Hello, my name is Maryann Le, and I am a 22-year-old accounting major from Garden Grove. My passion for accounting originates from its clear, methodical approach to financial management. I find the field both fascinating and practical, aligning perfectly with my goal of building a stable and impactful career. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family, my aspiration to be the first person in my family to graduate from college holds profound personal significance. My journey has been particularly challenging, especially with the recent loss of my father to cancer. His passing has left a deep emotional void and has imposed significant financial hardships on my family. Navigating these difficulties has been incredibly tough, but it has also fueled my determination to persevere and succeed. The emotional and financial strain has only strengthened my resolve to achieve my academic and career goals. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to completing my education with the same grit and resilience that have guided me so far. Although I may not have numerous academic accolades, I am driven by a relentless determination to succeed. I believe that my dedication and commitment to my studies are qualities that will help me overcome any obstacles in my path. My father's memory inspires me to push forward and strive for excellence, despite the hurdles I face. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in alleviating some of the financial burdens I encounter. It would provide essential support for expenses such as books, parking, and school supplies, which are crucial for my academic progress. These costs, while seemingly minor, collectively contribute to a significant financial strain. By easing these pressures, the scholarship would enable me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial challenges of my education. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also empower me to continue pursuing my dream of making a meaningful impact in my Asian American community through management accounting. Ultimately, I believe that by leveraging my education in accounting, I can play a meaningful role in strengthening our local economy and ensuring that our community continues to thrive. Honoring my father’s memory by achieving my goals and giving back to my community is a powerful motivator for me. Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship would make a significant difference in my ability to succeed and achieve my dreams. Your support would be instrumental in helping me navigate my educational journey and fulfill my aspirations.

Coming from a single-parent, low-income family presents many challenges, such as learning to make do with less, managing my time wisely between school and work, and taking responsibility for my actions—or inactions. It has meant working harder each day just to meet the bare minimum and often not being recognized for the progress I've made. I primarily live in Garden Grove, Orange County, near Little Saigon, which is home to the largest population of Vietnamese Americans in the country. For my parents, who live here and do not speak English, the abundance of Vietnamese American businesses means that language is not always a barrier. Pursuing a degree in accounting, I aspire to uplift my community by providing essential financial guidance and modernizing business operations. My aim is to simplify processes, offer accurate insights into sales revenue, assets, and liabilities, and ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations.

I primarily live in Garden Grove, Orange County, near Little Saigon, which is home to the largest population of Vietnamese Americans in the United States. This vibrant community is a cultural and economic hub that offers a wide range of Vietnamese-owned businesses, from restaurants and grocery stores to law firms and medical practices. Growing up here has given me a deep appreciation for my heritage and a strong desire to contribute to my community’s continued growth and success. For my parents and many other Vietnamese immigrants, living in this area offers a sense of comfort and familiarity. The language barrier is less of an issue because many local businesses and services are operated by Vietnamese Americans who speak the language fluently. However, I've noticed that many of these businesses, while deeply rooted in our culture, often struggle with modern financial practices and efficient business management. Many lack the tools and knowledge to streamline their operations, optimize their financial records, and make data-driven decisions that could help them thrive in an increasingly competitive market. This observation has inspired me to pursue a degree in accounting. I see this path as an opportunity to uplift my community by providing essential financial guidance and resources. I want to bring a new perspective to these businesses by helping them adopt modern accounting practices, which can simplify their daily operations and improve their financial health. My goal is to offer more accurate assessments of their sales revenue, assets, and liabilities, empowering them to make informed decisions that drive growth and sustainability. By modernizing the way these businesses operate, I hope to reduce the stress and confusion that often comes with financial management. I envision creating workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations to help local business owners better understand their financial standing and potential areas for improvement. This effort could also include introducing them to digital tools that make accounting more straightforward and efficient, allowing them to focus on what they do best—providing valuable services and products to our community. Ultimately, I believe that by leveraging my education in accounting, I can play a meaningful role in strengthening our local economy and ensuring that our community continues to thrive. I want to help preserve the rich cultural heritage of Little Saigon while ensuring that our businesses are competitive and successful in the modern world. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a future where the next generation of Vietnamese Americans can build on a foundation of both cultural pride and economic resilience.