rom the time I was about 14 years old, I discovered that entrepreneurship was more than just making money to me it was a way to create freedom, confidence, and impact. Doing hair started as something I loved, but it quickly became one of the first ways I realized I could turn a skill into something bigger. What began with styling family and friends grew into something that taught me responsibility, discipline, patience, and how to serve others through something as simple as helping them feel beautiful and confident. As I got older, that same entrepreneurial mindset continued to grow. Along with doing hair, I now currently sell clothes, which has taught me even more about branding, customer service, marketing, and understanding what people want. I enjoy finding creative ways to build something from my own ideas and watching it turn into results. Both beauty and fashion have shown me how powerful it is to create experiences that help people feel good about themselves. My long term goal is to build a legacy that goes far beyond financial success. In the future, I plan to become a real estate agent while also owning multiple salons. Real estate will allow me to build wealth, invest wisely, and create opportunities not only for myself but for future generations. Owning salons is deeply personal to me because I want to create environments where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. I want my salons to be more than places people go for services I want them to be safe spaces that uplift confidence, empower self-expression, and provide jobs for others who share the same passion. As an Accounting major with a Finance minor at Seton Hill University, I am intentionally building the business knowledge needed to make these dreams real. My education is helping me understand money management, investments, business growth, and long term strategy, all of which will be essential in building successful businesses. My involvement in track and field has also shaped my entrepreneurial mindset by teaching me discipline, resilience, and the ability to keep pushing through challenges even when success does not come immediately. I also shine my light through the way I support and uplift others. Whether it is through athletics, organizations like the Black Student Union and FCA, volunteering in my community, or helping people feel more confident through hair and fashion, I believe my purpose is to use my gifts to inspire others. I want my legacy to be one of ambition, empowerment, and service—a legacy that shows other young people, especially those from humble beginnings, that it is possible to turn passion into purpose and dreams into reality. Entrepreneurship, to me, is about building something that outlives you. My legacy will be built through the confidence I pour into others, the businesses I create, and the opportunities I open for the people who come after me.

My faith in God has been the foundation of my life, shaping how I face challenges, pursue opportunities, and understand my purpose. Through every season whether in academics, athletics, leadership, or personal growth my faith has reminded me that I am never walking alone. I truly believe that God gives each of us a purpose, and with that purpose, He also equips us with everything we need to succeed. That belief has carried me through moments of pressure, uncertainty, and growth, giving me confidence that what is meant for me will come through discipline, faith, and obedience. As a student athlete, faith has helped me remain grounded in who I am beyond performance. Sports and school can both be demanding, and there are moments when balancing expectations, deadlines, and competition feels overwhelming. In those moments, my relationship with God gives me peace and perspective. It reminds me that setbacks are not failures, but redirections that strengthen my character. My faith has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process even when I cannot yet see the outcome. One of the biggest ways faith has helped me is by giving me confidence in my purpose. I do not believe my talents, ambitions, and goals are random. I believe God has placed specific gifts within me discipline, leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with others for a reason. Whether it is competing in track and field, leading in organizations on campus, or pursuing my studies in Accounting and Finance at Seton Hill University, I move with the belief that I am walking in preparation for the life I am called to build. This faith will continue to guide me in my future career as an accounting auditor and real estate broker and investor. Both career paths require integrity, wisdom, and trustworthiness, qualities that are deeply rooted in my faith. In business, success means little without character. My faith will help me make ethical decisions, treat people honestly, and build relationships based on trust. It will remind me that true success is not only measured by income, but by impact, stewardship, and how I use my opportunities to serve others. As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, I believe faith gives me the boldness to pursue big goals while staying aligned with my morals. It keeps me focused on long-term vision instead of short-term shortcuts. I know there will be challenges in my career, but I also know that God has already equipped me with the mindset, strength, and purpose needed to overcome them. Ultimately, my faith gives me the courage to dream bigger, the discipline to work harder, and the integrity to succeed the right way. It is the reason I can confidently pursue my future knowing that I am prepared not only to build success, but to build it with purpose.

I am a student-athlete from Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, currently pursuing my degree at Seton Hill University with a major in Accounting and a minor in Finance. Ever since I was three years old, athletics have shaped who I am. I started with T-ball and eventually grew into softball, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, and ultimately track and field, which has become one of the most important parts of my life. Sports have never been just an activity for me they have been the foundation that taught me discipline, resilience, confidence, and how to compete with purpose. My family dynamic has played a huge role in the person I am becoming. I was raised in an environment that taught me the importance of hard work, staying grounded in faith, and always pushing myself to be better. My family has been my biggest source of support, encouraging me both academically and athletically. They taught me that success is not only about talent, but about consistency, character, and how you carry yourself through challenges. Their support has given me the strength to balance the demands of school, athletics, and leadership opportunities on campus. My education journey has been fueled by a desire to create opportunities not only for myself, but for my future family as well. At Seton Hill, I chose a school known for its welcoming community, endless support, and resources that allow students to thrive. Beyond track and field, I stay actively involved in organizations such as the Black Student Union and FCA, which continue to strengthen both my leadership and my faith. Being involved in these spaces has helped me grow into someone who values community, service, and uplifting others. Looking ahead, my future plans are centered on building a meaningful and successful career. My goal is to become an accounting auditor while also pursuing my passion for real estate as a broker, investor, and entrepreneur. I want to use my education to build long-term financial stability, create generational wealth, and serve as an example for younger athletes who may one day look up to me. I believe the lessons I have learned through sports discipline, time management, teamwork, and perseverance will continue to guide me as I move into my career. This scholarship deeply resonates with me because Stephan Laurence Wolley’s story reflects values that have also shaped my life: family, faith, and competition. As a student-athlete, I understand the dedication it takes to chase both academic and athletic excellence, and I carry that same commitment every day. Receiving this scholarship would not only help support my educational goals, but it would also motivate me to continue honoring those values in everything I do.

I have been an athlete since I was three years old, starting with T-ball and quickly expanding into softball, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, and eventually track and field. Sports have always been the center of my life. They taught me discipline, structure, confidence, and how to compete with purpose. More importantly, they taught me how to lead. Whether I was chasing down fly balls in center field, anchoring relay teams, or stepping onto the track blocks, I was always the athlete my teammates could count on for energy, encouragement, and composure. Today, I compete in track and field at Seton Hill University, where I am pursuing a degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance. My long-term goals are to build a successful career in the accounting field while also becoming a Real Estate Broker, combining my love for numbers, strategy, and financial growth. Athletics continues to play a major role in helping me reach those goals by strengthening my discipline, time management, and mental toughness. My athletic journey has been filled with accomplishments that reflect years of hard work. I ran track all four years of high school, qualified for the Pennsylvania state meet three times individually and twice in relays, and finished my senior season ranked 20th in the state as a sprinter. I served as captain of my high school track and field team, where I developed leadership skills that now shape how I show up in every area of life. During my freshman collegiate indoor season, I reached the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and placed top 5 in all three of my events, proving that I can compete and succeed at the next level.However, the most defining part of my story is not my medals or rankings it is how I responded when things stopped coming easy. My biggest setback came during my sophomore year of high school when I fractured my ankle, forcing me to step away from softball, a sport I had played since age three. Around the same time, I left volleyball because the environment no longer aligned with the athlete and person I wanted to become. For the first time in my life, I felt lost. I had always been the athlete people looked to for strength and leadership, but injury forced me to slow down and rebuild. Recovery was not just physicalit was mental. I had to learn patience, discipline, and what it meant to work hard when success was no longer easy. Before my injury, athletics had always come naturally. I was talented enough that success often came without having to push myself to my full limit. But recovery taught me something deeper, that talent can open doors, but hard work, consistency, and resilience are what keep them open. Rebuilding my strength while watching others continue to improve forced me to grow mentally in ways competition alone never could. I learned patience and how to redefine myself beyond performance. Instead of allowing the setback to break me, I used it as motivation to come back stronger, more focused, and more intentional. One person I admire deeply is my mother. She inspires me through her resilience, work ethic, and the way she continues to push through challenges with grace. Watching her handle responsibilities while still showing strength and love has shaped how I approach my own life. She is someone that has always showed up for me no matter how far the game is or what else she has going on in life. She always stays consistent no matter the circumstance and that is truly inspiring! Outside of athletics, I continue to lead in my community. I am involved in Black Student Union and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, organizations that allow me to grow spiritually, culturally, and as a leader among my peers. I also work at a clothing store and braid hair for extra income, both of which have taught me responsibility, customer service, and financial independence. This scholarship would directly support my journey by helping relieve the financial burden and stress of college expenses. As being a college athlete having to balance academics, practices, meets, work, and leadership roles, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on excelling in both the classroom and on the track. More than anything, it would give me peace of mind and reduce the pressure that often comes with trying to manage everything at once. That is why I know I represent what YGIG stands for.

I love math because it is something that connects to almost every part of life. Whether people realize it or not, math runs the world. From the money we use, to the buildings we live in, to the technology we rely on every day, math is behind it all. It is a language of logic and problem solving that helps explain how things work and how decisions are made. What I enjoy most about math is that it is consistent and reliable. Growing up I never did good in science class because I couldn’t wrap my head around the concept of infinite answers. When it comes to math there is always a clear answer when you follow the steps correctly, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. I like the feeling of working through a problem, figuring out where I went wrong, and finally getting the correct answer. It teaches patience and discipline, which are skills that go beyond the classroom. My passion for math is also connected to my future goals. I am currently pursuing a degree in accounting with a minor in finance because I want a career where numbers and problem solving are used every day. In accounting and finance, math is the foundation of everything. Businesses rely on math to track money, manage budgets, and make financial decisions that can affect entire companies. Without math, none of that would be possible. I also see math as a way to understand real life situations better. It helps people make smarter financial choices, whether it is budgeting personal expenses or analyzing investments. I want to use my education to eventually become an accountant and possibly a real estate broker and investor. In those careers, strong math skills will be necessary to understand profits, losses, and long-term financial growth. Overall, I love math because it is practical, powerful, and essential. It is not just something I learn in school it is something that shapes how the world functions. Studying math gives me the opportunity to turn my interests into a career that is stable, meaningful, and full of growth.

Being a student-athlete has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have played sports my whole life, including tennis, volleyball, and softball, which I started when I was only three years old. Growing up in sports, I had many different coaches with different coaching styles, and each one taught me something different about discipline, teamwork, and pushing through challenges. The coach who had the biggest positive impact on my life was my high school track coach. I first started track in eighth grade during COVID, which made everything feel uncertain and different. Even during that time, the high school track coach took a liking to my potential and was excited to start working with me once I became a freshman. From the beginning, his belief in me helped us build a strong bond quickly. As a freshman, he trusted me enough to put me on varsity relays including the 4x1 and 4x4. Which resulted in me being able to go to states as soon as my freshman year. That meant a lot to me because I was running faster times than many of the upperclassmen, and it showed that he truly believed in my ability. His confidence pushed me to work even harder and helped me believe in myself as both an athlete and a person. One of the hardest challenges I faced came before my sophomore year when I fractured my ankle. Because of that injury, I was unable to participate in volleyball season, which was really hard for me since sports have always been such a big part of my life. During my recovery, my coach was always there for me. He constantly supported me, checked in on my progress, and kept reminding me that this setback did not define me. His belief in me never changed, even when I felt discouraged. His favorite phrase during workouts was “ignore how you feel”, and in the moment I thought he was just being hard on me and my teammates but in reality he just was reminding me that I always have more left than what I think. Teaching me the importance of mind over matter. This experience showed me how vital resilience, faith, and encouragement are which are all traits that David valued. I try to exemplify those same qualities by staying committed even when things get hard, pushing through setbacks, and always encouraging my teammates the same way my coach encouraged me. By the end of my high school career I was a five time state qualifier, and was committed to Seton Hill University on a track scholarship. His support helped shape the person and athlete I am today, and it continues to inspire how I lead and carry myself even in everyday life.

I’m virtually a new addition to the world of track and field. I’ve only been running for about 4 years, and I have asthma. But I’ve experienced success despite my disability. I’ve been a captain for two years and I’ve run in States for the last three years. I’ve also lettered each year in both in and outdoor track. I’m even more proud to be ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two consecutive years. I have always been passionate about learning and being an athlete. But my education has always been the priority. My plan is to go to college, major in accounting and be a collegiate athlete. Although I have asthma, it has not defined me or my circumstances. It is controlled with medication, but I had to learn my boundaries. The disease has taught me to challenge myself within parameters much like life will. Not only do I have asthma, I have eczema and allergies as well. There are limitations on what I can eat, how long I could be outside and what products I can use. Until I got the proper medical care and test run, I was limited to being inside with a strict diet and a steady rotation of medication. I had creams, vitamins and an assortment of medicine to control my breakouts with my skin and complications with my breathing. Which included an inhaler and a nebulizer. I learned what I could eat, soaps and detergents I needed to use and what topical ointments worked best on my skin pretty quickly. I also learned to pay attention to the weather and environmental changes. This sometimes-included pets and different spices or ingredients in food. Playing outside or going to peoples’ homes are typically a part of everyone’s childhood. Mines not so much. But I learned to focus on what I could do and needed to do to function normally. I had to take my medication everyday a few times a day and respect my boundaries. I had to ask questions about foods and pay attention to my body. With the help of my mother, medication and doctor, my conditions are now controlled. I play sports and I’m actually a pretty good athlete. I’d like to be a collegiate athlete and run track. I have chosen accounting as a major. After I graduate my goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. So, my goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Because of my health challenges and my ability to adjust, I feel as though I've been adequately prepared for any adversity that may come my way. I look forward to volunteering, inspiring and having an impact on my community and in the world in a positive way.

My Ultimate educational goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Many of my friends have complained to me about their finances so I learned how stressful budgeting can be. I imagine, for business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complicated. As I considered my major in college I took my strengths into consideration. Not only would I like to be a CPA, but I’d also like to offer advice on how to save and invest money. To do this, I’d like to open a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Unfortunately, I learned, “only 2% of African American are Accountants”. Although I am an African American woman I wasn’t deterred or alarmed by this. I think I was more surprised about the fact that accounting was a STEM field, than the lack of diversity within the actual career. I wasn’t shocked because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in the field are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m up for the challenge. I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. So, I would say I was drawn to the career before I became aware of the fact that it was a STEM field. Although I don’t have the credentials to place my perceived talents on display yet. I believe I have had an impact on my friends’ attitudes about saving money. I saved for a car and managed to keep a decent amount of money saved for emergencies at all times. In my friend group, I was the first one to get a car at the age of sixteen. I even helped my best friend calculate her pay checks and negotiate additional help from her grandmother and Mom to assist her with purchasing her first vehicle as well. It worked. Budgeting, forecasting and communication are all key responsibilities in accounting. Honestly, I was motivated because my parents told me they would match the money I saved. So, I saved every penny I could. And I continue to be conservative with my money until this day. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My hopes and plans are to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business after I get started by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. With dedication, I’m hoping to impact my community, be a role model and spark more interest in the field of accounting. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. I’d also like to volunteer in my community and provide a service for those in need. This will give more people, that look like me, an understanding of what a CPA does. With the statistic I mentioned in mind, I’m hoping to make the job more desirable or interesting to pursue for my peers and younger generations.

My Ultimate educational goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Many of my friends have complained to me about their finances so I learned how stressful budgeting can be. I imagine, for business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complicated. As I considered my major in college I took my strengths into consideration. Not only would I like to be a CPA, but I’d also like to offer advice on how to save and invest money. To do this, I’d like to open a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Unfortunately, I learned, “only 2% of African American are Accountants”. Although I am an African American woman I wasn’t deterred or alarmed by this. I think I was more surprised about the fact that accounting was a STEM field, than the lack of diversity within the actual career. I wasn’t shocked because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in the field are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m up for the challenge. I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. So, I would say I was drawn to the career before I became aware of the fact that it was a STEM field. Although I don’t have the credentials to place my perceived talents on display yet. I believe I have had an impact on my friends’ attitudes about saving money. I saved for a car and managed to keep a decent amount of money saved for emergencies at all times. In my friend group, I was the first one to get a car at the age of sixteen. I even helped my best friend calculate her pay checks and negotiate additional help from her grandmother and Mom to assist her with purchasing her first vehicle as well. It worked. Budgeting, forecasting and communication are all key responsibilities in accounting. Honestly, I was motivated because my parents told me they would match the money I saved. So, I saved every penny I could. And I continue to be conservative with my money until this day. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My hopes and plans are to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business after I get started by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. With dedication, I’m hoping to impact my community, be a role model and spark more interest in the field of accounting. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. I’d also like to volunteer in my community and provide a service for those in need. This will give more people, that look like me, an understanding of what a CPA does. With the statistic I mentioned in mind, I’m hoping to make the job more desirable or interesting to pursue for my peers and the young women of future generations.

Pretty early on I learned some hard lessons about lending, spending and saving. My parents live in separate states so if or when I received money from my dad or his family members, it came through an account to which I had a bank card. I rarely needed anything that my mother didn’t provide. So, at 14 I was told to just save for a car. Instead, I decided to embark on a loansharking career. The master plan was to lend out money with the promise of getting the original sum back along with interest when my friends got money or a paycheck. I thought it was a great idea to earn extra cash. Especially, since most of my friends had jobs. I lent out small amounts like ten and twenty dollars and made five or ten additional dollars back. Then I thought if I lend more money, I could get more back. So, I decided to lend two friends two hundred dollars. Fortunately, my mother noticed the large amounts missing and called the parents of the two kids. She immediately recovered the first two hundred dollars. That was 3 years ago and since then I still never received the other two hundred back. I got in a lot of trouble and lost a lot of privileges. That situation resulted in several conversations about financial responsibility. Lending, credit cards, credit worthiness, savings accounts, interest rates and even collateral. I even learned about fico scores and repossessions. Mainly what sticks in my mind, if I would have taken an item (like a PlayStation or a pair of Jordan sneakers, probably the most expensive items they owned) as collateral, I may have been able to recoup some of my money. Well, my mom did! But more importantly I realized there’s a reason banks don’t give loans to kids or allow them to open accounts without adults. Probably has something to do with our brains not being developed all the way. My goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, I’m sure, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building up my own financial portfolio and the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Besides, I have plenty of stories from my two-week career that lead up to my retirement. Although my career in lending was short lived, that experience felt like the catalyst that transformed my mindset about money and how lending works. I plan on using what I’ve learned this far, to continue to grow and build upon that foundation. As an accounting major, I know I will analyze financial positions and solve financial problems. But along the way I'm hoping to learn about different financial sectors of business and banking as well. This way I can create more career options for myself. And ultimately the financial stability I need to have a bright and successful future.

I’m a new addition to the world of track and field. I’ve only been running for about 4 years. I’ve experienced moderate success in spite of my disability. I’ve been a captain for two years and I’ve run in states for the last three years. I’ve also lettered each year in both in and outdoor track. I’m even more proud to be ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two consecutive years. Like Kalia, I have always been passionate about learning and being an athlete. But my education has always been a priority. My plan is to go to college, major in accounting and be a collegiate athlete. Although I have asthma, it has not defined me or my circumstances. It is controlled with medication, but I had to learn my boundaries. The disease has taught me to challenge myself within parameters much like life will. After I graduate from college my goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Along with learning that accounting was considered a STEM field because it uses math and technology skills, I also learned a few statistics about the profession. I found out that, “Only 2% of African Americans are Accountants.” This was disappointing information to learn. However, it is not surprising because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. People need to see others that look like them to feel a sense of belonging and security. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in different fields are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m pretty sure that I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My plan is to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. I’m hoping to be a role model. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. Volunteering in the community and providing a service for those in need will give more people an understanding of what a CPA does. And hopefully it will pique some interest in the field. I’m also hoping to make the job more desirable or interesting for younger generations to pursue. This will be my legacy. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my academic studies and community service instead of worrying about the cost of tuition and books.

My goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. A popular quote is “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Analyzing numbers and solving equations come naturally for me. My closet is organized by color and I’m not a fan of clutter. So, I’d say I’m a pretty organized person. Accountants spend a lot of time alone and need to be organized and methodical. Most people find math boring or complicated. I like the stories numbers can tell us. And I don’t mind working on or completing tasks alone. And yes, of course I love Legos. Recently, I learned “Only 2% of African Americans are Accountants.” This was unfortunate information to learn. But it’s not surprising because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. People need to see others that look like to feel a sense of belonging and support. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in different fields are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m pretty sure that I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My plan is to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. I’m hoping to be a role model. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. Volunteering in the community and providing a service for those in need will give more people an understanding of what a CPA does. And hopefully it will pique more interest in the field. Id like this to be my legacy. I’ve experienced moderate success in track and field. I’ve been a captain for two years and I’ve run in states for the last three years. I’ve also lettered each year in both in and outdoor track. I’m even more proud to be ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two consecutive years. But volunteering with the younger athletes since my freshman year has given me the most joy. I believe I’m not just assisting athletes by putting up and taking down hurdles or working the concession stands. I believe my presence shines a light that will inspire at least one of them to be a high achiever in track and field and give back to their community.

I’m a new addition to the world of track and field. I’ve only been running for about 4 years. However, I’ve experienced moderate success in spite of my disability. I’ve been a captain for two years and I’ve run in states for the last three years. I’ve also lettered each year in both in and outdoor track. I’m even more proud to be ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two consecutive years. I have always been passionate about learning and being an athlete. But my education has always been the priority. My plan is to go to college, major in accounting and be a collegiate athlete. Although I have asthma, it has not defined me or my circumstances. It is controlled with medication, but I had to learn my boundaries. The disease has taught me to challenge myself within parameters much like life will. After I graduate from college my goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Along with learning that accounting was considered a STEM field because it uses math and technology skills, I also learned a few statistics about the profession. I found out that, “Only 2% of African Americans are Accountants.” This was unfortunate information to learn. However, it is not surprising because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. People need to see others that look like them to feel a sense of belonging and security. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in different fields are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m pretty sure that I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My plan is to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. I’m hoping to be a role model. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. Volunteering in the community and providing a service for those in need will give more people an understanding of what a CPA does. And hopefully it will pique some interest in the field. I’m also hoping to make the job more desirable or interesting for younger generations to pursue. As an African American woman, I'm sure I'll always experience adversity. But with hard work and dedication I'm hoping more people focus on my talent and accomplishments and not my gender or the color of my skin.

My goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told; I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. A popular quote is “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Analyzing numbers and solving equations come naturally for me. My closet is organized by color and I’m not a fan of clutter. So, I’d say I’m a pretty organized person. I’ve also been told I’m socially selective and I remember things almost exactly as they occurred. Accountants spend a lot of time alone and need to be organized and methodical. Most people find math boring or complicated. I like the stories numbers can tell us. And I don’t mind working on or completing tasks alone. Yes, Of course, I love Legos. Recently, I learned “Only 2% of African Americans are Accountants.” This was unfortunate information to learn. This is not surprising because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. People need to see others that look like to feel a sense of belonging and support. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in different fields are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I’m pretty sure that I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My plan is to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. I’m hoping to be a role model. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. Volunteering in the community and providing a service for those in need will give more people an understanding of what a CPA does. And hopefully it will pique some interest in the field. I’m also hoping to make the job more desirable or interesting for younger generations to pursue.

I demonstrate service to my community through a few organizations. I have been a member of the Penn Hills High School track club for four years. Throughout that time, we were expected to volunteer with the middle school and community track clubs. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands, gate monitoring. and event set up and take downs. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I volunteer with preparation and distribution of food to the less fortunate. That often will include preparing bags or boxes of food and passing them out to the needy. We have been doing this for quite some time in our community with an organization by the name of Nobleman Non- Profit. The same organization does a back-to-school drive. There I help greet and line the kids up so they can receive free backpacks and haircuts. In preparation for the event, we collect bookbags and back to school supplies. They are assembled and distributed during the event. I have also done this with an organization by the name of Haircuts for Change Non-Profit. I enjoy volunteering with children. They are funny, energetic and grateful for whatever you give them, even if it’s just a hug. I have to say the haircuts transformations are my favorite to watch. The events are often held for an entire day and a lot of families show up. Sometimes they come with multiple children. Some children show up that have never had a haircut or that are truly in need. No matter what their circumstances, when they are done, we make a big deal out of their new looks. When they see the results in the mirror, they make cool faces and poses and sometimes even do hilarious walks to show their swag and appreciation. Haircuts are expensive in the barbershops and these families seem genuinely grateful, from the parents to the kids for the help. The barbershops volunteer their skills. I find the effort they put into each child’s haircut remarkable. They work hard, just like they are being paid. I never mind sweeping up, playing games, passing out snacks or taking pictures to help. Seeing everyone happy makes me happy. Theres some crying sometimes but mostly laughter and it’s super contagious. In the future, I’d like to see more events like this with more community participation and more often. It would be very nice if some other people came and volunteered their time. Maybe an art teacher to do arts and crafts or a chef to cook a few items other than hotdogs and hamburgers. Even if some coaches in the community showed up to teach kids some fundamentals in a sport that would be nice. For instance, if a team coach showed up and taught the kids how to dribble or crossover and pass a basketball or throw a football or even kick a soccer ball in a net. I recently learned how to change tires. Maybe we could have a station where someone teaches that or how to check oil. Helping people isn’t always about giving money, I think giving your time can be more loving, meaningful and impactful. Also getting to know more people in the community would give parents another set of eyes on their children and more support. After all, as the old saying goes “It takes a Village.”

I’m a new addition to the world of track and field. I’ve only been running for about 4 years. However, I’ve experienced moderate success. I’ve been a captain for two years and I’ve run in states for the last three years. I’ve also lettered each year in both in and outdoor track. I’m even more proud to be ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two consecutive years. I have always been passionate about learning and being an athlete. But my education has always been a priority. My plan is to go to college, major in accounting and be a collegiate athlete. Although I have asthma, it has not defined me or my circumstances. It is controlled with medication, but I had to learn my boundaries. The disease has taught me to challenge myself within parameters much like life will. As a member of the Penn Hills High School track club, I demonstrate service by volunteering with the younger track organizations in my community. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands and gate monitoring. As well as the set up and take down of equipment, like hurdles. Most athletes at this level are expected to give back to their community in this way. I’m thankful for this experience. I’m certain these leadership and service skills will translate positively in college and for the rest of my life. My Ultimate educational goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told, I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Theres a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. “Only 2% of African American are Accountants,” was unfortunate information to learn. This is not surprising because there isn’t any representation in this field. Representation is important. It allows us to see that certain jobs are available and opportunities in the field are a possibility. When groups are underrepresented or marginalized in a field, the interest isn’t there to pursue that career. But I have chosen a major in college that compliments my personality and the skills I already have. The key to inspiring others who look like me to enter the field is to be good at my job. My plan is to be confident, capable and visible in the community as well as online platforms. I would also like to get more children involved in my business by offering financial literacy workshops in schools and in my local community. I’m hoping to be a role model. My thoughts are to provide mentoring and tutoring in my spare time. Volunteering in the community and providing a service for those in need will give more people an understanding of what a CPA does. It will also make the job more desirable or interesting to pursue for younger generations.

To demonstrate service in my community I volunteer through a few organizations. Since I’m a member of the high school track club, I volunteer with both the middle school and community track associations. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands, gate monitoring and event set up and take downs of equipment like hurdles and mats. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I volunteer with preparation and distribution of food to the less fortunate. That often would involve preparing bags or boxed meals and passing them out to the needy. The same organization does a back-to-school drive. There I help greet and line the kids up so they can receive free backpacks and haircuts. In preparation for that event, we collect back to school supplies, assemble and then distribute them during the affair. A lot of joy and satisfaction comes with helping children. They are funny, energetic and grateful for whatever you give them, even if it’s just a hug. I’d have to say that the haircuts transformations are my favorites to watch. The events are often held all day and a lot of families show up. Sometimes with multiple children. Haircuts are expensive in the barbershops and these families seem genuinely grateful to be shown extra care and attention. I never mind sweeping up, playing games, passing out snacks or taking pictures to help. Seeing everyone happy makes me happy. Theres some crying sometimes but mostly laughter and it’s super contagious. I told the gentlemen in charge we should go big the next time. He asked me for my input on how we could do it. I told him that I’d like to see more events like this with more community participation and more often. It would be very nice if some other people came and volunteered their time as well. Maybe an art teacher to do arts and crafts or a chef to cook a few items other than hot dogs and hamburgers. I thought we could have some coaches in the community show up to teach kids some fundamentals in a sport. For instance, if a team coach showed up and taught the kids how to dribble or crossover and pass a basketball or throw a football or even kick a soccer ball in a net. I recently learned how to change tires. I thought maybe we could have a station where someone teaches that or how to check oil. Helping people isn’t always about giving money, I think giving your time can be more impactful. Also getting to know more people in the community would give parents another set of eyes on their children and more support. The organizer told me that what I was talking about was more along the lines of a community day and we could plan for that. He also said he appreciated my passion. So, I’m looking forward to our back-to-school community day this year, not the backpack giveaway. It should be more fun for everyone and more innovative and inclusive. And it will make it feel less like an assembly line for the less fortunate. People will feel seen for who they are not just what they need. I was contacted about another event, but I wasn’t available. However, the event planner was happy to share with me they incorporated a food truck and selfie booth. Being involved in community service has taught me volunteering is mostly about the time and talent you have to offer and not just money. So, I plan to continue to serve my community and think of new and exciting ways to do this.

To demonstrate service in my community I volunteer through a few organizations. Since I’m a member of the high school track club, I volunteer with both the middle school and community track associations. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands, gate monitoring and event set up and take downs of equipment like hurdles and mats. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I volunteer with preparation and distribution to the less fortunate. That often will entail preparing bags or boxes of food and passing them out to the needy. The same organization does a back-to-school drive. There I help greet and line the kids up so they can receive free backpacks and haircuts. In preparation for that event, we collect back to school supplies, assemble and then distribute them during the affair. A lot of joy and satisfaction comes with helping children. They are funny, energetic and grateful for whatever you give them, even if it’s just a hug. I’d have to say that the haircuts transformations are my favorites to watch. The events are often held all day, and a lot of families show up. Sometimes with multiple children. Haircuts are expensive in the barbershops and these families seem genuinely grateful to be shown extra care and attention. I never mind sweeping up, playing games, passing out snacks or taking pictures to help. Seeing everyone happy makes me happy. Theres some crying sometimes but mostly laughter and it’s super contagious. Although I’m still in high school, my ultimate educational goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. I’ve always been told that I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, it has become clear to me that stressful budgeting can be stressful. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service and teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute positively to building the communities we live in. There’s a need to deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way and I believe I can do that. Collectively my experiences and service to my community have built my character. My plan is to be a small business owner and leave a legacy in my community. Being involved in community service has taught me volunteering is mostly about the time and talent you have to offer. Volunteering made me understand money isn’t everything. So, I plan to continue to serve my community. I’ve come to realize that connections are important and can have a serious impact on our lives and well-being just as networking with our neighbors is a privilege and can be an opportunity to improve and strengthen the ties in our communities. I’m hoping that my business can be a hub for not only accounting and financial literacy classes but for the children as well. I would like to get other community members involved in mentoring, tutoring and facilitating student activities. What I found is that when you make a difference in your community it makes a difference in you. And we can all impact the world by doing our little part.

I demonstrate service to my community through a few organizations. I have been a member of the Penn Hills High School track club for four years. Throughout that time we were expected to volunteer with the middle school and community track clubs. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands, gate monitoring. and event set up and take downs During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I volunteer with preparation and distribution to the less fortunate. That often will entail preparing bags or boxes of food and passing them out to the needy. We have been doing this for quite some time in our community with an organization by the name of Nobleman Non- Profit. The same organization does a back-to-school drive. There I help greet and line the kids up so they can receive free backpacks and haircuts. In preparation for the event we collect bookbags and back to school supplies. They are assembled and distributed during the event. I have also done this with an organization by the name of Haircuts for Change Non-Profit. I enjoy volunteering with children. They are funny, energetic and grateful for whatever you give them, even if it’s just a hug. Id have to say the haircuts transformations are my favorite to watch. The events are often held all day and a lot of families show up. Sometimes with multiple children. Some children show up that have never had a haircut or that are truly in need. No matter what their circumstances, when they are done, we make a big deal out of their new looks. When they see the results in the mirror, they make cool faces and poses and sometimes even do hilarious walks to show their swag and appreciation. Hair cuts are expensive in the barbershops and these families seem genuinely grateful, from the parents to the kids for the help. The barbershops volunteer their skills. I find the effort they put into each child’s haircut remarkable. They work hard, just like they are being paid. I never mind sweeping up, playing games, passing out snacks or taking pictures to help. Seeing everyone happy makes me happy. Theres some crying sometimes but mostly laughter and it’s super contagious. It's important to volunteer and lead by example. In the future, I’d like to see more events like this with more community participation and more often. It would be very nice if some other people came and volunteered their time. This way there are more examples of kindness in the community. Maybe an art teacher to do arts and crafts or a chef to cook a few items other than hotdogs and hamburgers. Even if some coaches in the community showed up to teach kids some fundamentals in a sport that would be nice. For instance, if a team coach showed up and taught the kids how to dribble or crossover and pass a basketball or throw a football or even kick a soccer ball in a net. Fostering collaboration empowers communities. I recently learned how to change tires. Maybe we could have a station where someone teaches that or how to check oil. These are life lessons people remember and are thankful for. Helping people isn’t always about giving money, I think giving your time can be more loving, meaningful and impactful. By sharing responsibility in the community, we share responsibility for one another. Also getting to know more people in the community would give parents another set of eyes on their children and more support. More people who lead by stepping in and stepping up the stronger our communities become.

I’ve always been passionate about learning and being an athlete. Generally, I enjoy school and earn good grades. I also run track. I have been ranked in the top 20 track and field sprinters in Pennsylvania for the last two years. My plan is to go to college and be a collegiate athlete. But I understand the cost of education is high and the disparities in pay and opportunities can be even higher for minorities with limited support. I would like to pursue multiple career paths. But my ultimate educational goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant. To achieve these objectives, I will need help. Therefore, I will be seeking scholarship opportunities. People would ask about my college major and career choices throughout high school. Often, I felt overwhelmed trying to explain or organize my thoughts and dreams into words. Recently, I decided to do what comes easiest to me and makes me happy. My family is supportive. But they also want me to consider the time and expenses that come along with my journey. When I have time, or need money, If I can't get on the schedule for my part time job, I braid hair. I install false eye lashes and sculp eyebrows as well. My Mom always said to learn an extra skill to help support myself. Cosmetology just came naturally to me. I get paid well for my time and services. Currently my friends and family are my largest clients. But I can see myself getting more clients in the future. To provide more services safely and legally, I will need to go to a trade school. I plan to do this after I become a CPA and earn my bachelor’s degree. I’m considering owning a beauty shop. But that’s just my dream. For a career, I have chosen to be an Accounting Major in College. Mainly because I’ve always been told and my grades reflect that, I am good with numbers. I'm also good at saving money. Due to countless friends complaining to me about their finances, I learned how stressful budgeting can be. For business owners, bookkeeping and taxes can be equally as complicated. I know that I can alleviate some of that stress in my inner circle and possibly for others as well. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. My plans are to open up a low-cost accounting service. Having several ways to earn income in a business can be imperative. Therefore, I'd like to teach financial literacy classes as well. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills, I can contribute to building the communities we live in. Having money and financial knowledge are powerful tools for both comfort and success. I feel as though I can deliver financial information in a fresh and innovative way.

My name is Mackenzie Mcintyre. I demonstrate service to my community through a few organizations. I have been a member of the Penn Hills High School track club for four years.Throughout that time, we were expected to volunteer with the middle school and community track clubs. The volunteer work consists of assisting athletes, concession stands, gate monitoring. and event set up and take downs. Collectively, over the years I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service with the children. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I volunteer with preparation and distribution of food to the less fortunate. That often will entail preparing bags or boxes of food and passing them out to the needy. We have been doing this for quite some time in our community with an organization by the name of Nobleman Non- Profit. The same organization does a back-to-school drive. There I help greet and line the kids up so they can receive free backpacks and haircuts. In preparation for the event, we collect bookbags and back to school supplies. They are assembled and distributed during the event. Part of volunteering with children includes mentoring. Part of keeping them safe means keeping them active in sports or other activities and being a good role model. There is no bullying allowed No name calling or making fun of others when I'm on duty. I encourage the children to support and route for one another and be positive. If there is conflict, I mediate and allow them to talk it out. We do not allow phones or iPads. When problems occur that started online, I typically get the parents involved. But, I remind the kids the best thing to do is disconnect or log off and not participate. More importantly, if things get out of hand online or in the community, I encourage them all to tell an adult they trust and ask for help navigating the situation My plan is to be a collegiate athlete. Most athletes at this level are expected to give back to their community. I feel as though these partnerships over the years have thorgughly prepared me to step into this leadership role and be successful in college. This makes me thankful for the sacrifices and opportunities to contribute to the community. Because college is expensive, I am seeking scholarship opportunities. I would like to get into the best university possible to receive a quality education. These colleges are typically expensive. Therefore, I know I will need assistance. I have been an athlete most of my life. I played volleyball and softball. I've been a gymnast and competed in track and field events. For the last 4 years of my high school career, l've excelled at sprinting as well as my academics. I made States a few times and I'm currently my teams Captain.. I'm hoping to receive both merit and athletic scholarships to defray the cost of tuition. My family doesn't have the resources to cover an esteemed universities tuition. This scholarship would help me tremendously. My goal is to not only to graduate but to excel. Having the money to pay tuition will ensure that there are no financial distractions.

Currently, I am a very busy senior in high school that will be entering college soon. I play sports, work and take college classes. I am interested in pursuing two different careers in the future. I would like to become an Accountant and a Real-estate Broker. I chose to be an Accounting Major because I have family members that are self- employed and always complaining about bookkeeping and taxes. I also selected this career path because I’ve always been told that I'm good with numbers and great at saving money. My friends and family say it's something they admire about me. I see and hear how stressful saving money can be to some people. Bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complex and stressful. By becoming an Accountant, I know I can not only help my friends and family but impact my community as well. I'd like to open up a low-cost accounting service to do this. When it's not tax season, I plan to teach financial literacy classes in schools and local businesses. While my ultimate educational goal is to be a CPA, I would also like to pursue a career in real estate. After I get my college degree, I plan to take real estate classes. I would eventually like to become a Broker and Invest in a Real Estate Company. I would like to not only invest in property but give others tools and resources to invest as well. A lot of my family rent homes instead of owning their own homes. It feels wrong for someone else to own something you worked hard and paid for. But it happens a lot. Some of my friends and family have also had issues with housing and homelessness. We have had family members stay with us because of this. By learning and teaching good savings practices, credit repair and investing skills, I can contribute to elevating my people and the communities we live in. These personal experiences are the reasons I have chosen these two fields of study. I’ve come to realize that having the knowledge of what to do with money and how to invest it are powerful tools for success and stability. Most importantly, these tools can help empower entire communities and alleviate poverty. I feel worthy of the scholarship because I would not only like to help myself, but I'd like to have an impact on changing the lives of others as well.

My name is Mackenzie McIntyre and I am hoping to win the Angelia Zeigler Gibbs scholarship to reduce the cost of my tuition in College. I am applying because before I became busy with sports and work I would read regularly. Therefore, this scholarship resonated with me. In fact, when I was younger, I won quite a few reading is fundamental contest by always being the student that read the most books over the summer. I am interested in pursuing two different careers in the future. I would like to become an Accountant and a Real-estate Broker. I chose to be an Accounting Major because I have family members that are self- employed and always complaining about bookkeeping and taxes. I also selected this career path because I’ve always been told that I'm good with numbers and great at saving money. My friends and family say it's something they admire about me. I see and hear how stressful saving money can be to some people. Bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complex and stressful. By becoming an Accountant, I know I can not only help my friends and family but impact my community as well. I'd like to open up a low-cost accounting service to do this. When it's not tax season, I plan to teach financial literacy classes in schools and local businesses. While my ultimate educational goal is to be a CPA, I would also like to pursue a career in real estate. After I get my college degree, I plan to take real estate classes. I would eventually like to become a Broker and Invest in a Real Estate Company. I would like to not only invest in property but give other the tools and resources to invest as well. Some of my friends and family have also had issued with housing and homelessness. We have had family members stay with us because of this. By learning and teaching good savings practices, credit repair and investing skills, I can contribute to elevating my people and the communities we live in. These personal experiences are the reasons I have chosen these two fields of study. I’ve come to realize that having the knowledge of what to do with money and how to invest it are powerful tools for success and stability. Most importantly, these tools can help empower entire communities and alleviate poverty.

My name is Mackenzie McIntyre and I am hoping to win the Sunshine Legall scholarship to reduce the cost of my tuition. Currently, I am a Senior in high school. I am interested in pursuing two different careers. I would like to become an Accountant and a Real-Estate Broker. I received good grades and ran track all four years in high school. So, I am hoping to get both an athletic and merit scholarship to help cover the cost of my tuition. College is expensive so I'm sure I will need a lot of financial help. To secure a stable job in the future, I chose to be an Accounting Major in College. I selected this career path because I’ve always been told I'm good with numbers. I'm also careful with spending. I usually save money very well, according to my friends and family. It's something they all admire about me. Additionally, I see how stressful saving can be to some people. Bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complicated. By becoming an Accountant, I know I can impact the lives of many people, starting with my people. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest money. This way I can be of service to my entire community not just my family. I’m hoping to educate people about healthy financial decisions. I'd like to open up a low-cost accounting service to do this. When it's not tax season, I plan to teach financial literacy classes in schools and local businesses. While my ultimate educational goal is to be a CPA, I would also like to pursue a career in real estate. After I get my college degree, I plan to take real estate classes. I would eventually like to become a Broker and Invest in a Real Estate Company. Real-estate classes are virtually inexpensive and only take a few months to complete, unlike a college degree. However, I will need to take and pass a test along with a background check and completing a licensing application. I plan to invest in property and teach other people tools and resources to invest in property as well. By learning and teaching good savings practices, credit repair and investing skills, I can contribute to elevating our people and the communities we live in. This ultimately impacts the world. Having money, property and knowledge are powerful tools for success. Most importantly, these tools help empower entire communities and alleviate poverty. I volunteer with two sports organizations in my community, wrestling and track. My nieces and nephews run track and wrestle. Also, my track Coach did not make it an option when I entered high school. Sometimes, I simply keep the kids in order and other times I serve as an extra hand at the concession stand. I do what is necessary to help. Whether that is consoling or motivating the kids or putting up and taking down hurdles. Some parents can't or don't participate so extra support is typically needed. But mostly, I enjoy giving back and watching new athletes realize their goals and excel. There are many good human beings in the world who do their parts to make people and the world a better place. My teachers and coaches are among them. I'm inspired by them, along with my family. I have been lucky to be a part of a good community. They have motivated me to continue to do the same with my life and career. I appreciate the foundation I have and plan to continue to build upon it.

My name is Mackenzie McIntyre and I am applying to be considered for The Chris Ford scholarship because I love learning and believe I can impact the world with my career choice. I also understand the cost of education is high and the disparities in pay and opportunities can be even higher for minorities with limited support and no plan. I am hoping to win this scholarship to reduce the cost of my tuition. Currently I am a Senior in high school. When people asked what I wanted to major in while at college or do with my life, in the past I felt overwhelmed trying to explain or organize my thoughts and dreams. Recently, I decided to try everything that makes sense to me or makes me happy. Two separate career paths sparked my interest, Accounting and Real estate. My family supports my decision for any profession but encouraged me to make a plan. My Mom just really wants me to get a college education. She believes College can open up more opportunities and help me become independent. I agree. But no matter which career I choose, I know I need to consider the time and expenses that come along with the journey. I received good grades and ran track all four years in high school. So, I plan to accept an athletic or merit scholarships if either or both are offered to me. College is expensive so I'm sure I will need a lot of financial help. But, to secure a stable job in the future, I chose to be an Accounting Major. I selected this career path because I’ve always been told I'm good with numbers. I'm also careful with spending and save money very well according to my friends. It's actually something they admire about me. Additionally, I see how stressful saving can be to some people. Bookkeeping and taxes can be equally complicated. By becoming an Accountant, I know I can impact the lives of many people starting with my friends and family. My goal is not only to be a CPA but to offer help with how to save and invest. This way I can be of service to my entire community not just my family. I’m hoping to educate people on their finances and how to save and invest their money. I'd like to open up a low-cost accounting service to do this. When it's not tax season or the bookkeeping slows, I plan to teach financial literacy classes. While my ultimate educational goal is to be a CPA, I would also like to pursue a career in real estate. After I get my college degree, I plan to take real estate classes, become a Broker and Invest in a Real Estate Company. This way I can help others buy houses and invest in business property. By learning and teaching good savings, credit, bookkeeping and investing skills I can contribute to elevating our people and the communities we live in. This ultimately impacts the world and our status in it. Having money, property and knowledge are powerful tools for success. Most importantly, these tools help empower entire communities and alleviate poverty.