowed smiles for neighborhood fiestas. I handled marketing, finances, and logistics, teaching myself sales and strategy through real-world experience. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. It was ours. I may never have run a formal race or caught a pass on a field, but I’ve still relished the sweet ache of competition, sweating over a chess clock, fine-tuning a spreadsheet, crafting sales slides until they spark, and matching my family’s laughter and strategy across a Catan board. Some would say these aren’t “sports,” but I learned early that competition is a muscle, and I’ve trained mine through calculations, pitches, and patiently watching my opponent’s eyes. Discipline, I’ve found, is synesthetic; it tastes like acetaminophen after a five-hour final and smells like dry-erase markers. Away from classrooms and conference rooms, I’ve quietly chosen a second competitor: my younger sisters. I dropped the spare tire, showed the wrench whose boss, then threaded bullet points and action verbs into their first resumes. Together, we climbed a career night’s spiral of nametags, her palms hot against the plastic lanyard. Year after year, I’ve learned that legacy isn’t an award waiting on a shelf; it’s the quiet applause the person beside you hears first, the steady hand that keeps the bike upright before the road gets rebranded “adulthood.” This summer, I’m interning with the U.S. House while balancing my part-time marketing role at Fullerton College and assisting my family in running our small business. I’m working toward a Business Administration degree at Cal State Fullerton with a Finance concentration and a certificate in Personal Financial Planning. My goal is to become a personal financial advisor and launch a firm that serves families like mine, hardworking folks who usually don’t get a seat at traditional financial tables. I want to create something that stands strong, not just for me, but for the neighborhood that raised me. Looking ahead, I plan to apply to Officer Candidate School and serve as a Marine Corps officer. It’s not ROTC, but that same calling is there: to serve with integrity, discipline, and heart. This scholarship would ease the financial strain and let me keep pushing ahead. I’m crafting a life that honors sacrifice, lifts others, and turns hardship into hope. I might not have every step mapped out, but I’m certain of this: I’ll keep moving forward, loving, learning, and leading, because that’s the legacy I want to leave.

For years I hung out in the background quiet kid calculating, budgeting, and planning while most teens lived carefree. My crowded fridge never let me pretend the family budget was someone else's business. Growing up in a single-parent, low-income home, I figured I had to adult twice as fast just to keep us above water. So, at sixteen, while friends were texting about Saturday movies or short trips, I was deep inside personal finance blogs, binge-watching budgeting gurus, and signing up for free online classes. I sketched a snowball debt plan for us, rewrote Dad's shaky retirement roadmap, and started tiny college funds for my younger siblings-small moves that still felt like big victories. I even launched a side gig renting party gear and logged every dollar like I was the future CFO. I didn't pick a business major because it sounded cool or trendy. I picked it because, honestly, it felt like a lifeline. Watching money knowledge-or the total absence of it shape a family's fate left me wide awake at night. The moment we opened an eviction letter, even though rent had never been late, everything clicked. We hadn't failed; we'd simply run out of tools to build something sturdier. That's why I decided to study business with a finance focus. For me it isn't just about a paycheck; it's about crafting enough stability and respect for myself and the people I love. I am finishing my time at Fullerton College, and this fall I'll move to Cal State Fullerton to complete my bachelor's. On top of that Im going for a certificate in personal financial planning so I can guide families like mine. Right now I work in marketing at Fullerton College, intern with the U.S. House of Representatives, and help expand our family event business. I also helped HP Tech Ventures link startups like Optonal AI with big-company partners. Yet the job that means the most? Teaching my younger sisters how to steer through life. One learned to change oil with me, and the other picked up networking, speaking confidently, and trusting her voice. If I earn this degree, it will mark more than a personal win that will crack a stubborn cycle. It will show what happens when grit finally collides with real opportunity. It will honor every quiet sacrifice, every slammed the door, and each you-dont-belong-here I have ever heard. With the diploma in hand, I'll pry open more doors than were ever ajar for me. And I'll prop them wide so other brave dreamers can walk through, too.

In the second chapter of Real Insights, John Graff reviews the disheartening facts that dominate the world of real estate, around 87% of newly registered agents do not survive the first five years of practice. This is not simply a real estate issue; it is a grim reality for anyone who intends to step into any fiercely competitive domain without an infrastructural framework to fall back on. Personally, this chapter serves me not as a warning tale but a representation of my very own struggle encapsulated with grit, perseverance, and an unyielding desire to life a better life. I quickly realized the gaps between my life and that of my peers because stability had always been an elusive concept for my family. While many of my friends went on summer vacations abroad every year, courtesy of their parents’ well-paid jobs, my vacations were entirely dedicated toward working so that I could support my family and save for college. The groundwork that others were provided for served as a sturdy foundation for them, but the one that I sought needed to be meticulously built, one brick after another. Graff’s focus on the need to prepare and understand the challenges of the industry truly resonates with me. He guides with the steps required but doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities to be dealt with. His way of dealing with matters is similar to mine, where the awareness of challenges is prevalent, yet required commitment, planning, and decisiveness is there in order to overcome them. While working toward my career in financial advising, I strive to help people from my background. I aim to explain financial literacy in a way that makes sense, regardless of one’s socio-economic realities. This is in collaboration to what Graff does to get aspiring real estate agents to understand the ins and outs of the industry I want to give people, and particularly my people, who have suffered these systemic shackles, real financial advice that makes a difference. If given the Ashby & Graff Educational Support Award, it would help ease my financial strain for my education, while also reminding me that my hard work has not gone in vain. It would confirm that all the sleepless nights learning by myself, volunteering, and working on myself, was worth it. Above all, the award would motivate me towards my ultimate vision of being able to instigate change for the society, so they can truly transcend their surroundings and cultivate the future they dream of.

At times, one may notice that a person is in a leadership position without them actively broadcasting it. At times, it can simply be someone’s extraordinary work ethic, such as in their willingness to sacrifice without demand, in straining shoulders carrying impossible weight for their age. In my case, leadership came to my notice when I was thirteen years of age. This happened not in a typical setting like a challenge or a meeting, but rather at a round table overflowing with bills and addictive desperation. All of my parents’ hopes were reliant on them hard at work. Coming home terribly exhausted day after day, their faces could best be described as grimly smiling. The anxiety pertaining to a constantly strained economy was barely concealed effortlessly behind simple smiles masking. Their cheer only served to hide reality’s grief. Mesmerized by the duality in my parent's grin, I could do nothing except sternly ache. I was clawed by unrestrained anxiety around losing everything but at the same time an endlessly flourishing desire to help. I started drawing practical life plan strategies alongside a self-improvement calculator. In my imagination, I was shackled alongside a wealth of hope, waiting to be unlocked. With access to the personal finance, self-improvement, and myriad other educative platforms, I made it my goal to reduce the gap my family struggled the most with. In no time, I organized the budget, started working on debt cycles, and opened college success accounts for the rest of my siblings and cousins I knew I would eventually be deemed the ‘casualty’. However, my attempts were not met with warmth beyond the boundaries of my home. A few teachers, those who were supposed to help nurture young students, scorned me. “Your kind of families often remain stagnant,” one of them said rather candidly. “Do not expect too much. You should aim for something more ‘realistic.’” With striking force, their words bore down my resolve like a frigid gale. I recall being told how to go about chasing dreams when I was neither encouraged nor was it considered polite to tell me, through glances, that my circumstances had boxed me into a cage, a cage they felt I would never escape. I recall hearing fellow students perpetuating my strife and on the other side listening to those educators whose role was to uplift me and instead being met with unfulfilled hopes and subtle jabs. People kept telling me I did not have to be concerned with my parents’ budgeting, emphasizing repeatedly that I was yet too young to grasp the concepts of finances or responsibility. “You ought to go out and have some fun,” was the mantra they employed, “enjoy being a teenager.” Some went as far as to label me a ‘child-slave’ for strapping on the corsets of responsibility to deaden the spirit of life. With a misplaced delusion of nurturing empathy, their scorn felt like a constricting vice. In those times of unrelenting struggle when the outwards voices seemed to suffocate me, I sought faith that became my saving grace which allowed me to breathe. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise wasn’t merely words; it was a lifeline during the worst and loudest moments of my life, Jeremiah 29:11 was my rescue. Every time I started feeling as though the world was to do without emerging for my breath, I relied upon those words. Now they brought me comfort that allowed me and drilled the notion deep that my struggles are not signs of relinquishing me, but pathways carving something greater for me. A testament in the words themselves penned, reminded me toward the possibility of me not being alone, the plan I was destined towards which provided me solace even if no one else believed in me. Informed by the nascent trust, I continued progressing forward. Over time, my pet projects evolved into more impactful initiatives. I started a business within my neighborhood where I rented out tables, canopies, and speakers for events. It was more than a venture entertaining income; it was a testament to my resolve and an attempt to push back against the constraints other people tried to put on me. Trying to juggle school and family commitments alongside managing inventory, social media, customer service, and finances for the business was no small feat, but it instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, perseverance, and empathy. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reflected on the goals I set out to accomplish like lifting my family, breaking the vicious cycle of poverty, and showcasing that the reality does not need to mirror the starting point. I believed that leadership was not directing but rather serving, reinforcing, removing hindrances, and restoring hope. Of course, I did have to make sacrifices with this approach. I missed a lot of “normal” milestones as a teenager such as parties, vacations, and spending carefree afternoons. While most of my peers were busy discussing their future goals, I was designing budget proposals and strategizing financial plans. The isolation was brooding at times, but the vision of a better future never stopped driving me forward. I was met with disbelief and a lack of faith during my school years. A few teachers refused to acknowledge what I could reach and rather opted to look at me through a lens of stereotypes. They would murmur to one another about how children from families such as mine rarely progress far. Regardless, I found mentors and peers who motivated me, which allowed me to really thrive during that period. These relationships turned out to be crucial, showing me how some doors had the potential to open while others would only close if I had the right support. My leadership did not stop within the context of my family or businesses; I took these roles into my everyday life. As the Chief Communications Officer of the Accounting and Finance Association of my school, I linked students to internships, obtained funding, and created connections. I entered every meeting with a story, reminding people that there was so much more to every figure and strategy than mathematics. Every number had a person attached behind it. As a result, I grew to lead with empathy, candor, and tenacity. Alongside this, I participated in the Project Destined program where I pitched real estate investments to professionals and even interned with HP Venture Tech where I learned firsthand venture capital. All of these activities helped sharpen my skills while further broadening my vision and proving that there were entire fields out there that I could explore which most assumed were not meant for me. Receiving this scholarship would make a remarkable difference in my life. It would minimize my financial concerns and enable me to concentrate on my academic work and career planning. This would honor my dream of becoming a personal financial advisor focused on assisting the troubled lower-income families, like mine, who suffer so quietly and need guidance and inspiration. My future plans are heartfelt and clear. I aim to offer free workshops in schools and community centers, fostering welcoming environments that empower students through financial literacy. I want to design straightforward and accessible online educational resources that teach budgeting and investing to foster overcoming shame and fear. I want to instill confidence, demonstrating that real wealth transcends money, it includes knowledge, mindset, and choices. I do not associate leadership with the ideas of power or position. Leadership, in my perspective, is purpose and service. I lead because I have been led, by my parents’ courage, my community’s strength, and the faith that has carried me through dark times. I lead because I have experienced doubt and judgment and decided to rise above it. I lead because no one deserves to face their struggles alone. The aspirations I hold closest to my heart relate to fortifying families, offering children bound to restrictive and limiting cycles breathtaking opportunities for nurturing and growth. Perpetual striving toward achieving goals is unattainable without aid, which the scholarship graciously provides. The dreams I wish to carve for myself are now made possible thanks to you, and they are only the beginning. Your faith makes you a part of my journey, which I am truly thankful for.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t always look like someone standing at the front of a room. Sometimes, it looks like a teenager sitting at the kitchen table with a calculator and a notepad, trying to figure out how to keep the lights on, save for college, and stretching every dollar for a family of 5. I was thirteen when I first stepped into that quiet kind of leadership. My parents, immigrants who worked long hours to keep us afloat, were exhausted. Bills were stacking up. Stress hung heavy in our home. I couldn’t stand by and watch them struggle any longer. I didn’t know much, but I knew I had to try. As I understood more, I boarded more responsibilities. In our neighborhood, I set up a business renting out party equipment including canopies, tables, and speakers. I did it all: marketing, bookkeeping, and inventory. All revenue streams were allocated toward tuition, debt repayments, and savings. Juggling my family, school, and business all at once was excruciating, but the vision I was working towards kept me motivated. For me, true leadership has never meant being the most vocal person in the room. It means being reliable and assuming responsibility when things get tough. I didn’t manage with authority; rather, I served with compassion and love. When I had assumed other duties, I shifted to an academic and professional mindset. As Chief Communications Officer of the Accounting and Finance Association, ICC Representative for the Business Student Association, I’ve run the marketing for several students along with organizing funds and ensuring real-world opportunities for other students. With Project Destined, I presented real estate investment proposals to professionals, and during my time with HP Venture Tech, I gained invaluable insight into the world of venture capital and startup finance. My kitchen table became the starting point of a lifelong journey. My goal is to be a financial advisor and open my own office dedicated to serving underprivileged families. It is my intention to offer complimentary workshops, develop intuitive online resources, and establish an environment where people are motivated, not belittled, for discussing finances. I intend to assist others through what I had to self-teach: understanding that true wealth cannot be quantified solely through income, but through understanding, purpose, and taking a bold step forward. Leading is something I do because I have experienced the fight. I lead because I understand what remains possible when there is sheer determination. Ensured, I will champion not for accolades but to carve a path for the others feeling lost in the suffocating dark.

As a child, watching my parents struggle to balance work and life was difficult because they always put my siblings and I first. Sacrificing themselves on the daily, they worked tirelessly to ensure we had a good life. Emigrating to this country with hardly anything, hope being the only thing in their possession, it’s a given there was a language barrier alongside financial difficulties. Not to mention the uncertainty that surrounded them. Each bill that came seemed to burn a hole in their pocket and spending late nights planning how everything would add up seemed common. While for a lot this would feel hopeless, for me it felt like a challenge. A challenge I was more than willing to rise to. Educating myself on the basics has always been the first step when taking on something new. Be it learning how to budget, allocate funds, or set up bank accounts for the family. Each step taken felt like helping my parents out of the debt hole they were in. My college going sisters had a little nest egg waiting for them while the finances of our little family business got a good spring clean. Everything felt like planting a tiny seed of hope in a mondo dry soil that has long been dusty. I did not restrict myself to extend help only at home. I assisted within local youth programs where I encountered children who were just like me. I put a constant effort in guiding them through the rough roads and helped them get on the right path. A path that would enable them to cross the borders that restricted their vision. All families strive to provide their kids with an education that earns them a good living, but they tend to forget imparting life lessons along the way; lessons learned from one's mother. Therefore reinforcing the elementary beliefs of relying on oneself, staying positive in the face of adversity, persistence, self-worth, and even borrowing the slightest amount of optimism. Each family aims to provide the best education aimed at securing a hefty paycheck, but fail to ensure that it comes along with essential skills including navigating through life's true lessons. This scholarship stands for something greater than sustenance required for financial generosity. Instead, it goes towards the mission treasured within this appeal; my life’s advocacy and aspiration to aid people and provide life with hope. Ready to steer this legacy with every fresh eye I meet, reputation I build, and dream I fulfill.

Not long ago, I was convinced that if I put in enough effort, I could somehow work towards overcoming my burdens. My anxiety was managed through constant ‘busyness’, with good grades, multiple jobs, leadership positions; I was always ‘moving’ lest I feel the guilt of “snapping out of it.” Unfortunately, getting out of bed at 3 am feeling out of breath, heart racing with no explanation has somehow found its way into my daily routine. It’s safe to say we didn’t have conversations around mental health when I was growing up. It felt non-existent. Every single one of us was celebrated while struggling through challenges like grief or never-ending pain that lacked any visible wounds since mental health was deeply rooted within the body. I assumed that feeling overwhelmed was a sign of weakness. My reality didn’t allow me to be stressed while managing everything in my life, finances, family expectations and education. I reached my breaking point during my second semester of college. Per semester, I was juggling two jobs, managing my family’s finances, mentoring, along with trying to achieve a perfect GPA. One night after work, I remember sitting in my car and feeling completely paralyzed. I didn’t feel sad or angry... I just felt numb. It was that very night I made the decision to call for help. Receiving help, in the beginning, changed everything for me. While therapy didn’t fix all my problems overnight, it aided me to articulate everything I was going through. Most importantly, therapy assured me that I wasn’t fighting these battles alone. Now, I strive to make conversations about mental health accessible and normalize it in spaces where conversation for better mental health is seen as unconventional, particularly in low-income communities where mental illness is often neglected or stigmatized. Nowadays, I mentor students on self-worth, not just academics. I offer additional materials to my peers, I talk about the mental health struggles I went through, and assist them in getting the help they need, including counseling. I conducted financial literacy workshops where we don’t just talk about finances, but also the impact financial stress has on mental health. People caring for their mind should not be seen as a form of weakness, but rather, it’s actually a survival instinct. True love. A sign of strength. In the future, I hope to create a nonprofit organization that combines financial literacy education with mental wellness services. My vision is to create a place where someone struggling with a budget walks in and leaves with tools to maintain their mental health. In my case, the scholarship is a reminder of the struggles I’ve faced in life, and is still fighting for. It also illustrates why a world where seeking help isn’t stigmatized, and where mental health is treated the same as pursuing one’s aspirations. No one should feel alone in their internal struggles, and if my attempts can help just a single person feel less isolated, then all of my experiences will have been worthwhile. Because every single person deserves to be noticed, listened to, and start the journey to recovery.

My parents crying at the kitchen table starkly remains in my memory. It is a far cry from a paycheck impacting my life. In the tears, there was no anger or bitter resentment. Only unguarded emotion depicting grappling with bills that were far beyond their comprehension. Pride did nothing to give way to support or help. That very instance changed my life forever. I am a product of an immigrant household with staggeringly low incomes. My parents were on the lower end in practically every financial aspect. Relatives and friends offered zero support. Everything strained the financial harness, but it all folded just to provide me and my siblings a shot at hope for something better. As tough as budgeting, investing, and saving for college were for my parents, they still managed to pull through. Beyond everything, their core teaching was centered around facing difficulties head on. So I took it upon myself to be the financial strategist my family has never had. I consumed everything I could find on personal finance: books, articles, and podcasts. I created a comprehensive plan that included a debt snowball strategy. I opened 529 college saving plans for my siblings and cousins. I helped restructure their 401(k)s and walked them through the baby steps needed to sustain their future. Additionally, I initiated a small business that rented out party supplies, micromanaging spending to educational and household funds to steadily grow our savings. I didn’t stop at my front porch. I became the resident expert for FAFSA, budgeting, and credit-building tips at school and within my community. I ran for student leadership positions like Chief Communications Officer for my college’s Accounting and Finance Association and participated in Project Destined and HP Venture Capital. My objectives were always greater than a degree; I aim to change the mindset of cash-strapped families and help them understand the concept of finances and properly manage their money. To me, finance is more than just a professional endeavor; it is a vocation. My desire to become a financial advisor stems from wanting to help families who have been underserved, not to assist the affluent. That is why I hope to form a nonprofit that will provide free financial literacy classes, debt management, and investment coaching for immigrants and lower-middle-class constituents in my community. I understand better than most that money is, in fact, more than just a series of numerals; it is a source of control, self-respect, and liberty. Winning this scholarship would not only alleviate a portion of my financial burdens, but also help advance a cause I have already started championing. Like Robert F. Lawson, I want to dedicate my life to helping people rise because when you assist one family, you are aiding entire generations.

I’ve sharpened my skills with finance and accounting through a Business Administration degree, but my first lessons in money were imprinted onto my life through lived experiences. Coming from a low-income background raised by a single mother, I remember vividly the feelings of anxiety and stress during every grocery checkout and rent payment. My mother made countless sacrifices while working day and night just to provide for the family, and her battles forged the foundation of my heart. There's a reason I worked relentlessly so that her struggles would motivate me. I want to change the narrative, fighting for those stuck in the shadows, just like I was once forced to do. At the ailing cusp of hope, I realized the sheer impact of finances on a family’s future; I’ll always remember the moment where I wished I had someone to turn to for help. This sparked my passion to become that figure and leads my journey onward. I volunteer my free time teaching financial literacy, like budgeting, credit building, and savings strategies, because these skills are essential for many of my friends and peers who were never taught them. I’ve opened classes’ first savings accounts, participated in debt repayment planning by making budgeting spreadsheets, and even assisted a friend with the complex financial aid application process. These milestones may appear insignificant, but for someone lacking financial stability, these achievements provide a remarkable sense of freedom. In the future, I aim to start a nonprofit organization focused on introducing financial literacy workshops to underprivileged communities, starting with my own neighborhood. I want to equip single parents with the tools to achieve stability, empower teenagers to avoid debt traps, and provide families with the resources needed to end the cycle of generational poverty. Knowledge can drive change, and when it can transform someone’s life, it empowers the individual. Change might often be portrayed as constructing buildings in foreign countries, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Change can simply be offering a helping hand to someone feeling lost, saying, “Let’s do this together.” It’s about giving one’s time, compassion, and practical resources that profoundly impact someone’s life. Priscilla, Shireen, and Luke’s legacy is a fascinating example of selflessness that enables one to reflect on how diverse selflessness can be. In my case, assisting others gain control over their lives through financial empowerment is how I give back to society; this scholarship would not only allow me to achieve that goal, but as a student, it would enable me to work towards becoming a truly informed citizen who tirelessly advocates for a world that is equitable and filled with hope. Shireen's words remind me of why students like me cannot be left alone. They need to be enlightened. No individual should have to embrace the challenges the world poses in my presence without guidance on how to approach them.

To me, selflessness means caring for others so deeply that you tend to their needs before yours, without the expectation of reciprocated kindness or fame. My upbringing in a low-income immigrant family opened my eyes to the importance of communal support from a young age. As a first-generation college student, I have had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities as the eldest sibling, and these offer me a unique perspective on how I serve others. Managing my family’s financial crisis has perhaps been the most meaningful exercise of selflessness I have practiced in my life. My parents immigrated to this country with nothing, and even after getting jobs, they were stuck in a seemingly unbreakable cycle of debt for years. I was determined to help them start their journey toward financial healing. I meticulously researched payment plans, organized their important paperwork, and taught them bill management. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but my determination kept me anchored. I even went so far as to open 529 college savings accounts for my younger sisters, something my family had never even heard of because I wanted to give them a head start on their futures. I assisted in the launch of our family's business. To guarantee a sustainable approach, I managed budgeting, marketing, and pricing. In the summers during my breaks from school, I managed bookings and coordinated deliveries, sometimes working through my free time, even when other students had the summer off. To me, my family's progress is something to take pride in, and to that end, I was more than willing to give up my vacation time. In addition to my other work, I’ve contributed my efforts to volunteer at Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, where I worked with children that were quite literally me. Children in low-income neighborhoods that are living without proper guidance, support, or role models. I created and facilitated group lessons, instructed pupils, and assisted families in accessing needed services. I frequently noted that children, especially those that are at risk, benefit from arriving at consistent class times. For children in periods of profound unpredictability, structure is vital. Selflessness is not giving up your life to serve others. Instead, it is about doing what needs to be done, regardless of how difficult or inconvenient that may be. I have filled out college applications for classmates, guided neighbors through the steps of financial aid, and volunteered in local events because I know how meaningful even the most minor acts can be done. Overcoming my personal challenges of going through a college, financially supporting my family, and working while attending school has strengthened me in many ways. Most importantly, it has reinforced my desire to help others. In my opinion, we have all been blessed with the ability to make good things happen and it is upon everyone to be that good spark in their surrounding circle. Michael Rudometkin’s legacy inspires me to understand that life is more than personal success. It focus' on receiving personal success while ensuring that the people around you are lifted. In my case, along every single act of service, sacrifice and effort to empower someone else I hope to continue that legacy. This scholarship would definitely help me further my education, but even more that, claim the path that it seems I have chosen. A path laden in purpose, heart, and serving others.

I am a product of a family of sacrifice, love, and survival. My parents are immigrants who came into this country with little more than hope and determination. They did not have a education, money savvy, or the kinds of opportunities so many others take for granted. What they did have was an unshakeable faith in giving their children a better life. That faith was my cornerstone. Being a first-generation college student isn’t just a label; it’s a constant balancing act. I’m not only earning a degree for myself, but I’m also learning how to navigate a system that wasn’t designed with families like mine in mind. Every FAFSA form, scholarship application, and class schedule came with a learning curve. I often felt like I was building a plane while I was flying it, but I never allowed fear and doubt to stop me. I used those setbacks as learning opportunities, and today I use what I have learned to motivate others in my community and family. One of the most significant contributions that I have made was helping my family begin their journey towards financial healing. I watched how debt had weighed down my parents, not only financially but emotionally too. I educated them on payment plans, ordered paperwork, and took them through their initial steps of becoming debt-free. That was not the end of it. I opened up 529 college savings accounts for my younger sisters, determined to re-write our family's financial script from scratch. I helped my parents start a small family business and organized the finances so that a portion of the profit would be invested in my sisters' education. I realized that finance was not just an interest profession, but a calling. It is this calling now that drives me towards a degree in finance so that I can continue to help underrepresented families like mine. I brought this mission along with me also to my work at Higher Ground Youth and Family Services. Some of the children there were my neighbors, children who lived in the same apartment complexes that I did, children who needed someone to see them, to guide them, and to believe in them. I was the first one to get there and the last one to leave. I helped plan, organized, and carried out each activity. I led group activities, counseled students, and built trust with families who at times didn't know where or how to turn. My presence was not negotiable, it was necessary. I was someone they could count on, because I knew how much that meant. What I've come to understand from it all is that you don't necessarily need a title in order to be a leader. Leadership comes from heart, dependability, and courage. If I'm working to help my family when we're penniless, building sisters' futures, or being there for kids in my community, I know I need to be the one who is there, even if nobody else will. Winning the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship wouldn't just be financial blessing. It would be an exhibition of what happens when one commits to perseverance, when one like myself, disadvantaged, under-estimated, perseveres for one's own future and the future of others. My experience and that of Mark Green is learning, serving, and indestructible resolve. I would be blessed to continue his legacy by establishing something that remains, not just for myself, but for future generations that will follow.

As a first-gen college student, I've been forced to adapt to finding one's way in a world that often seemed not to have been constructed for someone like me. My parents were not in college, and we never even really discussed majors, internships, or funding options. What we talked about was how to get by, how to get a dollar to go around, how to be a rock for family, and how to prevent the next generation from having it worse. Out of those conversations, I knew my greatest talent was not academic; it was what I take from learning and turning it into tools for life that serve others, especially those who are from where I come. Through my own struggles, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what empathy really means. It’s not just about feeling sorry for others, it’s about actively listening, standing beside them, and using your own knowledge to open doors they never thought they could walk through. That’s what I’ve done with my family. I helped them start a small business, and we invest the profits into saving for my younger sisters' 529 college savings. I've even set up a debt repayment plan for my parents so our family could catch its breath a little. These were not just financial wins, they were acts of kindness and love. I think that financial literacy is one of the most under-appreciated abilities in building a kinder world. Financial pressure permeates all aspects of living, health, relationships, education, even dreams. And yet, so many people, especially in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, are never taught how to budget and save for the future. That's where I come in. I want to be a financial planner or teacher who not only advises clients but creates programs that teach kids how to take control of their futures at a very early age. I would like to travel to poor schools, speak at community centers, and create simple, enjoyable, and culturally relevant online resources. But I know that global empathy starts with connection. That is why I always try to learn from different cultures and perspectives. Whether through listening to international students themselves about their own stories or through volunteering within multi-cultural communities, I keep going back to the point that despite our stories being different, our aspirations tend not to be. We all hope for safety, for opportunity, and for dignity. My prayer is to use my skills, my love of teaching, my passion for finance, and my life experience, to be a person who bridges gaps, not just gaps in knowledge but gaps in understanding. In a universe that at times can be frigid or transactional, what I believe binds us together is empathy. Through empowering others to obtain the instruments they need to thrive, monetarily, mentally, and in the classroom, I'm not merely building a career. I'm building a movement. A movement where those from all walks of life are seen, heard, and empowered to write their own narrative.

The great Potato Catastrophe It was my exams week, and I was all set to present ‘My Start Up Idea’ on Zoom, and believe me when I say, I was prepared with everything. Presentation, Digital Setup including my lighting, the setup was ideal. I've written notes that were taped behind my laptop, relating to almost everything. Unluckily for me, my cat's Meow's jumps that happened just before my presentation to my iced coffee episode was the most unexpected point ever. My monitor went white. No idea how this happened, my camera turned on. But why do I look like a animated potato now? After blinking a few times I started speaking, desperately trying to find some method to do something about it, "it is impossible to be a potato in real life!” I’m not sure how my video conference professor was able to keep it together, but I’m glad he was doing so. The gown adults laughing and in tune with my board were eager as such in the chat. One of them cheered me on in the chat saying, “Spudtacular presentation!” I completed my presentation still looking like a potato. But somehow still got a C pass. And now look, I've been logging. Instead: if you can deliver a pitch disguised as a sprout, you can deliver a pitch 100 thousand times.

To be a responsible, productive citizen of the community one must have the intention to live purposefully; rise with resilience and give with heart. Personally, for me, this began in a modest house where my parents’ bills dominated his income and felt like a dream that we would hope to afford someday. Rather than constraining us, these circumstances lit a spark to my imagination, calling me to transform struggle into strength and scarcity into cunning strategies. I will never forget the time I sat at the kitchen table on a rectangular desk alongside my mother sorting through stacks of unpaid bills. Although I was just in my teenage years, the pressure, fear, and hope of everything felt like a ton of bricks. However this time something changed. I remember that I decided waiting would not be the best way forward, and if I wanted things to be better, I needed to learn new skills. Slowly, I came up with a family devise debt repayment plan solely based off my research in personal finance, and attending online seminars, and video lectures. It was never about the numbers for me. It was about recovering the self-respect my family lost over time. Eventually, I decided to set up 529 College Saving Plans for my little sisters. I wanted to make them believe that even from a young age, someone trusted their dreams and was choosing to invest in them early. My personal recollections become others’ novels. Purpose drives responsibility while waiting to be qualified is not an option, showing up anyway and taking initiative is what needs to be done. In this case, productivity means integrating our small family's side hustle into a business that assists in funding our college education. Shifting focus from my family, I want to lend a hand to my community, particularly the children who, like myself, do not realize that financial security is something that is easily attainable. My aspiration is to become a financial advisor, educator, or motivational speaker who can simplify the concepts of money to everyone in contrast to only the affluent. Every hardworking family striving to build a legacy should have access too. These principles will stay with me while I head into the next season of my life. Purposeful towards the mission I set out for myself, sensible with my gifts, and responsible in my actions. I’m not going to college to pursue a degree. The goal is to clear the path for the individuals who are navigating the road I am familiar with. We may have modest beginnings, but I firmly believe that love, labor, and wit can break generational cycles. That is my goal, and that's the way I wish to serve.

As a first-generation Latino finance student, I have seen firsthand how financial empowerment can transform communities. I am attracted to unifying finance and sustainability to combat environmental challenges. I will concentrate on empowering marginalized youth with financial literacy and environmental sustainability. It has been studied that increasing financial literacy is linked to better environmental quality and sustainable finance can steer capital towards renewable energy and emissions-reducing investments​. These classes have solidified my belief that economic literacy can benefit people and the planet. I've established a strong foundation with concrete projects. In high school I started Finance for All, offering free classes on budgeting, saving, and investing to Latino youth and community families. At community college, I developed these efforts through the Grads to Be Program, helping dozens of low-income and undocumented college students with finances. We also partnered with local businesses (even Hyundai Motor America) hoping to increase our visibility. I also co-created an AI chatbot at Play Labs (a startup accelerator) in order to bring student services and campus resources together, showing the world how technology can make school more accessible. From this history, I will form a nonprofit that focuses on education and career development in sustainable finance. Our courses will include climate-risk investment and green entrepreneurship training, where students will be taught how to screen companies by their environmental performance using tools like blockchain-based ESG scores and green bonds. This is guided by studies that call for a consideration of climate change in finance education in order to secure sustainable investment and decision-making for green technologies We will also create mentorship and internship programs which expose students to clean energy and sustainable business careers. Bilingual publications (English/Spanish) will allow us to reach Latino and global youth, connecting fiscal health with environmental health. Technology will be at the base of most of our work. I will use AI and digital technologies to minimize waste and maximize our impact as much as we can. For instance, chatbots and AI scheduling minimize paperwork and streamline processes. On a larger level, cities already utilize AI to sort trash in an attempt to lower costs and emissions: route-optimized collection and automated sorting drastically improve recycling efficiency​. I would like to apply similar data-driven, etc. monitoring event recycling or energy consumption, to make our operations leaner and greener. We will also develop applications making sustainable suggestions to students, such as funding home energy-efficient upgrades or low-carbon transportation options. In the next five years, I will make this vision reality. In 2028, I will train a minimum of 2,000 young people in sustainable finance and health workshops and courses. I will partner with ten schools, five community colleges, and with corporations and non-profits to co-brand events utilizing established relationships. Our bilingual web site will connect communities here and abroad through video and interactive capabilities. We'll intern or train at least 100 students annually in environmentally based businesses and organizations, providing them with green careers training. We will measure impact through surveys and results, such as savings, credit score improvement, or placement in a green job for program participants. This scholarship would fuel my pursuit of applying finance and technology for the environment. My past experience in Finance for All and tech innovation demonstrate that I can scale these efforts. I will educate thousands of students from underrepresented backgrounds in five years and help direct economic flows toward a sustainable future. I will help community health and climate resilience by empowering underrepresented youth with green finance and AI technologies. I am committed to using finance and technology for a better world for people and planet.

We finally felt like things were improving. We'd been paying bills playing catch-up for years, and I helped my parents devise a snowball debt plan, paying off the smallest balances first, gaining confidence as we went along. We weren't just surviving for the first time; we had a plan. I set up 529 college savings plans for my two younger sisters and started them off with my own saved-up birthday and part-time job money. I wanted them to have a head start I never had. I even started a small party rental business with my family. We rented tables, chairs, and decorations, as simple as that, but it paid for gas, groceries, and more payments into my sisters' college funds. I learned the hard way how to stretch every dollar and how to generate ideas from revenue. It gave us hope. Then we got evicted. Not for late rent, our rent was paid up, but because our landlord wanted the apartment back. I watched my father slowly and carefully fold his hoodie, as if it would break. That night, I promised we'd never be that vulnerable again. That moment shaped everything. I’ve worked ever since to understand finance deeper. As a student employee at Fullerton College’s Grads to Be Program, I’ve helped organize financial literacy workshops and community events that make the college experience more accessible for undocumented and first-generation students. This scholarship would enable me to take a prerequisite summer course, one step closer to professional certification and licensing. My goal is to be a certified personal finance advisor, not just for myself, but to assist others like my family. Luck may not always be on your side. But with knowledge, preparation, and heart, you can be the safety net you never had.

I was the backroom brains behind our survival for years. I turned our tiny kitchen table into my command center at sixteen, stacking up bills, pinching every last penny, and learning personal finance from scratch. I read books, YouTube tutorials, and online lessons, determined to extract the maximum amount from every dollar so that my parents, who had given up their own dreams as immigrants, could afford to put a roof over our heads. I created them a snowball payment plan for their debt, created 529 college savings accounts with my sisters, even bargained with my dad's retirement contributions so all that work wouldn't be in vain. I even opened up my own little party-rental business, pocketing every sale, sneaking every profit, praying it would suffice. And the eviction notice. Not that we were past due, but that the landlord merely wanted the apartment returned. We'd enjoyed home for a few hours' worth of afternoons; by evening, cardboard boxes and doubt were ours. I stood in silence beside my father as he carefully folded his beloved hoodie with shaking hands, as though he'd shatter glass. The world beyond was colder than any winter wind I'd known. In black silence, I swore: I'd never be so helpless again. It was then that I understood the value that college was not a dream, but a lifeline for me. I had had to be strengthened, made wise, and enabled. I had no interest in surviving the system; I was determined to overcome it and shield families like mine from its exploitation. I have precisely done this as a student-hourly Marketing & Events Advocate for Fullerton College's Grads to Be Program. I facilitated financial-literacy workshops where students could ask "dumb" questions and take actual take-aways with them. I arranged partnerships between immigrant-owned businesses and even Hyundai Motor America, arranging tours so the students could view futures once inaccessible. I started after attending a conference and meeting the Play Labs founder, and I helped co-create "G2B Bot," an AI chat-bot dispensing scholarship and financial-aid counsel at a moment's notice. Next, I encouraged friends to make their own bots, study guides, campus guides, proof-of-concept business assistants, so that they too might experience the high of being the boss. I'll be the first in my family to receive a college degree this spring. This fall, I am transferring to Cal State Fullerton to pursue a major in finance. My hope is to work as a personal financial planner and have a nonprofit agency that offers free workshops, computer programs using AI, and individual advising to low-income households. I wish every student was able to sleep peacefully in the assurance that they have a plan and not wake up wondering if they will have a roof over their heads tomorrow. For I have known what it is to lose everything, and in losing find the spark that ignites a lifetime of purpose. Fortune can fail, but wisdom, compassion, and determination never die.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t always look like someone standing at the front of a room. Sometimes, it’s a teenager sitting at the kitchen table with a calculator and a notepad, trying to keep the lights on, plan for college, and stretch every dollar for a family of five. As the oldest sibling in a Mexican-American family and a first-generation college student, I’ve taken on the role of provider, planner, and role model, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. My parents didn’t have the chance to finish school. They left their education behind to support their own families back in Mexico and have worked tirelessly ever since to give me and my siblings a better life. Despite their efforts, the stress of financial insecurity followed us for years. Watching them sacrifice so much while still struggling lit a fire inside me. I realized that if anything was going to change, I had to be the one to step up and lead. At sixteen, I started teaching myself personal finance. I used Dave Ramsey’s principles and online courses to understand budgeting, debt, and investing. I created a snowball debt repayment plan for my parents, opened 529 savings accounts for my younger siblings and cousins, and helped restructure my parents' retirement accounts to better support their future. I didn’t stop at planning; I wanted to take action. I started a family side business renting party supplies like tables, chairs, and speakers. I managed the inventory, built our brand online, and tracked every dollar we earned. That money went toward college tuition, paying off debts, and laying the foundation for a more stable future. Through all of this, I learned what it truly means to lead, with resilience, heart, and vision. I’m not just the first in my family to graduate high school; I’ll also be the first to graduate from community college this spring. In Fall 2025, I’ll transfer to Cal State Fullerton to pursue my degree in finance and turn my passion into a lifelong mission. My goal is to become a personal financial advisor and eventually open my own firm that specializes in helping low-income families like mine. I want to provide accessible, empowering financial education through free workshops, community programs, and digital tools. I believe that money shouldn’t be a source of shame or stress, it should be a tool for building the life you want. Today, I balance life as a full-time student and part-time employee while serving as Chief Communications Officer for the Accounting and Finance Association and ICC Representative for the Business Student Association. I advocate for students, manage event budgets, and connect peers with opportunities. I've also pitched real estate deals through Project Destined and interned at HP Venture Tech, gaining insight into venture capital and innovative finance. Even outside of school, I continue to lead. I recently guided my younger sister through enrolling in a CNA program while still in high school, helping her take the first steps toward her own career. I walk our cat around the neighborhood, and though it might sound small, it’s led to conversations, new connections, and a deeper sense of community. Being a first-generation, Mexican-American college student isn’t easy, but it’s something I’m deeply proud of. It means breaking generational cycles, honoring my family’s sacrifices, and creating opportunities where none existed before. My motto has always been, “It is what you make it.” I didn’t choose my circumstances, but I’ve chosen to rise from them with purpose, and I’m determined to help others do the same.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t always look like someone standing at the front of a room. Sometimes, it looks like a teenager sitting at the kitchen table with a calculator and a notepad, trying to figure out how to keep the lights on, save for college, and stretching every dollar for a family of 5. As a first-generation American and college student, my greatest achievement has been stepping into that leadership role within my family, becoming the one they could turn to for financial guidance. My parents, both of whom had to leave school at a young age to support their own families, worked endlessly to give me and my siblings a better life. Yet, despite all their hard work, the weight of financial instability never seemed to go away. Watching them struggle, juggling bills, stressing over debt, sacrificing their own well-being, sparked something in me. I realized that if I wanted things to change, I couldn’t wait for someone else to save us. I had to step up. At sixteen, I began teaching myself personal finance using Dave Ramsey’s teachings and online financial literacy courses. I mapped out a snowball debt repayment plan for my parents, organizing their credit card balances from smallest to largest and creating a timeline for paying them off. I opened 529 college savings accounts for my younger siblings and cousins, even if we could only contribute small amounts at first. I helped my parents restructure their 401(k) to better suit their long-term goals, doing hours of research to understand investment risks and returns. I didn’t stop at budgeting; I looked for ways to grow our income. I started a family side hustle renting party supplies like canopies, tables, and speakers to people in our community. I built the business from the ground up, handling inventory, managing social media promotions, and tracking all income and expenses. Every dollar we earned went toward saving for college tuition, paying off family debt, and investing in our future. My weekends were filled with deliveries, pickups, and bookkeeping, but I didn’t mind. I knew I was creating something bigger than myself: stability, pride, and hope. This experience taught me so much more than financial concepts. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of initiative. I learned that success doesn’t always come from having resources, it comes from using what you have with intention. I learned that I'm capable of leading not just with knowledge, but with heart. Most of all, I learned that no matter how hard things get, there's always a way forward if you're willing to find it. Today, I continue to balance multiple roles. I'm a full-time student, and part-time employee, and the Chief Communications Officer for my school’s Accounting and Finance Association as well as the ICC (Intern Club Council) Representative for BSA (Business Student Association), where I help connect students with real-world opportunities in finance, accounting while also negotiating budgets and grants for my clubs. I’ve participated in Project Destined, where I worked in teams to pitch real estate investment opportunities to seasoned professionals, and I interned with HP Venture Tech, exploring venture capital strategies in AI. These programs helped me sharpen my communication, analysis, and leadership skills, preparing me for a future career in finance. Outside of school, I find joy in everyday things, like walking my cat, which turns out to be a great conversation starter in the neighborhood. I spend time helping my siblings plan their futures. I recently helped my sister enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program while in high school, guiding her through the process step-by-step and securing a location where she is currently doing her clinical hours. In the future, I plan to become a personal financial advisor and build a firm that specializes in serving low-income families like mine. I want to create free community workshops and online resources to teach financial literacy in ways that are clear, practical, and empowering. I want to demystify money, eliminate the shame that surrounds financial hardship, and show others that wealth is not just about income, it’s about knowledge and intention. My personal motto is, “It is what you make it.” I didn’t choose to grow up with financial struggles, but I’ve chosen to make something meaningful from it. I’m proud of the person I’ve become, not because of hardship, but because I’ve made the most out of every challenge. And now, I want to help others do the same.

As a first-generation college student and American, my goal is to become a personal financial advisor to help families like mine achieve financial stability and security. My journey has been shaped by witnessing my parents' sacrifices and struggles, which have inspired me to make their lives—and others'—easier. My parents, who had to leave school at an early age to support their families, have always worked tirelessly to provide for us. They instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience, and I admire their dedication. Because of everything they’ve given us, I’ve made it my mission to alleviate their burdens and give back as much as possible. This drive led me to take initiative in managing my family’s finances. Drawing on the teachings of Dave Ramsey, I educated myself about budgeting, saving, and investing. I connected with financial advisors and immersed myself in resources to learn everything I could. With this knowledge, I created a snowball payment plan to address my parents’ debts, set up 529 accounts for my younger siblings and cousins, and restructured their 401(k) to strengthen their investment portfolio. These actions gave my family financial relief and hope for a more secure future. To further support my family, I started a side hustle renting chairs, tables, and party supplies. This business allowed my parents to focus solely on paying off their debts, while I handled operations with my younger sisters. The income covered operational costs, allowances for my siblings, and contributions toward their college savings. I also strategically invested these funds into the S&P 500, ensuring they have a head start on their financial future. Though modest, these savings represent a meaningful step toward easing their college expenses. For myself, I balance working part-time while taking an average of 19 units per semester, including summer and winter courses. My personal motto, “It is what you make it,” keeps me motivated to make the most of my college experience and prepare for the real world. In addition to academics, I’m involved in campus life as the Chief Communications Officer for my school’s Accounting and Finance Association, gaining leadership experience and expanding my financial knowledge. Programs like Project Destined, Extern, and Wells Fargo initiatives have given me hands-on experience in finance and real estate. During an externship with HP Venture Tech, I worked with a startup AI company to develop financial portfolios and connect with venture capital associates. Helping others is at the core of my values, and one of my proudest moments was guiding my sister into a CNA program. I’m determined to leave college not only with the skills to succeed as a personal financial advisor but also with the experience to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.

Among the books that have influenced my perspective about personal finance and business is Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Kiyosaki insists on the acquisition of financial literacy and a mindset that will eventually enable one to achieve financial freedom. He contrasts the thinking of his "rich dad" with that of his "poor dad" and how wealth most of the time is not only about making money but also about how the money works for you. I really connected with this book, since it came to my understanding that most of the financial problems my family went through were because of not knowing and having less financial education. It is this realization that finally motivated me to major in business administration, concentrating in finance. I have always had a passion for helping people, and through my studies, I intend to gain the necessary knowledge to help people and families within my community achieve financial freedom. Upon completion of this degree, I would like to pursue a certification as a CFP and apply that expertise in helping guide people through their financial paths, especially for those who were not born with a silver spoon in their mouths-like my family-money matters are not taught from a tender age. The internship I did at Higher Ground, a nonprofit organization providing educational support for underprivileged children, is one of the most overwhelming experiences I have ever encountered in my life. Most of them are from similar backgrounds as mine, and I understand the feeling when one grows up without any form of financial education. It is my goal to be able to go back to Higher Ground and teach these kids about personal finance, helping them gain the knowledge and tools they need to build their own financial futures. I believe that if they don't know about financial literacy, they won't think about it, and if they don't think about it, they won't take action. I want to be the person who opens that door for them and gives them equal opportunities to learn, which I wasn't afforded at their age. All I need is to empower one child with the knowledge of managing money wisely to work towards financial independence, and I will know I have made a difference. It's about breaking cycles of financial instability and providing the resources necessary for these kids to dream bigger and achieve more. Teaching them how to save, invest, and budget will allow me to assist them in attaining their own financial freedom. Through my education, internship experiences, and ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Financial Planner, I have committed myself to applying the lessons I learned from books like Rich Dad Poor Dad to make a difference in the lives of people within my community. I want to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial destinies.

The music of Sabrina Carpenter and her presence have touched my life so deeply, not just through her art but also through how she brought my sister closer to me. From her early days in Disney Channel to her music career now, the work of Sabrina has been a source of joy and inspiration for both sisters. But it wasn't just her music that touched me; rather, it was in the way her songs allowed me to connect with my sister in a manner I had never experienced before. Growing up, my sister and I shared much in common. But as we grew older, we had begun to grow apart. So we were caught up with our respective lives, which felt as though the bond that once held us tight would weaken with each day passing. It is at that moment that Sabrina's music really kicked in. In the songs of this singer, we both had the lyrics speak so often about how she rose from one adversity after another. Both of us used to stay up together listening to her song, singing to each lyric and explaining the meaning of those lines from Sabrina. It was a gradual growth, but her songs became, sort of, the soundtrack to our relationship in that it brought us back to a place of shared connection. One of the most memorable moments for me was surprising my sister with concert tickets to see Sabrina live in California. I kept this a secret for weeks, surprising her. The moment I finally gave her the tickets, her face lit up with such pure joy; it was as if all the struggles we had gone through to reconnect suddenly melted away. We were going to see Sabrina Carpenter, the artist who had helped us unknowingly rebuild our bond. I was barely able to contain my emotions, and sitting with her at that concert, the overwhelming emotions of just how happy she was really took my breath away. I won't ever forget my sister's expression of excitement. I almost cried, seeing her so thrilled by how much it meant for her to just be there in person, experiencing something we both cherished. For me, Sabrina's music has always been an escape, but it's also been a bridge that brought my sister and me back together. Her songs spoke to us in ways we couldn't express with words. It wasn't just the music in itself but the way her work helped us share our feelings, understand each other more deeply, and create memories that will last a lifetime. What has made Sabrina's career inspirational for me isn't just in artistry; how it even allows me to strengthen my relationship with my sister in ways I never even fathomed. I will always be grateful for Sabrina's music and so much more. She has been a catalyst for healing and connection in my family, and the lessons from her songs will continue to carry me forward in life.

I grew up caught between two languages: Spanish, my first tongue; and English early on. Both my parents, who spoke nothing but Spanish while at home, kept me affixed with my roots while at the same time wanting me to learn the English language so that I could be successful in school and later on with my life. It has influenced the way I view the world in ways much deeper than the language itself; it has made me flexible, resourceful, and determined to break down barriers. As a first-generation student, much of my time was spent serving as a translator for my parents-from explaining forms to them to understanding what an appointment might be for. Although it has sometimes been challenging, it also taught me about the beauty of communication and bridging cultural gaps. It was there I realized that languages are not words but connecting them to ideas and people in meaningful ways. While translating for my parents could get exhausting, this also gave me a nice feeling of knowing I could help them and was an important element in their voyage in a foreign language. One area that I saw them struggle with was how to manage their personal finances. They will not seek any help or advice because the language barrier instills fear of misunderstanding something important. Being undocumented immigrants, they were suspicious of a financial system that seemed complicated and foreign, and therefore had limited capacity to make informed decisions regarding personal finance. Watching my parents struggle through these challenges instilled in me a profound desire to help others in similar situations, particularly undocumented individuals who feel alienated or left out from learning about finance. My goal is to teach personal finance to underserved and undocumented communities. I know how intimidating and confusing financial systems can be, especially when there are language and cultural barriers involved. I want to empower people like my parents to make informed decisions, build their financial literacy, and understand their rights and options without fear. Being bilingual, I am able to reach out to these communities in ways others may not, breaking down barriers to access and information. I aspire to help those who, like my parents, are unwilling or unable to seek out financial guidance due to fear or lack of resources. This knowledge I will acquire after my post-graduation in business and personal finance is supposed to enable me to reach out to people with less fortune than I am, culturally and relevantly, financially educating those in need. Be it conducting workshops, counseling one on one, or creating educational resources in Spanish, I want to be that bridge for people feeling excluded from the financial systems. I believe financial knowledge is a right, not a privilege, for every human being, irrespective of status or background. Not being monolingual has often been hard, but it has been one of the most rewarding features in my life. It has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of communication. I am excited to use this gift of languages in my future to continue helping the excluded find a voice in such important conversations related to personal finances. I feel particularly grateful that this is my chance for continuing higher education and giving something back to this community that gave so much to mold me into who I am.

This is not just about personal success; the decision to pursue a business degree is also that of creating opportunities for others, just as my family has always supported and motivated me. First-generation and without a roadmap to navigate higher education, I am acutely conscious of the challenges that this journey may bring, and I have also witnessed firsthand how education can service as the foundation for change and growth. As a child, I saw my parents work to make sure we had nothing we needed. They really fought through a lot, so it was only normal for me to think about long-term goals via education rather than problems. As I start my journey to a business degree, I know that the skills and knowledge I will be gaining will help me not only pursue my dreams but also serve the greater good. I have always been fascinated by business because it integrates creativity with the practical solving of problems. I have seen businesses, well managed, bring great social and economic change, create jobs, and provide the necessary services in communities. I am drawn to entrepreneurship because of the innovative ability and the possibility of having a direct impact on other people. I have only grown up seeing my family struggle with how to maneuver their way through financial mishaps in life. This experience motivated me to take a path where I could help other people overcome similar problems in financial literacy, job creation, and responsible business practices. A business degree will be the tool which enables me to create change in my community positively. I intend to use this education to begin a business which will not only provide services or products but returns to marginalized communities. Maybe I should create programs to help other first-generation students negotiate this college experience. And of course, I will definitely utilize my business acumen to assist others further through job opportunities or mentoring new entrepreneurs. I would want, at this present time, with hard work and dedication, and above all, perseverance-like Boyd J. Cameron-to have my major be in the study of business. It is particularly rewarding to be military-serving, very dedicated for the love of Country and Family. His aspiration and my own goal are entrepreneurship; therefore, with this higher learning pursuit, one will keep furthering his memory and his accomplishments to be reflected by continuing a positive influence in, and making necessary changes to improve, our communities.

Education has always been a transformative tool in my life. It has provided me with the foundation to understand the world, improve myself, and help others. The importance of education is not only in acquiring knowledge but also in the opportunities it unlocks, the skills it develops, and the way it shapes our ability to contribute to society. For me, education has been the key to breaking barriers and creating new possibilities—something that I can pass on to others. Growing up, I was acutely aware of the challenges that come with financial instability. My family didn’t have much, but they made it clear that education would be our ticket to a better future. My parents, despite their struggles, always emphasized the importance of learning. They taught me that education wasn’t just about passing tests or earning degrees—it was about building a mindset that opens doors to opportunities. This lesson stuck with me and became my guiding principle. When I began my college journey, I realized that education was not only about personal advancement but about how it could impact the lives of others. Through my studies in business, I have learned how knowledge and skill development in the fields of accounting and finance can help improve economic outcomes, create jobs, and build sustainable businesses that benefit communities. But it wasn’t until I saw firsthand the difference education made in my own life that I truly understood its value. Education gave me the tools to think critically, solve problems creatively, and navigate the challenges that come with pursuing ambitious goals. My decision to pursue a career in business, specifically accounting and finance, is deeply rooted in the understanding that education has the power to change not just individual lives, but entire communities. For me, pursuing an education in this field is not only about personal growth but also about giving back to others. I want to help communities access financial resources and services that can help them thrive. I see education as a catalyst for positive change, whether it's through financial literacy programs or helping others find their path in a challenging job market. This scholarship would provide me with the support to continue my studies and reach my ultimate goal of working in finance and business. It would help me take another step forward in my educational journey, allowing me to refine the skills and knowledge that will not only help me succeed but will also enable me to help others succeed. Just as Augustus L. Harper used education as a tool to lift himself and others out of poverty, I see education as the most powerful tool I have to create meaningful change in my life and in the lives of others.

Growing up, I always felt like I had to keep up appearances. On the outside, everything seemed fine, but deep down, I was struggling. I faced an inner battle that I couldn’t easily express to those around me. Depression had the best of me for many years. I never discussed it because, like many men, I was taught to just "get over it." My journey with mental health has been a long and arduous one, but it's also made me who I am today. In high school, depression seemed to cloud my every thought and anxiety made the smallest tasks overwhelming. Every day, I would wake up with that feeling of dread, never knowing how to make it through. It wasn't just feelings of sadness; it was this heavy feeling that weighed upon me and made it hard to connect with others or focus on my goals. More often than not, I found myself wanting to be in isolation from my friends and family because I thought they wouldn't understand or that I would be a burden with my struggles. Unfortunately, during moments of weakness, I used my vulnerability to fall into harmful coping mechanisms-such as drugs-to somehow numb my pain, at least for a while. But then slowly, I realized that temporary solutions would not work. Only through therapy, open talks with a few close friends, and better comprehension of my mental health did the path to healing gradually dawn on me. The support system around me, especially from those who cared about me, showed me that I didn't have to carry this weight alone. With time, I learned that acknowledging my mental health struggles wasn't a sign of weakness but of strength. I had to accept that asking for help was a powerful step forward, not something to be ashamed of. This scholarship would be a lifeline that helps me so much in continuing to make my way toward the best version of myself. Education has always been one of my goals, but depression had gotten in the way until now. I have always kept this in the back of my mind and through the tough struggles that I went through, I can finally pursue what is in store for me regarding my passion for technology and computer science. I will try to use my education in paying it forward, whether through developing resources or supporting initiatives to help people who may be facing similar challenges by increasing mental health awareness. What I have learned along the way is that no matter how dark things seem, there is a way through. I am proud of how far I have come, but I also realize that the road ahead will be paved with hard work, resilience, and a continued desire to learn and grow. This scholarship would not only lighten the financial burden of continuing my education, but it would also serve as a reminder that I am capable of overcoming anything. I am ready to start chasing my dreams and en route help others as many have helped me.

As a first-generation college student, I intrinsically know and understand the values of hard work, persistence, and self-reliance. I know how to work through difficulties, be they academic, financial, or personal. My aspiration is to enter either the business or entrepreneurial arena where I can empower others to create sustainable economic opportunities within my community. Receiving this scholarship will go a long way in my educational journey by cushioning some of the expenses related to college, hence creating time for learning and developing in the career path that I best like. Growing up in a family where financial stability was an eternal concern, I fostered an early interest in business. I have seen how financial illiteracy can cripple the success of a family and knew I wanted to be part of the solution. My long-term goal therefore is to work as a financial advisor or an entrepreneur who empowers others, particularly underrepresented groups, toward financial understanding and independence by creating and developing appropriate programs and businesses that will offer needed financial education, mentorship, and opportunities. This scholarship will finally make all these dreams a reality. The financial load caused by tuition and living will be relieved, enabling me to devote more time to my studies and internships for experience. With reduced financial burdens, this would provide more scope for involvement with coursework and extracurricular activities quite seriously, which would be an important part of personal and professional growth for me. Although I have always been goal-oriented, there came a time in my life when emotional weakness came into play. A few years ago, my family had to go through severe financial difficulties. It was the most stressful time, and I felt the weight of my responsibilities as I tried to help my parents while balancing schoolwork. I was feeling so dejected, and somehow I felt that one couldn't move further when the future seemed to be cloudy. During that period, my faith and community support triggered me from those emotional challenges. I started looking for better guys in good standing, at times mentors, peers, help from my church community in seeing another side of the situation. They told me to go one step at a time, take it slow, and be grateful for small wins. I also made an effort to enhance my mental health by journaling, praying, and giving thanks. Gradually, I picked up how to manage stress and become more confident in myself and my capability to rise above any challenges. It is from this experience that I learned the importance of resilience, asking for help if needed, and how to keep long-term goals in focus despite short-term setbacks. The turning point of this incident in my life only strengthened my resolve to build a career in business so that I am also able to help others meet their challenges and fulfill their dreams. I know through hard work, determination, and the support of my community, I can make a difference in the world. A scholarship would bring me one step closer to doing just that. It would allow me to continue my education and further my ambition in helping others through entrepreneurship and business. In the meantime, I plan to learn and grow with the commitment of using my education to further empower people and contribute toward the development of a better and more sustainable future.

First-generation college student, I attribute my journey to the experiences of my immigrant parents, who labored so tirelessly to give my siblings and me an opportunity at life. Though my family struggled to provide me with opportunities due to the financial constraints it faced, this overthrows me into academics with a drive to have a change in people's lives. Through this, I know that, inspired by resilience and sacrifice, my career should be focused on helping others, especially in matters about financial literacy and advising. Through this, I saw my parents struggling with financial insecurity all my life due to a lack of resources and knowledge about how to handle money. Watching them struggle with debts and feeling helpless, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began learning about personal finance with materials by Dave Ramsey and helped my parents with a plan to pay off their debts. That experience taught me the power of financial education in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for a brighter future. This passion led me to the career path of financial advising. I will use this as a platform to empower low-income families and underrepresented communities to help them better manage their finances and plan for the future. I will open a financial consulting company that provides teaching on financial literacy and the development of families in financial stability. Through workshops, one-on-one counseling, and providing resources available such as government grants and savings programs, I have the ambition to learn how to equip individuals with the ability to thrive financially regardless of their background or current financial situation. My ambition to help others comes from personal experiences and the belief that financial security is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. By helping people understand how to manage their money, I can give them the peace of mind and opportunities they deserve. I believe that financial literacy is a crucial tool for creating lasting change in communities, especially for those who may not have had access to such knowledge in the past. In addition to my commitment towards financial education, I have established a side business renting chairs, tables, and other party supplies to support my family. The venture was thus organized to provide relief to the parents so they could focus more on debt repayments while the business was running. This project brought in some extra income to my family, while at the same time enabling me to put aside savings for my siblings' future college in order for them not to undergo what I went through. Personally, the drive that motivates my mission is seeing people succeed, and I am committed to harnessing my experiences and knowledge to make a change. I want to be able to follow in the steps of people like Robert F. Lawson, who dedicated his life to helping others, and be able to commit that same level of dedication and compassion in my career. I know with the right education, resources, and support, I can aid people in obtaining financial security and, thereby, empower them to improve their lives and communities.

For the past few years, residents of states like Florida, California, and Texas have faced a huge challenge: soaring insurance premiums. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires have caused many insurance companies to leave these states, and it is becoming very difficult for many retirees and single parents to pay for coverage. Innovative, collaborative solutions that balance the needs of the insured, the insurers, and the agencies facilitating these services will be needed to solve this insurance crisis. The second solution would be reinsurance programs from the government. These, similar to Florida's Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, diffuse risk by providing an underpinning of financial support for insurance companies when disasters happen. While absorbing some of the financial shock themselves, such initiatives would encourage insurance companies to stay in high-risk markets without passing on unsustainable premiums to policyholders. Thus, a program would stabilize the market and give a safety net for insurers and homeowners. Encouraging investment in resilient infrastructure is another way to deal with the crisis. Insurance agencies and companies can work together with state governments to provide discounts or subsidies for retrofitting homes with hurricane shutters, fire-resistant materials, or flood-proofing measures. These proactive efforts not only mitigate risks but also create a more insurable environment, reducing the likelihood of companies exiting en masse. By reducing possible losses, insurance agencies may become more capable of functioning in hazard-prone areas and can add protection to homeowners and probably lower premiums. Insurance agencies function as vital intermediaries between clients and providers. It enables them to assist clients, guide them regarding the coverage opportunities, and guide them in dealing with difficult claims processes. Such activities will instill confidence and invite transparency into sometimes intimidating processes for policyholders. Agencies can also lobby for fair legislation and collaborate with insurers to develop tailored policies that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups, such as retirees and single parents. Through these efforts, agencies ensure that insurance remains accessible and equitable. While such solutions seem promising, there are challenges. Programs backed by the government do not come cheap; they may raise controversy when it comes to taxation and resources. The same applies to promoting resilient infrastructure, as this may be costly for some homeowners, thus calling for such financial aid programs. Balance between affordability to policyholders and profitability to the insurance companies would be necessary for a long-term success story. Without cautionary thought and cooperation, even the best intentions will not achieve success. Therefore, addressing the insurance crisis in disaster-prone states requires a multifaceted approach. By tapping into government support, promoting resilient practices, and strengthening the role of insurance agencies, we can create a system that safeguards residents while encouraging insurers to stay engaged. It is this collaboration that will bring stability and equity to the insurance landscape as it serves all stakeholders.