Growing up, I watched my single mother work two jobs just to make ends meet. We lived paycheck to paycheck, and while I always had what I needed, I could see the toll that financial instability took on her. She sacrificed so much to provide for me, and it instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. Not only to make her sacrifices worth it, but also to build a life where I wouldn’t have to struggle the same way she did. This desire for stability, independence, and the ability to support a future family is what ultimately led me to pursue a career in accounting. Accounting stood out to me as a career that offered both structure and opportunity. I’ve always been naturally organized and detail-oriented, and I found comfort in the logic and consistency of accounting principles. But more than that, I saw accounting as a solid and respected profession that would allow me to build a stable life, one where I could support others, just as my mom supported me, but without the constant fear of not having enough. Becoming a first-generation college student has been one of my proudest accomplishments. It’s more than a personal milestone; it’s a symbol of growth and change for my family. I’m currently in a master’s program at UCA, and I’m also working a tax internship at a public accounting firm. This internship has not only confirmed my interest in the tax field, but it has also shown me the real-world impact accountants can have in helping individuals and businesses navigate complex financial decisions. I hope to continue working in tax accounting after graduation and ultimately become a licensed CPA. That designation represents more than a professional achievement, it’s a tribute to the long hours, the tough choices, and the values I’ve carried with me from childhood. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but I’m committed to the hard work because I’ve seen what it means to struggle, and I’ve seen what it means to persevere. I’m deeply inspired by women like Linda Wallingsford Holmstrom, who paved the way for women in accounting at a time when it wasn’t common or easy to do so. Her story reminds me that resilience, passion, and dedication can create lasting impact, not just in one’s own life, but for generations to come. Like her, I want to use my career to support others and to make education and opportunity more accessible for the people I love. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also bring me one step closer to becoming the kind of professional, and the kind of woman, who can lead with both heart and skill. I’m honored to be considered, and I hope to carry on Linda’s legacy by excelling in my career and using it to uplift others, just as she did.