I’m Konstantinos Kounis, a rising sophomore majoring in Finance at the University of South Florida. My passion for commercial real estate didn’t come from textbooks — it came from watching my father grind. A first-generation Greek-American, I grew up in Margate, New Jersey, watching my dad drive a Jitney by day and renovate apartment buildings by night. He didn’t go to college. He didn’t inherit wealth. He figured it out. And as a kid, I saw firsthand what sweat equity could do. That early exposure inspired me to look deeper into how commercial real estate could change lives — not just for those who own it, but for entire communities. I’ve seen struggling neighborhoods transformed through smart development, and I’ve realized that finance and real estate are powerful tools to drive opportunity and growth. I want to be one of the people who makes that happen — someone who develops properties with intention, revitalizes spaces, and builds wealth that lifts people up, not pushes them out. What draws me to commercial real estate specifically is its blend of strategy, investment, and community impact. It’s about making long-term moves, understanding market trends, and having the patience to grow something meaningful. But it’s also about relationships — with lenders, partners, city planners, tenants. I thrive in that balance of analysis and people skills, and I know this industry is where I’m meant to be. Right now, I work multiple jobs — as a supervisor at Brittany’s Café and a sales associate at Rosa D’oro Jewelry — to help fund my education. I’ve learned how to sell, how to lead, how to keep calm under pressure. These jobs aren’t flashy, but they’re shaping me. I’ve developed discipline, communication skills, and the drive to juggle school, work, and real-life goals all at once. And while I’m proud of my work ethic, a scholarship like this would help me shift focus toward growth. It would give me time to pursue internships, networking opportunities, and real estate certifications. It would ease the financial stress and give me a chance to double down on becoming who I want to be. The most influential person in my life is definitely my dad. He came to this country with nothing but grit and a willingness to outwork anyone. He never told me I had to follow in his footsteps — he just showed me what it looks like to never give up. Watching him hustle gave me my foundation. But more than that, it taught me that success isn’t just about personal wins. It’s about creating a life that lifts others. That’s what I want to do — build something real, lasting, and impactful. My long-term goal is to develop and manage a diverse portfolio of commercial properties, including multi-family housing, retail spaces, and possibly hotels. But more importantly, I want to do it in a way that makes a difference. I want to invest in places that are overlooked, create housing that’s sustainable and affordable, and turn underused land into thriving spaces. And one day, I want to mentor the next generation — especially kids like me who come from hard-working families with big dreams but limited resources. This scholarship would be an investment in someone who’s all-in. I’m not just studying commercial real estate — I’m living it, building toward it, and ready to make my mark. Thank you for considering me.

My name is Konstantinos Kounis, and I’m currently enrolled at the University of South Florida as a Finance major, expecting to graduate in 2028. I’m a rising sophomore who’s driven by a deep passion for investing, business development, and real estate. Although I haven’t landed an official internship yet, I’ve been stacking real-world experience through multiple jobs, including roles as a café supervisor, jewelry store sales associate, and I’m planning to add valet work this summer. Each job has sharpened my skills in communication, leadership, and time management, all of which are crucial for a successful finance career. In the short term, I plan to break into the world of alternative investments by learning the ropes in private equity, hedge funds, or real estate investment. Long term, I want to launch my own investment firm focused on combining high-yield opportunities with long-term community impact—think affordable housing, sustainable developments, and startups that actually improve people’s lives. What excites me most about alternative investments is the creativity and flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional stocks and bonds, these vehicles let you shape the deal, influence outcomes, and build value in more direct and tangible ways. To create real equity in the finance space, I believe we need to rethink how capital gets distributed and who controls it. Structural change starts with opening doors. One idea I’d push for is a fund-of-funds model backed by universities and institutional players that allocates capital to emerging asset managers from underrepresented communities. Along with mentorship, clear performance benchmarks, and a transparent allocation process, this could give promising managers the access they need to scale. If I could shadow any investor for a year, it would be Howard Marks from Oaktree Capital. His memos are legendary for a reason. I’d want to study how he evaluates risk, especially during down cycles, and how he makes decisions in illiquid markets. His blend of intellectual humility and high-conviction investing is something I really respect. If finance wasn’t the path, I’d probably dive headfirst into entrepreneurship, maybe in the hospitality or wellness space. I’ve always dreamed of owning a beachside resort or a steakhouse—something experiential that brings people together. No matter the field, my guiding values are impact, freedom, and legacy. I want to build things that outlast me and help people along the way. Growing up in a first-generation Greek-American household, I learned early what sacrifice and ambition look like. My dad came here at 11 and built his own real estate hustle on the side, managing apartment units while driving a Jitney in Atlantic City. My mom worked everything from hotel clerk to casino payroll to gift shop cashier. Their grind showed me that no dream is too big when you stay focused and keep pushing. That’s why I treat my education like it’s mission-critical. I’m not just trying to land a job—I’m building something bigger. With the right resources and the right people backing me, I know I can flip my vision into reality.