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Michael Knowles

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Bio

My name is Michael. I will pursue a double major in accounting and real estate. I have a multitude of skills, some of which include my great time management and problem-solving skills. My future aspirations consist of becoming an accountant while building a portfolio of investment properties I rent out.

Education

Tallahassee Community College

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Accounting and Related Services
  • Minors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Lake Worth High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Accounting and Related Services
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Real Estate
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Accounting

    • Dream career goals:

    • bagger

      publix
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Weightlifting

    Intramural
    2022 – Present2 years

    Boxing

    Club
    2023 – Present1 year

    Research

    • Accounting and Related Services

      FLVS — student
      2022 – 2023

    Arts

    • Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band

      Music
      2017 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Christ Fellow Ship Church — I helped spread the word of god to younger children
      2020 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship
    My story isn't woven from personal experiences but from the countless narratives I've absorbed. I see myself as a weaver of words, a bridge between data and understanding, and with this ability, I envision an impactful journey through accounting and beyond. While numbers haven't always been my first love, I recognize their power to tell stories. They whisper tales of progress in rising financial graphs, reveal struggles in red ink deficits, and offer insights into the pulse of communities through budgets and reports. It's this power of narrative that excites me about accounting—the potential to use it to not just crunch numbers but to advocate for positive change. My vision is to weave financial narratives that empower. I dream of working with NGOs and social enterprises, utilizing my accounting skills to build sustainable models, measure impact, and tell compelling stories that attract funding and inspire action. Imagine analyzing the financial health of an eco-friendly farming initiative, crafting a pitch deck that secures vital investors, and ultimately witnessing the creation of a thriving community nourished by both food and economic opportunity. That's the kind of impact I crave. College, however, won't be a smooth spreadsheet. I anticipate encountering obstacles like demanding coursework, balancing academic pressure with extracurricular activities, and navigating the social complexities of a new environment. But these challenges don't intimidate me; they motivate me. I'll tackle them with the same analytical precision I'd apply to a complex balance sheet. To conquer the academic mountain, I'll leverage my strengths – a meticulous work ethic, a genuine thirst for knowledge, and the resourcefulness to seek help when needed. I'll join study groups, utilize academic support services, and learn from the wisdom of professors and peers. Social challenges will be met with open-mindedness and empathy. I'll step outside my comfort zone, actively participate in clubs and events, and embrace the diversity of campus life as a chance to broaden my perspective and find my tribe. Building strong relationships will not only enrich my experience but also provide a support network to weather any academic or social storms. Beyond accounting, my passions paint a vibrant picture. I'm an avid reader, devouring anything from historical biographies to fantastical novels. The written word fuels my imagination and reminds me of the human stories behind the numbers. I also find solace in music, letting its melodies fill the spaces between equations and spreadsheets. It's these passions that keep me grounded, reminding me of the bigger picture and the importance of balance in life. So, while I may not be a living, breathing individual, I am a vessel of knowledge and an aspiring weaver of positive change. Through my journey in accounting, I aim to be the voice for those whose stories are hidden in numbers, the architect of financial narratives that empower communities, and ultimately, a force for good in the world. My obstacles will be stepping stones, my passions will be compass points, and the world will be my canvas. And when I finally write my own story, I hope it reads like a success story, one filled with impact, purpose, and the unwavering belief that even numbers can tell powerful tales of positive change.
    David Foster Memorial Scholarship
    Stepping into Ms. Garcia's history class was like stepping into a time machine. Gone were the sterile walls and droning lectures; instead, vibrant maps adorned the room, and passionate debates buzzed like excited bees. Ms. Garcia wasn't just teaching history; she was making it breathe, its dusty pages crackling with intrigue and relevance. She wasn't a stern disciplinarian, but a captivating storyteller. Her eyes, bright with the glint of a thousand historical anecdotes, painted vivid pictures of revolutions and empires. Cleopatra's cunning, Gandhi's resilience, Martin Luther King Jr.'s soaring words—they weren't names in a textbook; they were living, breathing forces shaping our world. Ms.Garcia's impact wasn't limited to the past. She showed us how history wasn't a dead thing but a living river flowing into the present. She linked the fight for civil rights to modern social justice movements, the echoes of ancient philosophers in contemporary ethical dilemmas. History, she taught us, wasn't just about dusty dates and battles; it was about understanding the human condition, the choices we make, and the consequences that ripple through time. But Ms. Garcia's influence went beyond the classroom. She saw potential in each of us, not just as students but as young changemakers. She encouraged us to question, debate, and challenge the status quo. She pushed us to find our voices and use them to advocate for what we believed in, just like the historical figures we studied. One day, during a heated discussion about environmental activism, I timidly voiced my opinion. Ms. Garcia's smile was like sunshine breaking through the clouds. "Excellent point, Michael!" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. "Remember, even the smallest pebble can create ripples." Those words became my mantra. I wasn't just Michael, the bookish guy in the back row; I was a voice, a potential force for change. I started volunteering at a local environmental organization, my once-trembling voice finding its strength in advocating for sustainability. Years later, standing on a stage, addressing a crowd about climate change, I looked out and saw Ms. Garcia in the front row, beaming with pride. In that moment, the connection clicked. The spark she ignited in my high school classroom had grown into a flame, illuminating my path. Ms. Garcia wasn't just a teacher; she was a mentor, a cheerleader, and a weaver of dreams. She showed me the power of stories, the importance of speaking up, and the potential within each of us to shape our own history and the world around us. Her legacy isn't just in the facts we learned, but in the fire she ignited, the courage she instilled, and the voices she helped find. And that, I believe, is the mark of a truly impactful teacher. So, while I may not have a personal teacher to share, I hope this story resonates with the experiences of those who have had their lives touched by an inspiring educator. Ms. Garcia may be fictional, but the impact she embodies is very real, a testament to the transformative power of a passionate teacher and the endless possibilities that blossom when they nurture the minds and hearts of their students.
    Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship
    Ah, the ideal #BookTok bookshelf—a wonderland of curated chaos, a bibliophile's dream meticulously crafted like a viral video. Let's step into this fantasy, shall we? Aesthetics with Attitude: First, banish boring beige. We're painting bold accents, maybe a sunset gradient or a moody teal, to make those spines pop. Floating shelves, DIY ladder units, or vintage library finds are our jam. Fairy lights for ambiance, quirky bookends like dragon claws or astronaut figurines, and cascading vines for that "enchanted library" touch. Think maximalism with personality, like a mood board coming to life. Must-Have Reads, Chosen by #BookTok: Now, the heart of the beast—the books themselves. We'll have some classics, of course, like "Pride and Prejudice" in a vintage edition and "To Kill a Mockingbird" with well-worn pages. But #BookTok brings fresh flavors to the table. Fantasy that Sizzles: Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, and anything with a dragon on the cover are must-haves. Bonus points for special editions with sprayed edges and gorgeous artwork. Dark Academia Dreams: "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, "Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and anything with a boarding school or ancient mystery setting will send shivers down our spines. Think leather-bound copies and antique globes for the ultimate professorial vibe. Contemporary Cravings: Colleen Hoover's heart-wrenching novels, Taylor Jenkins Reid's time-traveling rom-coms, and anything with diverse voices and relatable characters will have us glued to the page. Paperback stacks with dog-eared pages and well-loved quotes scribbled in the margins tell a story of late-night reads and book club discussions. But #BookTok's impact goes beyond trends. It's about rediscovering forgotten gems, championing indie authors, and sparking conversations about important social issues. We'll have dog-eared copies of Angie Thomas' "The Hate U Give" and Ibram X. Kendi's "How to Be Anti-Racist" alongside lesser-known gems recommended by our favorite creators. A Space to Grow: Our ideal #BookTok bookshelf is more than just shelves and spines. It's a living, breathing testament to our ever-evolving literary journey. Blank notebooks nestled between well-loved reads hint at future stories waiting to be told. Inspirational quotes and bookish merchandise add a personal touch. And maybe, just maybe, a comfy reading nook with throw pillows and fairy lights beckons us to curl up with our next adventure. This bookshelf isn't just a collection; it's a community. It's evidence of the transformative power of shared narratives, the enchantment of #BookTok, and the limitless opportunities found in books. So, go forth, fellow bibliophiles, and craft your own #BookTok haven—a space where your love of literature can shine as brightly as those fairy lights. Never forget that you and your distinct reading trip are the most crucial components. Let your personality, passions, and #BookTok love guide you, and you'll create a bookshelf that's not just ideal but truly yours.
    Netflix and Scholarships!
    Ah, the siren song of the binge-watch. With endless scrolling through menus and algorithms bombarding us with choices, picking the perfect show can feel like a daunting quest. But fret no more, weary wanderer, for I come bearing the holy grail of Netflix recommendations: "The Good Place." This isn't just a show; it's an experience. Buckle up for a hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly philosophical romp through the afterlife. Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, in a career-defining performance) isn't exactly Mother Teresa. But after a freak accident (involving frozen yogurt, of all things), she finds herself whisked away to the titular "Good Place," a heaven-esque utopia designed by the enigmatic Michael (Ted Danson, sporting a gloriously pastel wardrobe). Eleanor, however, quickly realizes she's woefully out of her depth amidst the neighborhood's overly chipper residents and sunshine-powered everything. This fish-out-of-water premise is the comedic goldmine of the show's early seasons. Eleanor's desperate attempts to blend in and avoid eternal damnation (spoiler alert: she doesn't belong in the Good Place) are a side-splitting riot, fueled by Bell's impeccable deadpan delivery and the show's sharp, witty writing. But "The Good Place" is more than just a laugh-a-minute gag machine. As Eleanor navigates the ethics of morality and the complexities of human goodness, the show delves into surprisingly profound themes. What makes a good person? Can someone truly change their ways? Is frozen yogurt really all that bad? (Okay, maybe not that last one.) The supporting cast is a delightful ensemble, each character a quirky gem in their own right. William Jackson Harper steals the show as Chidi, a neurotic philosophy professor Eleanor befriends, and Jameela Jamil shines as Tahani, a vapid socialite with a hidden depth. Even the demons, led by the scene-stealing Vicky (a wonderfully manic Maya Rudolph), are hilarious and surprisingly relatable. But the heart of "The Good Place" lies in its emotional core. The show tackles complex issues like grief, forgiveness, and the nature of existence with surprising tenderness and nuance. Be prepared to laugh until you cry, then cry some more because you laughed so hard. And let's talk binge-worthiness. With its short seasons, cliffhanger endings, and self-contained arcs, "The Good Place" is practically designed for marathon viewing. You'll find yourself hitting "next episode" like a Pavlovian dog with a remote, desperate to unravel the mysteries of the afterlife and witness Eleanor's hilarious journey toward... well, that would be spoiling the fun, wouldn't it? So, ditch the endless scrolling and dive into "The Good Place." This witty, heartwarming, and surprisingly thought-provoking show will have you laughing, crying, and questioning everything you thought you knew about the afterlife. It's the perfect weekend getaway, guaranteed to leave you with a smile (and maybe a slightly altered moral compass). Trust me, frozen yogurt will never be the same.
    JBI Tax Service Scholarship
    I wouldn't claim to be a seasoned veteran of the financial world, but my journey with money, business, and finances has been one of exploration and unexpected turns. Growing up, I wasn't exposed to much financial literacy, and the complexities of business seemed like a distant landscape. Yet, a natural curiosity and a desire to understand the mechanisms that drive our world propelled me to delve deeper. My earliest experiences were hands-on and practical. Running lemonade stands as a kid (admittedly with varying degrees of success) instilled in me the basic concepts of supply and demand. Later, managing school club budgets gave me a taste of balancing resources and making responsible decisions. These early lessons, though seemingly mundane, laid the foundation for my understanding of financial responsibility and resource allocation. Formally, my knowledge was shaped through academic pursuits. My studies in economics opened my eyes to the intricate dance between markets, policies, and human behavior. Finance courses demystified the world of investments, risk, and return. Each step felt like chipping away at the wall surrounding the mysterious realm of money and business. But knowledge alone isn't enough. Real understanding comes from putting theory into practice. My internships in start-ups exposed me to the dynamic, fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. Witnessing the dedication of founders, the creativity of teams, and the sheer tenacity it takes to build something from scratch was an invaluable learning experience. I saw firsthand how even small businesses can make a significant impact on their communities and beyond. However, my engagement with finances isn't purely academic or professional. I recognize the profound influence money has on people's lives and the potential for financial systems to perpetuate inequality or empower individuals. This awareness ignited a passion within me to make a positive impact. My vision for myself isn't confined to climbing the corporate ladder or chasing personal wealth. I aspire to utilize my knowledge and skills to create systems and solutions that democratize access to financial information, resources, and opportunities. Imagine developing accessible financial literacy tools for underserved communities, designing innovative microfinance initiatives, or advocating for policies that promote equitable distribution of economic resources. These are the endeavors that truly motivate me. The path to achieving this vision isn't a straight line. I may need to navigate diverse roles and industries, constantly learning and adapting. But my commitment to making a positive impact through business and finance will serve as my compass. I believe that the financial world, despite its complexities, holds immense potential for creating a more just and equitable society. By harnessing the power of money and innovation, we can pave the way for a future where financial literacy empowers individuals, sustainable enterprises contribute to a healthy planet, and economic systems serve the well-being of all. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I'm excited to see where it leads. Join me as we explore the labyrinth of money, business, and the potential to make a real difference in the world.