Sabrina Carpenter has been a steady light for me. I first knew her as Maya Hart, all quick wit and hidden affection. I loved how she could be tough and kind in the same scene. As her career grew, I felt like I was growing with her. She moved from sitcom moments on SNL to songs that felt like pages from a diary, and I kept finding myself in the spaces between her words. While I recover from a serious ankle injury, her voice helps me keep my balance. In the first few weeks post-surgery, there were days when pain made time feel heavy. I felt stuck in my own home and in my own mind. I would play Emails I Can’t Send and breathe along with the melodies. Those songs taught me to give myself grace, to sort my feelings, and to tell the truth even when it stung. Please Please Please reminded me to set standards in love and friendship. Espresso reminded me to celebrate small joys. I would do ankle pumps to a verse, rest during a chorus, and try again on the bridge. Her music turned minutes into courage. What keeps me a fan is her mix of humor and heart. Sabrina can make a room laugh and then deliver a line that goes straight to the soul. She lets her audience see both strength and softness. I admire how she moved from Disney Channel to a musical career and into film without losing that spark. She does not ask for permission to grow. She simply grows and brings us along. Because of her, I try to meet each day with honesty and play. I practice being kind to myself when I fall short. I share more openly with people I love. I look for beauty even when life feels messy. Sabrina’s journey tells me that reinvention is not a one time decision. It is a series of small choices to show up with integrity and joy. I am a fan because her work makes me feel seen and energized. She reminds me that healing can have a rhythm, that vulnerability can be a power, and that art can turn a hard season into a hopeful one.

When people ask how I stay so focused, I smile because the honest answer is that I learned to measure strength in quieter ways. My experience with mental health hasn’t been a single dramatic moment; it has been a series of small, honest recalibrations. It has consisted of learning to build systems that let me keep going. As a first-generation Dominican-American college graduate, I grew up translating more than just language. I translated expectations. How to make FAFSA make sense, how to explain to my family why an unpaid externship could be a bridge to a better life, how to celebrate a 4.0 without letting perfectionism run my life. Success felt like a moving target: get the grade, get the internship, get the offer, then keep proving you deserve the room you fought to enter. That urgency is powerful, but it can be punishing. Anxiety—especially the kind that asks you to be grateful and tireless at the same time—taught me that achievement without mental hygiene is just a faster path to burnout. Three weeks into starting my full-time job, I suffered a serious ankle injury while on a hike that required surgery and months of non-weight-bearing recovery. Overnight, my carefully mapped timeline collided with pain, immobility, and medical bills. The physical healing was obvious; the mental healing was quieter. I felt guilty asking for help, worried I would fall behind at work, and frustrated that even small tasks like showering and eating became logistical puzzles. What steadied me was a decision to treat mental health like a daily practice, not a rescue mission. I set micro-routines: five minutes of breathwork before opening my laptop, a strict sleep window, sunlight and Vitamin D in the morning, journaling to separate facts from fear, and short, doable workouts that respected my PT plan. I learned that progress is momentum, not perfection; consistency is kinder than intensity. Those practices reshaped my goals. I still want to be a finance leader who is technically fluent and people-first—but now I frame leadership around sustainability. I want to build models and teams that are rigorous and humane, where deadlines are planned with real human bandwidth in mind and where a teammate can say, “I need help,” without penalty. Mental health reframed ambition from “prove yourself” to “preserve yourself so you can serve others longer.” It also clarified my education plans: upskilling in analytics so I can automate the busywork that exhausts teams and spend more time on mentorship and problem-solving. Community has always been my anchor. ALPFA showed me what it looks like to “lift as we climb.” In college, I mentored first-gen students on internships, interviews, and how to navigate systems not built with us in mind. During recovery, I re-committed to that mission: when I’m fully mobile again, I will plug into ALPFA Atlanta to host skill-building workshops and be the person I needed—someone who says, “You belong here, and here’s a plan.” Mental health turned my mentorship from advice into accompaniment. Sometimes the most valuable thing we give isn’t a strategy; it’s regulated calm and belief. My understanding of the world is sharper and more compassionate now. I’ve felt how quickly one unexpected event—a broken ankle—can stress a budget, a schedule, and a spirit. I’ve seen how healthcare costs penalize people already doing everything right. That experience deepened my commitment to financial literacy for first-gen students and to building workplace cultures where recovery isn’t a career risk. It also made me skeptical of hustle narratives that ignore sleep, joy, and community. I no longer admire the person who “pushes through” everything; I admire the person who plans, rests, asks for help, and returns stronger. Mental health did not make me less ambitious. It made me precise. I want a life built on systems that protect what matters: faith in my future, care for my body, respect for my boundaries, and service to my community. I track my savings and my steps; I schedule my PT and my downtime; I celebrate tiny wins and keep the long view. I am learning to be the kind of leader who can carry weight without collapsing, because I learned, during recovery, that strength is not just lifting more; it’s knowing when to set something down. My mental health steadies me on the days the climb feels steep and reminds me why I’m climbing at all: to build a successful, impactful career, to open doors for other first-gen students, and to live a life where achievement and well-being are not rivals, but partners.

Student debt doesn’t just affect a budget; it shapes the timeline of a life. My name is Michelle Morel, and I am a first-generation college graduate of Kennesaw State University (B.B.A. in Accounting, 4.0 GPA) and first-generation Dominican-American. I’ve learned to plan carefully and dream big at the same time. I am the first in my family to navigate FAFSA forms, scholarship essays, and internship/full-time corporate job offers; now I’m a Financial Analyst in Microsoft’s Finance Rotation Program, determined to build the kind of stability my parents worked so hard to give me. Three weeks into starting my job, I suffered a serious ankle injury that required surgery. I’m currently non-weight-bearing and working through recovery—grateful to be healing, but also facing unexpected medical bills on top of student loans. My educational journey has been about turning opportunity into impact. In college, I sought out roles that stretched me: treasurer and active member of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), venture capital externships/fellowships focused on AI and Latinx-founded companies, and internships in research administration, technology, and finance, where I learned to manage grants, analyze data, and communicate clearly with stakeholders. Those experiences confirmed that I love work that blends numbers with purpose—building models that clarify choices, and systems that help teams deploy resources where they matter most. Service is the thread that ties it together. ALPFA gave me a community that believes in lifting as we climb. At Kennesaw State, I mentored younger students, shared internship search strategies, and planned professional workshops. Now that I’ve moved to Midtown Atlanta, I’m eager to get involved with the ALPFA Atlanta chapter, where I aim to mentor first-generation students navigating finance careers and host skill-building events. Representation matters. When a student who looks like me and is also the first in their family to navigate college and corporate hears “you belong here,” it changes the trajectory of their career. My long-term goals are simple: become a strategic finance leader who is technically fluent in SQL/Python/Tableau, principled, and community-minded; pay off my student loans; build savings and investments; and one day start an initiative that equips first-gen students with the financial literacy and career readiness I wish I’d had on day one. I measure success not just by titles but by the doors I hold open for the next student or early-career professional. The Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship would accelerate that plan at a critical time. Every dollar used to reduce my loan principal lowers my monthly payments and the interest I’ll pay over the life of the loan. Practically, that freed-up cash flow will go straight to current medical bills from my surgery and rehabilitation—covering my surgery, copays, PT sessions, and mobility devices—so my recovery doesn’t derail my financial foundation. In parallel, I can maintain contributions to an emergency fund and retirement, so I don’t sacrifice long-term security to manage short-term crisis costs. Reducing my debt now also keeps my path clear for graduate analytics or business school coursework that will make me a stronger finance professional and mentor. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and honest about what still lies ahead. I’m healing, I’m learning, and I’m showing up for my health, my job, and my community. With the support of this scholarship, I can turn a difficult setback into a disciplined comeback: paying down loans, covering medical expenses without slipping backward, and reinvesting energy into ALPFA Atlanta and the first-gen students following behind me. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in the futures we’re building, one decision at a time.

My name is Michelle Morel, and I am a Dominican-American from Norcross, Georgia. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic before I was born so my older sister and I could have more employment and educational opportunities. My parents have always stressed the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. These values have driven me to pursue my professional and personal aspirations and positively impact my community. I deserve this scholarship, not because I deserve anything in life, but because I am a hardworking first-generation American and college student who has successfully navigated college and internship recruitment with little guidance. As I write this essay, I am a senior studying Accounting at Kennesaw State University who has completed 6 internships at companies such as Microsoft, PwC, and Norfolk Southern, and 2 externships with HP Tech Ventures and igniteXL. I also serve as the treasurer for the ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) Kennesaw State University chapter. While maintaining jobs, internships, and extracurriculars over the past three years, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA.  My career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and work in a large accounting firm before starting my own CPA firm. Accounting has always fascinated me, and I strive to one day help people in underserved communities make informed financial decisions and improve their financial situation. My education and career aspirations will allow me to make a difference in the world by helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. Winning the Concrete Rose Scholarship scholarship will allow me to spend more time volunteering and paying forward the opportunities I've been given instead of working part-time jobs to pay for textbooks, fees, and housing costs.  This scholarship would lift a tremendous weight off my shoulders and that of my parents (who have taken ParentPlus Loans to help me pay for school expenses). The funds from this Scholarship would also bring me one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a successful CPA and making a difference in my community through financial literacy education. Becoming a CPA, especially passing the CPA exam, requires a lot of focus and time of deep concentration and study. By winning this scholarship, I will have more clarity to study and pass the four sections of the CPA exam with less anxiety about paying for exam fees and study material.  Aside from my academic and career goals, I want to become a selfless philanthropist. Through my volunteer work at Ebookbuddy, an organization devoted to fostering a love of learning in at-risk children, I learned the value of making a difference through teaching and creating meaningful relationships. I plan to continue finding ways to help children attain academic success and break generational curses through the power of education. Winning this scholarship would help me become financially stable and have the foundation to eventually start my own nonprofit that increases access to quality education and expands opportunities for children.  Receiving the Concrete Rose Scholarship Award would help tremendously reduce the financial burden of undergrad and CPA preparation. I would make it my priority to pay it forward by constantly empowering the Latinos around me to succeed not only in accounting but in any field they decide to work in. I would start these efforts with the organizations I am currently a part of, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, ALPFA, and Latinos in Finance. I would also spend more time volunteering in children-orientated organizations that work to make the next generation more equipped to reach their goals.

The best money lesson I ever received was from my grandfather, who grew up in the Dominican Republic during the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. My grandfather suffered immense hardship during that era, as Trujillo pillaged the country's resources and crushed any dissent. Though my grandfather lived his whole life in poverty, he imparted a lot of wisdom about money that has stuck with me to this day. As a first-generation college student of Dominican descent, I am fortunate to have been born in the United States with opportunities my grandfather never had. My family's legacy of surviving the Trujillo regime, with its corruption and human rights abuses, has given me a perspective on finances that I may never have gained otherwise. My grandfather would often tell me in Spanish, "Guarda algo para los tiempos difíciles," which means, "Save something for the hard times." For my grandfather, the hard times were all too frequent, as Trujillo's military could seize property, increase taxes, or selectively enforce laws to financially ruin anyone who displeased the dictator. My grandfather learned that in uncertain times, you cannot count on anything but what you have set aside during good times. When I earned my first paycheck at 16 working at a Mexican Restaurant, his advice rang in my ears. I saved as much as I could in case my family or I incurred unexpected costs. My grandfather Ramon was just a teenager when Rafael Trujillo, also known as “El Jefe”, rose to power in 1930, beginning a 31-year reign of terror over the island nation. Trujillo's regime was marked by corruption, poverty, human rights abuses, and violence against any who opposed him. As a young man during those tumultuous times, my Abuelo saw friends and family disappear at the hands of Trujillo's secret police. The economic hardship and constant threat of violence transformed him. After witnessing so much instability, he developed a deep aversion to spending frivolously and felt the need to consistently save for tough times. Growing up in the United States during more stable economic times, I didn’t always fully understand the meaning behind my grandfather's financial advice. As I became more independent, living on my own, managing my own money, and experiencing difficulties that required a financial cushion, I started to see the merit in his words. Now that I am 20 years old and financing my education and living expenses, I realize just how crucial his advice is. It is now more important than ever for me to have an emergency fund “para los tiempos difíciles." While it sometimes requires sacrifice and delaying gratification in the present, I know those savings will prove invaluable the next time an emergency expense arises or financial aid falls short. Living by my abuelo's advice has fundamentally improved my relationship with money. This lesson from my grandfather significantly contributed to my journey to become financially literate. I recognize that economic hardship can strike anyone at any time due to forces outside our control. But with emergency savings and investments, we can weather almost any financial challenge. I continue to build up funds so that when darkness falls, as it did during my grandfather's era in the Dominican Republic, I have a candle to light my way forward. The simple but powerful adage, "Guarda algo para los tiempos difíciles," has shaped my financial habits and outlook on money. For that, I am forever grateful to my grandfather.

Since elementary school, I have enjoyed the challenge of solving complex math equations and participating in mental math competitions. I have always found it rewarding to get a correct answer after working tirelessly through a complex math problem. While I know accounting entails much more than solving mathematical equations, I believe that the problem-solving and analytical skills I use in my math classes will help me excel in a career in accounting (no pun intended). Accounting is the best industry for me to leverage my problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills. My innate skills and talents make me a great accounting student and will make me a successful CPA in the future. As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, I have always been motivated to break barriers and achieve success. Growing up in a low and single-income household, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of financial literacy and effective money management. My experiences growing up with limited resources, paired with my passion for math and problem-solving, have naturally led me to develop an interest in pursuing a career in accounting. I plan to graduate from Kennesaw State University with 150 credits to sit for the CPA exam. Once I obtain my CPA, I hope to join a large accounting firm before ultimately starting my own CPA firm. I am particularly interested in becoming a CPA because it will allow me to use my skills to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am drawn to the idea of helping businesses grow and succeed and empowering individuals from similar backgrounds to mine to achieve financial stability. For this reason, I volunteered at Georgia Writers, a non-profit dedicated to providing resources to underserved writers in Georgia. At Georgia Writers, I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets and found ways to increase funds and reduce expenses. This experience allowed me to apply my accounting and financial skills in a real-world setting and contribute to the success of a local non-profit. Financial planning is only one of the many ways I can help organizations as a CPA. I will also contribute positively to society by promoting ethical financial practices and supporting the growth of a strong and equitable economy. As someone who loves math and problem-solving, I know accounting will be a rewarding career. Becoming a CPA will also allow me to fulfill my desire of becoming an entrepreneur. As a CPA, whether I am working for a large accounting firm or in my own practice, I will have the opportunity to help people make informed financial decisions and improve their financial situation. This is exactly what I strive to do.

In the bustling corridors of my university, where dreams are born and knowledge flourishes, an unsettling sight catches the eye. There, outside the dining hall, stands a determined student, his face filled with hope, pleading for meal swipes. His story is a testament to a broken system, where a $4,000 meal plan is a constant obstacle to receiving an education. As a woman of color and a college student from a low-income household, I stand at the crossroads of intersectionality, where the urgency for societal change becomes undeniable. Society must transform its response to the problems of the disadvantaged. For too long, Society has responded to disadvantages such as low income with indifference instead of compassion, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Society must change by embracing equity. We must provide the disadvantaged with ladders that enable them to not just survive but thrive. For far too long, the voices of the disadvantaged have been overshadowed, dismissed, and ignored. As a Black woman and a first-generation American, I have witnessed the intersectionality of discrimination and financial hardships. It is crucial to recognize that the experiences of the marginalized differ from those of the majority. By altering society's response, we pave the way for these voices to be heard, acknowledged, and empowered. The stories of resilience and tenacity that emerge from communities like mine hold immense power to shape a more inclusive narrative. The obstacles faced by the disadvantaged often perpetuate a vicious cycle. Limited access to quality education, healthcare, and basic amenities hampers their ability to escape poverty. Society must adopt an approach that transcends mere band-aid solutions. By addressing the underlying causes of disadvantage and implementing sustainable support systems, we can help individuals escape the clutches of this cycle. This shift in response can unlock a brighter future, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole. Changing society's response to the problems of the disadvantaged is not solely a matter of altruism; it is a necessary step toward fostering social cohesion and empathy. By recognizing the struggles faced by marginalized communities, we build bridges of understanding and forge connections that transcend societal divisions. When we collectively strive to uplift the marginalized, we enrich our own lives and create a more harmonious society. Compassion knows no boundaries and has the power to unite us all. The talents and potential of the disadvantaged remain obscured by their challenges. By changing society's response, we unlock a wealth of untapped potential that could propel our communities and nation forward. Access to quality education, mentorship programs, and affordable resources can unleash a wave of innovation and creativity from those who have been historically marginalized. When we invest in the potential of every individual, regardless of their background, we invest in a brighter future for all. As I stand in front of the dining hall, witnessing those who lack the means to sustain themselves, I am reminded of the urgency to reshape society's response to the problems faced by the disadvantaged. We must amplify the voices of those who have long been silenced, address the cycle of disadvantage, foster social cohesion, and unlock untapped potential. By doing so, we pave the way for a more equitable society where every individual can thrive. The path to change may be arduous, but with compassion, empathy, and collective action, we can create a world where no student stands outside the dining hall pleading for a meal swipe, and every person's dreams can soar unhindered by the weight of adversity.

My journey with cystic acne began during my first year of high school. It was a time when my face transformed from a blank canvas to a battlefield of red, swollen cysts. The pain was not only physical but deeply emotional. For years, I felt like an outsider in my own body, and my self-esteem plummeted. This struggle continued until my sophomore year of college when, after several treatments, countless visits to my dermatologist, and several hundred dollars, my skin finally cleared up. In hindsight, I can see how this experience prepared me for the challenges of higher education and my future career. Throughout high school and into college, I tried everything I could to clear my skin - antibiotics, birth control, topical treatments, and even a round of Accutane. I often cried in front of the mirror, the painful cysts on my face a constant reminder of my struggle. I isolated myself, canceled plans with friends, and walked with my head down to avoid eye contact. I was obsessed with the idea that everyone was staring at my acne, and I did not want to give them a reason to remember my face. I wished I could hide in my room all day sometimes. With the help of my loved ones, I realized that I am more than my skin, and with a new mindset, my life began to improve. Despite the pain I felt throughout my struggle with cystic acne, I gained invaluable lessons and experiences that have shaped my character. I have learned not to shy away from adversity but to face it head-on. The resilience I developed during my battle with acne has prepared me for the challenges of college and my future career. In the classroom and the workplace, I now embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. My journey with cystic acne was undoubtedly a challenging one. However, it has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient individual prepared to face the challenges of higher education and my future career. Today, I use my skills and talents to help others. As an Accounting and Information Systems student, I have always been fascinated by how data can be used to help individuals make better decisions. For this reason, I volunteered my skills at the nonprofit Georgia Writers. Georgia Writers is an organization that provides grants, workshops, and other resources for underserved writers in Georgia. As a volunteer, I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets, ensuring that management was allocating funds organization's finances effectively. I created these budgets by extracting data from various websites (PayPal, Stripe, the organization's bank account, et) and organizing the data in a way that was simple and easy to understand. My experience volunteering at Georgia Writers taught me that as a tech-savvy accountant, I can help people organize their finances and make educated financial decisions. With the information I acquire at Kennesaw State University, I plan to help people in my community by teaching them more about paying off debts, investing, and budgeting in an organized and simplified way. Upon graduation, I will have 150 credit hours and qualify to sit for the CPA exam. As a CPA, I plan to offer my services and expert knowledge to help individuals manage their debt, create budgets, and ultimately reach their financial goals. I want to teach individuals in my community that although they may have grown up in an underprivileged and deprived state, they can still become financially stable and secure by understanding how to manage their finances.

The best piece of financial advice I ever received was from my grandfather, who grew up in the Dominican Republic during the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. My grandfather suffered immense hardship during that era, as Trujillo pillaged the country's resources and crushed any dissent. Though my grandfather lived his whole life in poverty, he imparted to me wisdom about money that has stuck with me to this day. As a first-generation college student of Dominican descent, I am fortunate to have been born in the United States with opportunities my grandfather never had. Still, my family's legacy of surviving Trujillo's regime, with its corruption and human rights abuses, has given me a perspective on finances that I may never have gained otherwise. My grandfather would often tell me in Spanish, "Guarda algo para los tiempos difíciles," which means "Save something for the hard times." For my grandfather, the hard times were all too frequent, as Trujillo's military could seize property, increase taxes, or selectively enforce laws to financially ruin anyone who displeased the dictator. My grandfather learned that in uncertain times, you cannot count on anything but what you have set aside during good times. When I earned my first paycheck at 16 working at a Mexican Restaurant, his advice rang in my ears. I squirreled away every dollar I could in case my earnings were suddenly withdrawn or my family incurred unexpected costs. While my peers spent every cent on entertainment, I built up a small nest egg that gave me confidence no matter what surprise bills might come. My grandfather Ramon was just a teenager when Rafael Trujillo, also known as “El Jefe”, rose to power in 1930, beginning a 31-year reign of terror over the island nation. Trujillo's regime was marked by corruption, poverty, human rights abuses, and violence against any who opposed him. As a young man during those tumultuous times, my Abuelo saw friends and family disappear at the hands of Trujillo's secret police. The economic hardship and constant threat of violence transformed him. After witnessing so much instability, he developed a deep aversion to spending money frivolously and an urgent need to save for tough times. Growing up in the state of Georgia during more stable economic times, I didn’t fully understand the meaning behind my grandfather's financial advice. Money seemed abundant and problems were easily solved with a few extra dollars. But the story of his life under Trujillo and the patient way he taught me to save my allowance revealed a wisdom I couldn't yet comprehend. As I became more independent, living on my own and handling my own money, and experiencing difficulties that required a financial cushion, I started to see the merit in his words. At age 20 while financing my own education and living expenses, I now realize just how crucial his advice is. It is now more important than ever for me to have an emergency fund “para los tiempos difíciles”. Instead of spending money carelessly, buying new clothes, and going out to eat, I save as much money as I can and put it towards a high-yield savings account. While it sometimes requires sacrifice and delaying gratification in the present, I know those savings will prove invaluable the next time an emergency expense arises or financial aid falls short. Having a cushion, even a small one, alleviates so much stress and provides me peace of mind that I can handle the basic costs of living without relying solely on job income or loans. Living by my abuelo's rule has fundamentally changed my relationship with money for the better. This lesson from my grandfather is the greatest financial gift I have ever received. It has profoundly shaped my relationship with money. I know that economic hardship can strike anyone at any time due to forces outside of our control. But with savings and fiscal responsibility, we can weather almost any financial challenge. When times are good, we must not become complacent. We must show restraint and build up funds so that when darkness falls, as it did during my grandfather's era in the Dominican Republic, we have a candle to light our way forward. My grandfather never had the opportunities I enjoy as a college student living in the land of opportunities. His life was marked by poverty and danger rather than privilege and leisure. Yet the hard-won wisdom he gleaned during the Trujillo dictatorship equipped him to pass on the knowledge that serves me well today. Though I did not experience his era, his advice allows me to draw on its lessons. The simple but powerful adage, "Guarda algo para los tiempos difíciles," has shaped my financial habits and outlook in a way that will benefit me for life. For that, I am forever grateful to my grandfather. His guidance proves that wisdom transcends particular times and places; sound advice is eternal.

My name is Michelle Morel, and I am a first-generation college student from Norcross, Georgia. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic before I was born so my older sister and I could have more employment and educational opportunities. My parents have always stressed the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. These values have driven me to pursue my professional and personal aspirations and positively impact my community. I am double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. My ultimate goal is to become a certified public accountant (CPA) and work in a large accounting firm before starting my own CPA firm. Accounting has always fascinated me, and I have always wanted to help people make informed financial decisions and improve their financial situation. My education and career aspirations will allow me to make a difference in the world by helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. I am also actively involved in my community. I have volunteered at Ebookbuddy, where I helped at-risk elementary school children improve their reading skills and foster a love of reading. Most of the children I tutored had economic barriers and were learning English as their second or third language, making it challenging to keep up with their peers in school. It was rewarding to help improve the reading levels and comprehension skills of the children I tutored. I also volunteered at the non-profit organization Georgia Writers, where I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets and found ways to increase funds and reduce expenses. This experience allowed me to apply my accounting and financial skills in a real-world setting and contribute to the success of a local organization. I am passionate about giving back to my community and using my skills to make a positive impact. After volunteering to read with children with the organization Ebookbuddy, I have a different outlook on life. Seeing children light up when I tell them they're doing great, watching them persevere and keep trying even when they slip up on a few words, allowed me to step outside myself. As an ESOL student in elementary school, I needed someone to believe in me and take the extra time to help me understand concepts that other students had already mastered. Being a child of two immigrants from the Dominican Republic, I could not rely on my parents to help me with schoolwork since all my assignments were in English. My ESOL teachers played a vital role in my development as a student, and I want to enrich the lives of children the way my teachers enriched my life. Children are a crucial part of society -- their development impacts every aspect of the future. I plan to continue cultivating the love of learning and curiosity in at-risk children, building relationships with them, and showing them that I care about their success. As such, I will continue to voluntarily tutor and read to kids, always aiming to instill confidence in them and show them that their opinions matter. In the future, I would like to start a non-profit similar to Ebookbuddy, where volunteers read to children. I want to give back to the community by setting children from all walks of life up for success. Winning the Cuervo Rincon Scholarship of Excellence for Latinas would help me pay down my student loans and put money toward the operation of my non-profit.

Since elementary school, I have enjoyed the challenge of solving complex math equations and participating in mental math competitions. I have always found it rewarding to get a correct answer after working tirelessly through a complex math problem. While I know accounting entails much more than solving mathematical equations, I believe that the problem-solving and analytical skills I use in my math classes will help me excel in a career in accounting (no pun intended). Accounting is the best industry for me to leverage my problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills. My innate skills and talents make me a great accounting student and will make me a successful accountant upon graduation. I plan to use the knowledge I gain in my undergrad at Kennesaw State University to help people. I hope to help my clients, coworkers, and subordinates reach their potential. Whether it be through audit or tax services, I will strive to add the most value possible to my clients. I will use my strong leadership and communication skills to contribute positively to my teams, offering support and guidance to my coworkers, and making sure we collaborate efficiently to produce the best result. For my subordinates, I will serve as a mentor and teach them how to navigate their careers in accounting. As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, I have always been motivated to break barriers and achieve success. Growing up in a low-income household, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of financial literacy and effective money management. My passion for math and problem-solving has naturally led me to develop an interest in pursuing a career in accounting. Accountants play a crucial role in businesses and the broader public. Accountants oversee financial transactions, ensure compliance with government regulations, and provide accurate financial information for decision-making. They provide information that helps stakeholders make informed decisions about investments, acquisitions, and other financial transactions. In the business world, accountants help companies thrive by analyzing their financial performance, identifying areas for improvement, and offering strategic guidance to maximize profits. For the broader public, accountants contribute in various ways. They help individuals and families manage their finances, plan for the future, and navigate complex tax laws. They also play a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability in the public sector by auditing government and non-profit organizations. By ensuring that companies use resources efficiently and ethically, accountants help build trust in these institutions. I am particularly interested in becoming an accountant because it will allow me to use my skills to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am drawn to the idea of helping businesses grow and succeed and empowering individuals from similar backgrounds to mine to achieve financial stability. For this reason, I volunteered at Georgia Writers, a non-profit dedicated to providing resources to underserved writers in Georgia. At Georgia Writers, I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets and found ways to increase funds and reduce expenses. This experience allowed me to apply my accounting and financial skills in a real-world setting and contribute to the success of a local non-profit. Financial planning is only one of the many ways accountants help organizations. Accountants also contribute positively to society by promoting ethical financial practices and supporting the growth of a strong and equitable economy. In conclusion, I am interested in becoming an accountant and pursuing my CPA because it will allow me to secure a stable career and contribute to society. As someone who loves math and problem-solving, I know accounting will be a fulfilling career.

My name is Michelle Morel, and I am a first-generation college student from Norcross, Georgia. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic before I was born so my older sister and I could have more employment and educational opportunities. My parents have always stressed the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. These values have driven me to pursue my professional and personal aspirations and positively impact my community. I am double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. My ultimate goal is to become a certified public accountant (CPA) and work in a large accounting firm before starting my own CPA firm. Accounting has always fascinated me, and I have always wanted to help people make informed financial decisions and improve their financial situation. My education and career aspirations will allow me to make a difference in the world by helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. I am also actively involved in my community. I have volunteered at Ebookbuddy, where I helped at-risk elementary school children improve their reading skills and foster a love of reading. Most of the children I tutored had economic barriers and were learning English as their second or third language, making it challenging to keep up with their peers in school. It was rewarding to help improve the reading levels and comprehension skills of the children I tutored. I also volunteered at the non-profit organization Georgia Writers, where I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets and found ways to increase funds and reduce expenses. This experience allowed me to apply my accounting and financial skills in a real-world setting and contribute to the success of a local organization. I am passionate about giving back to my community and using my skills to make a positive impact. Last summer, I interned at Norfolk Southern as an Information Systems Internal Audit Intern. At Norfolk Southern, I gained valuable experience in auditing and risk management. This summer, I am interning at PwC as a Start Intern. At PwC, I am working on a consulting project to solve a business problem for a non-profit. Next summer, I will intern at Citibank as a Summer Finance Analyst in the Tampa office. These internships allow me to gain real-world experience in accounting and finance and help me develop a professional network. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of has been maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing my internships and volunteer work. In the process, I have learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize my responsibilities. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and I am excited to see where my career will take me. If I won this scholarship, I would put some of the money I save in my savings to build an emergency fund and prepare for any unexpected expenses. I would also use some of the funds to pay for necessities such as rent and food. Additionally, I would invest some of the money in index funds to grow my wealth over time and secure my financial future. This scholarship would help me pay down my high-interest student loans and provide the financial support I need to continue pursuing my CPA at KSU. Through my academic pursuits, volunteer work, and internships, I have gained valuable skills and experiences that will help me succeed in my career. Winning the Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my goals and making a difference in my community.

My name is Michelle Morel, and I am a junior at Kennesaw State University. I plan to graduate from KSU in May 2025 with a 4.0 GPA. Along the way, I want to make sure I am involved in student organizations and also make time to volunteer. My parents have always stressed the importance of giving back to people in need -- I expect to spend time each week volunteering for as long as I can. Playing an active role in community service is primordial to me. I also plan on joining two organizations this fall: BETA ALPHA PSI and Women in Technology. As a member of these clubs, I will make new connections and learn more about accounting/finance and technology. Each summer before graduation, I plan on doing a summer internship related to accounting/finance. Last summer, I interned with Norfolk Southern as an Information Systems Internal Audit Intern. It was a wonderful experience -- I learned the in-and-outs of various software and added value to the company by ensuring there were no exceptions in the control processes. This summer, I am interning at PwC as a Start Intern, where I work on a consulting project. At KSU, I hope to gain the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to help me achieve my ultimate ambition of owning my own CPA firm. By double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University, I am pursuing the education required to meet the CPA requirements and acquire the technical skills to audit and advise clients. During my time in school, I will learn how to provide valuable, personalized financial guidance and solutions to my clients. I plan to start by getting hands-on experience in the real world of auditing and compliance by working for a reputable, large accounting firm after graduation. My work at a large accounting firm will provide me with the professional experience and client connections I can leverage when launching my own CPA firm. This summer at PwC, I am learning how a large public accounting firm operates and how it adds value to clients. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, The Bright Lights Scholarship would significantly impact my life. Winning this scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to continue my education and pursue my goals without the added burden of worrying about how to pay for it. Attending Kennesaw State University has been a dream come true, but it has also come with financial challenges. As a result, I have had to work part-time jobs to help pay for my education, which has limited the time I can dedicate to volunteering and attending networking events. Winning this scholarship would allow me to reduce my work hours and focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. As a child of immigrants, I know education is the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving success. Winning The Bright Lights Scholarship would not only help me achieve my own goals but also serve as an inspiration to others in my position. It would demonstrate to them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Winning this scholarship would allow me to reduce my work hours and dedicate more time to volunteering and getting more involved on campus. It would also demonstrate to my parents that their sacrifices and hard work have not gone unnoticed and that I am committed to achieving my goals and making them proud.

"Can ghosts go to space?" my 5th-grade reading buddy asks me, confident I will have the answer. His eyes gleamed out of his curiosity. Five minutes before, he'd asked if ghosts could eat. I grin wide and chuckle a little inside, but I was afraid I had no response other than "maybe" and "I hope so!" In high school, I volunteered to read with at-risk children -- most of whom were learning English as a second or third language. The 30-minute reading sessions with my reading buddies a few times a week were the highlight of my busy high school days. My mentee and I would scan through the selection of books, making sure to read only the books with topics that interested them. Each of my mentees loved learning and was extremely curious -- traits that will lead them down a successful path. I was proud of my reading buddies for reading through challenging books, asking great questions, and keeping an open mind throughout all the sessions. My desire to get involved and positively impact my local community stems from several motivating factors. I believe I have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate, particularly children and youth. Every member of society benefits when we ensure that the next generation receives the opportunities and support they need to thrive. By volunteering my time and skills, I gain insight into the challenges and priorities of communities I may not otherwise be exposed to. These lessons stay with me long after my volunteer work ends. Collective community action achieves much more than any individual acting alone. By donating my time and effort to worthwhile causes, I join others to solve large-scale issues and meet needs beyond what one person could accomplish independently. Through service, I contribute to something greater than myself and make an impact that persists. To put these motives into action, I began volunteering with Ebookbuddy, an organization that provides literacy support to underserved children. I was assigned a few students between the ages of 8 and 11 who struggled with reading. We met weekly to develop their reading skills through structured activities. I focused on improving my students' fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We read books aloud together, and I asked open-ended questions to check their literal and inferential understanding. When the mentee encountered unfamiliar words, I helped them figure out meanings independently using context clues and root words. Over time, I witnessed remarkable progress in the children's reading abilities. They gained fluency and confidence as readers, and their standardized test scores and reading levels improved significantly under my guidance. But more importantly, I saw a boost in their self-esteem as they started to see themselves as learners. The accomplishments of the children I've worked with have been immensely gratifying. Seeing the joy they derive simply from being read to and the excitement they feel when they understand a difficult concept fills me with a profound sense of purpose. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work with Ebookbuddy and finding other ways to enact positive change in my community. Children are the future, and I feel privileged to play a small role in helping shape and support them every week. In summary, volunteering my time and skills to help underserved youth through initiatives like Ebookbuddy aligns perfectly with my motives for getting involved in my community: to help those in need, broaden my perspective and join with others to make an impact beyond what I could do alone.

Since elementary school, I've loved math and enjoyed the critical thinking and problem-solving skills involved in solving a math equation. As such, I am double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. A job in accounting will constantly challenge me and allow me to use my critical thinking and mathematical skills to analyze financial statements. Along the way, I will also use math to help me problem-solve, using financial formulas for preparing tax returns, reconciling accounts, and calculating depreciation. I vividly remember the exhilarating moments of playing mental math with my classmates in elementary. The ability to quickly do math in my head felt like a superpower. I wholeheartedly believe that practicing mental math as a kid has made it easier for me to solve equations without pen and paper and understand math concepts better as a young adult. I love math because it is like a puzzle. I love using my critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and recognize connections, similar to solving a math equation. When I'm solving math equations, I feel like an artist creating a piece of art. The finished product includes all the scratch work leading down to the answer. In a way, it is a masterpiece. Every artist's masterpiece will look different -- some will have more blank space, and others will have null to zero. Just like a piece of art, each person does it differently. The flexibility of thinking involved in math is one of my favorite things about math -- there are multiple ways to get the same answer. I love that I can tackle a math problem entirely differently from my classmate -- still, we can both come to the correct answer. As an accounting student, mathematics has fundamentally shaped my understanding of the world. Mathematics has given me the tools to analyze financial transactions, interpret data, and make informed decisions in a complex, ever-changing economic environment. Accounting is a discipline that relies heavily on mathematics, from basic arithmetic to more advanced concepts such as calculus, probability, and statistics. Through my coursework, I have learned how to use these tools to calculate financial ratios, analyze financial statements, and make strategic decisions based on data. One of the most important lessons I have learned from mathematics is the importance of accuracy and attention to detail. A minor error can have significant consequences for an accountant, so it is essential to be precise in calculations and record-keeping. Mathematics has taught me to be meticulous in my work and to double-check my calculations to ensure accuracy. Throughout my time at Kennesaw State, I have come to appreciate the power of mathematics in helping us make sense of complex problems and arrive at solutions grounded in sound principles. I love math not only because it will help me reach my educational and career goals but because it is fun and often challenging. Doing math helps me strengthen my flexibility in thinking, improve my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and encourage my curiosity and creativity. Solving math equations and problems are journeys. I hope to take these journeys for as long as I live.

For many people in my generation, Taylor Swift's '1989' album holds a special place in our hearts. I can say with certainty that Taylor Swift's '1989' album is a masterpiece. It was released in 2014 when I was only 12 years old -- it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Growing up, I listened to the album repeatedly, and each song spoke to me differently. Each song on the album speaks to a different aspect of growing up and navigating relationships, and I find myself returning to it constantly. If I had to pick a favorite song from '1989', I would choose "Blank Space." The song is a playful and self-aware exploration of the media's portrayal of Taylor Swift as a serial dater. This electropop song is catchy, fun, and has a great beat that makes it perfect for dancing or singing along. The opening lines of "Blank Space" set the stage for what is to come: "Nice to meet you, where you been? / I could show you incredible things / Magic, madness, heaven, sin / Saw you there and I thought / Oh my God, look at that face / You look like my next mistake". These lyrics are so relatable to anyone who has ever experienced the excitement of a new relationship. Taylor's words perfectly capture the feeling of being swept off your feet by someone new, of feeling like this could be the one. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Taylor Swift is in on the joke. This cleverness is what I love most about “Blank Space” – Taylor subverts the stereotype of the crazy, clingy girlfriend by embracing it and turning it into a joke. This subversion is a clever and empowering way to take control of a narrative often used to shame and control young women. But "Blank Space" is not just a song about relationships and the media. The song also provides commentary on how we construct and consume celebrity culture. The music video for the song features Taylor Swift in a grand mansion, surrounded by luxury and opulence. Swift plays a caricature of herself, the "crazy ex-girlfriend" persona the media has created. As the video progresses, it becomes clear that Taylor Swift is in control. Swift is the one orchestrating the chaos and destruction around her. By the end of the video, Swift sits on a throne of her creation, surrounded by ruins. This visual metaphor perfectly captures the message of "Blank Space." Taylor Swift is taking control of her narrative -- by doing so, she challenges how we think about celebrities and fame. Swift shows us that the media's portrayal of her is just a construct, a story fabricated to sell magazines and generate clicks. As a young woman growing up in the age of social media, I find "Blank Space" to be an incredibly empowering song. The song reminds us that we do not have to be defined by the narratives others create for us. We have the power to take control of our own stories, to shape our destinies. Overall, "Blank Space" is an easy-to-love song, but it also has layers of meaning and cultural commentary that make it worth contemplating. "Black Space" is a perfect example of Swift's ability to create pop music that is both fun and meaningful, and this song will always hold a special place in my heart.

Since I was young, writing has been a critical tool in my life. As an introvert, I've struggled to express myself as eloquently as my thoughts. Although I don't consider myself the best writer, I still enjoy the fruits of putting my ideas on paper for others to read. Reading has allowed me to express myself and given me an outlet to make my thoughts visible. Writing has allowed me to explore my thoughts and emotions and gain clarity and perspective on the world around me. Through writing, I have become a better communicator, personally and professionally. Writing has taught me the importance of organizing my thoughts and ideas and helped me develop my ability to communicate my ideas effectively. It has given me the confidence to express myself in social situations and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. The more I write, the more effectively I communicate with others. My improved communication skills have allowed me to build strong relationships throughout college. Journaling has been particularly beneficial for my mental health. I often struggle with anxiety and depressive thoughts. By writing down my thoughts and feelings, I have consistently processed and worked through difficult emotions and gained a deeper understanding of myself. Writing down my feelings helps calm my anxiety and foster more positive thoughts. Journaling has helped me to identify patterns in my behavior and to track my progress toward my goals. It has also given me heightened control over my emotions and has enabled me to manage stress and anxiety. In addition to its benefits for my mental health, writing has helped me reach my goals. Whether it is writing a research paper for school, crafting a cover letter for a job application, or developing a business plan for a startup, writing has been essential in helping me to achieve my objectives. By writing down my ideas and short and long-term career plans, I can clarify my goals and create a roadmap for achieving them. Furthermore, writing has opened up a world of possibilities for me. Through social platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, writing has allowed me to connect with others who share my interests and has allowed me to share my ideas and perspectives. Writing has enabled me to effectively utilize platforms where I can express my thoughts freely and meet people who have had similar experiences in life. Whether it is through text, tweet, or email, writing has an impact on how humans communicate. When we leverage our writing skills, we can reach more people and connect with wonderful people we have only ever dreamt of meeting. Writing is an integral part of my life and has been a critical tool in helping me grow and develop as a student, daughter, sibling, friend, and employee. It has allowed me to express myself, communicate effectively with others, manage my emotions, and achieve my goals. Putting my thoughts on paper (and increasingly, on my laptop) has empowered me to take control of my life and create a better future for myself.

As a first-generation college student and a first-generation American born to two Dominican immigrants, I have always been aware of the challenges of navigating multiple cultures and languages. Growing up bilingual has given me a unique perspective on the world, and I believe my skills can build a more empathetic and understanding global community. I can help different people understand each other better and have more empathy for those who are different than them. One of the ways I use my language skills to build a more empathetic and understanding global community is through my work with Ebookbuddy, a non-profit organization helping at-risk children improve their English reading skills. As a volunteer, I have worked with children from various backgrounds, including many who are bilingual/multilingual. By helping these children improve their English skills, I am not only helping them succeed academically, but I am also helping them feel more connected to the world around them. I plan to continue cultivating the love of learning and curiosity in at-risk children, filling a role as mentor, tutor, and friend for each child seeking my help to learn English. In addition to my work with Ebookbuddy, I plan to use my communication skills and my ability to stay positive to build a more empathetic and understanding global community by continuing to develop my language skills. As a bilingual individual, I can communicate with people from various cultures and backgrounds. I believe this skill will be invaluable as I continue to build bridges between different communities and foster understanding between individuals who may otherwise struggle to communicate with one another. Furthermore, as a first-generation undergraduate student, I have had to navigate the challenges of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. I had to learn how to enroll, complete the FAFSA, apply for student loans, choose my classes, pick the right major, and excel in my courses with little help from my parents. This experience has taught me the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. These qualities will be essential as I continue fostering a more empathetic and understanding global community. By setting an example for others and demonstrating the importance of education and personal growth, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and work towards a better future for all. I can leverage my communication skills and experience as a bilingual, first-generation American to foster a more empathetic and understanding global community. Through work with non-profits, I can use my language skills to teach America's youth and inspire others to embrace diversity, celebrate cultural differences, and work towards a more connected and compassionate world. By fostering understanding and empathy between different individuals and communities, we can create a brighter future for all.

"Can ghosts go to space?" my 5th-grade reading buddy asks me, confident that I, as a "big kid" will have the answer. His eyes gleamed out of his curiosity. Five minutes before, he asked if ghosts could eat. I grin wide and chuckle a little inside, but I was afraid I had no response other than "maybe" and "I hope so!" In high school, I volunteered to read with at-risk children -- most of whom were learning English as a second or third language. The 30-minute reading sessions with my reading buddies a few times a week were the highlight of my busy high school days. My buddy and I would scan through the selection of books, making sure to read only the books with topics that interested them. Each of my buddies loved learning and was extremely curious -- traits that I am sure will lead them down a successful path. I was grateful to have the chance to teach at-risk children and steadily watch as their reading levels increased every few sessions. I was proud of my reading buddies for reading through challenging books, asking great questions, and keeping an open mind throughout all the sessions. After volunteering to read with children with the organization Ebookbuddy, I have a different outlook on life. Seeing children light up when I tell them they're doing great, watching them persevere and keep trying even when they slip up on a few words, allowed me to step outside myself. I am now grateful to have been given the ultimate opportunity to help young, underprivileged children increase their reading and comprehension skills. As an ESOL student in elementary school myself, I needed someone to believe in me and take the extra time to help me understand concepts that other students had already mastered. Being a child of two immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, I could not rely on my parents to help me with schoolwork since all my assignments were in English. My ESOL teachers played a vital role in my development as a student, and I want to enrich the lives of children the way my teachers enriched my life. At-risk children often have more struggles and personal issues than meets the eye. Children that perform poorly in school or have limited reading abilities need someone who cares about their success to help them push forward despite their sometimes unpleasant circumstances. I want to be the person who helps these children advance and overcome adversity. I plan to continue cultivating the love of learning and curiosity in at-risk children, building relationships with them, and showing them that I care about their success. I want to fill the role of mentor, tutor, and friend for children struggling academically. As such, I will continue to voluntarily tutor and read to kids, always aiming to instill confidence in them and show them that their opinions matter. In the future, I would like to start a nonprofit similar to Ebookbuddy, where volunteers read to children. Instead of focusing solely on reading, I want my program to encompass various subjects like math, science, and social studies. This way, children can get a more comprehensive tutoring session, getting help in all their classes if need be. I want to give back to the community by setting children from all walks of life up for success.

Since elementary school, I've loved math and enjoyed the critical thinking and problem-solving skills involved in solving a math equation. As such, I am double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. A job in accounting will constantly challenge me and allow me to use my critical thinking and mathematical skills to analyze financial statements. Along the way, I will also use math to help me problem-solve, using financial formulas for preparing tax returns, reconciling accounts, and calculating depreciation. I vividly remember the exhilarating moments of playing mental math with my classmates in elementary. The ability to quickly do math in my head felt like a superpower. I wholeheartedly believe that practicing mental math as a kid has made it easier for me to solve equations without pen and paper and understand math concepts better as a young adult. I love math because it is like a puzzle. I love using my critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and recognize connections as I do when solving a math equation. When solving math equations, I feel like an artist creating a piece of art. The finished product includes all the scratch work leading down to the answer. In a way, it is a masterpiece. Every artist's masterpiece will look different -- some will have more blank space, and others will have none. Just like a piece of art, each person does it differently. The flexibility of thinking involved in math is one of my favorite things about math -- there are multiple ways to get the same answer. I love that I can tackle a math problem entirely differently from my classmate -- still, we can both come to the correct answer. I love math not only because it will help me reach my educational and career goals but because it is fun and often challenging. Doing math helps me strengthen my flexibility in thinking, improve my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and encourage my curiosity and creativity. Solving math equations and problems are journeys. I hope to take these journeys for as long as I live.

"Can ghosts go to space?" my 5th-grade reading buddy asks me, confident that I, as a "big kid" will have the answer. His eyes gleamed out of his curiosity. Five minutes before, he asked if ghosts could eat. I grin wide and chuckle a little inside, but I was afraid I had no response other than "maybe" and "I hope so!" In high school, I volunteered to read with at-risk children -- most of whom were learning English as a second or third language. The 30-minute reading sessions with my reading buddies a few times a week were the highlight of my busy high school days. My buddy and I would scan through the selection of books, making sure to read only the books with topics that interested them. Each of my buddies loved learning and was extremely curious -- traits that I am sure will lead them down a successful path. I was grateful to have the chance to teach at-risk children and steadily watch as their reading levels increased every few sessions. I was proud of my reading buddies for reading through challenging books, asking great questions, and keeping an open mind throughout all the sessions. After volunteering to read with children with the organization Ebookbuddy, I have a different outlook on life. Seeing children light up when I tell them they're doing great, watching them persevere and keep trying even when they slip up on a few words, allowed me to step outside myself. I am now grateful to have been given the ultimate opportunity to help young, underprivileged children increase their reading and comprehension skills. As an ESOL student in elementary school myself, I needed someone to believe in me and take the extra time to help me understand concepts that other students had already mastered. Being a child of two immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, I could not rely on my parents to help me with schoolwork since all my assignments were in English. My ESOL teachers played a vital role in my development as a student, and I want to enrich the lives of children the way my teachers enriched my life. At-risk children often have more struggles and personal issues than meets the eye. Children that perform poorly in school or have limited reading abilities need someone who cares about their success to help them push forward despite their sometimes unpleasant circumstances. I plan to continue cultivating the love of learning and curiosity in at-risk children, building relationships with them, and showing them that I care about their success. I want to fill the role of mentor, tutor, and friend for children struggling academically. As such, I will continue to voluntarily tutor and read to kids, always aiming to instill confidence in them and show them that their opinions matter. In the future, I would like to start a nonprofit similar to Ebookbuddy, where volunteers read to children. Instead of focusing solely on reading, I want my program to encompass various subjects like math, science, and social studies. This way, children can get a more comprehensive tutoring session, getting help in all their classes if need be. I want to give back to the community by setting children from all walks of life up for success.

By age 11, I had seen my father work eight different jobs. Each job gave my dad fluctuating work hours, leaving us uncertain if we’d have enough to pay for rent and groceries. After each paycheck, we felt a strong sense of anxiety – we’d ask ourselves, “what if this is our last paycheck?” My parents moved to New York from the Dominican Republic in their early 20s. When I was born, my mom decided to become a housewife while my dad worked outside the home. Since we only had one income, even my dad’s two-week unemployment was enough to have us skipping meals and only eating cheap foods low in nutritional value. Unfortunately, my father, an immigrant with limited English proficiency and no college degree, experienced many weeks of unemployment while he and my mother despairingly went out to look for jobs. Because of his frequent job loss, my parents lived in constant fear in anxiety. Having experienced the psychological effects of frequent unemployment, I know the importance of finding a career that provides job security. For me, college is the best way to get a stable job with benefits such as health and life insurance. College has opened up doors for me that I never even knew existed. Last summer, I interned at Norfolk Southern as an information systems internal audit intern. During the internship, I was able to network with many people and learn the ins and outs of internal audits. This opportunity would’ve never been presented to me had I not been in college. As a college student, the possibilities are endless. I can volunteer, join clubs, study abroad, and do internships, all while gaining a valuable education that will help me land a secure job. Currently, I am a sophomore at Kennesaw State University. I am double majoring in accounting and information systems. I plan to graduate from Kennesaw University in May 2025 with a 4.0 GPA and 150 credit hours to sit down for the CPA test. To become a certified public accountant (CPA), I must accumulate these 150 credit hours and pass a rigorous 16-hour test. What I learn in my college classes today will help me do well on my CPA test and in an accounting job upon graduation. As someone who wants to work in a corporation, I know that knowledge is power. The more I know, the more value I will be able to add to my future employer. The classes I take and my experiences throughout college will make me a valuable employee upon graduation. Higher education has given me endless choices and shown me that the possibilities are truly endless. I am grateful that I could pick my major, map out my career goals, and work toward them with the help of my college advisors. With a college degree, I don’t have to settle for a career that does not fulfill me. I can work a stable job that I enjoy while earning a high income -- I can give myself and my family a comfortable life that we have not seen before.

“Do you have any other shoes?” My so-called high-school friend asks me on our way to class. I look down at my passed-down and torn sneakers, then back up at her. “Of course, I just really like these,” I say, grinning awkwardly. The truth is, I only had two pairs of shoes. Even in a low-income neighborhood, I felt like the odd one out. I could not keep up with fashion trends or throw large, expensive parties like my peers. I turned down invites to the mall, restaurants, and skating rinks because I did not have enough money to go – to the point where my peers no longer invited me out. Not having the means to spend time with my friends isolated me. On top of this, I went through many experiences where classmates, even those I considered friends, would ridicule me for repeating outfits, not wearing the nicest clothes, or not having the newest gadget. The verbal abuse I received in school from my peers made me constantly question my worth and made me view myself negatively. When I started my first job as a hostess and finally had the means to buy myself nice things, I realized how temporary the feelings of gratification I got from these purchases were. Once I came to school dressed like everyone else, I was no longer a victim of the usually passive-aggressive insults or overt bullying. Soon enough, I realized I could get what my peers had by privilege by way of my hard work. More importantly, I learned that the sad truth is that money matters -- more than I wish it did. When I appeared to have more money by wearing nice clothes and accessories, I could easily blend in and did not get ridiculed by my classmates. Eventually, I found the accumulation of unnecessary items in my closet and room rather pointless. Finally, I learned that I did not need to wear brand-name clothes to feel good about myself, regardless of what anyone else had to say. In my junior year of high school, I donated over 60 shirts and 30 pairs of pants (most of which still had tags attached) to charity. For me, this moment was life-changing. Instead of trying to show off my clothes and posture as though I was part of an affluent family, I could give these items to someone who needed them and could put them to good use. This experience taught me that although being financially stable matters, flaunting your newly-acquired expensive objects is not. To be able to help individuals and companies manage their finances and make informed financial decisions, I have decided to major in Accounting. I am a sophomore at Kennesaw State University working towards a double major in Accounting and Information Systems. With the information I acquire in school, I will add value to an accounting firm, saving them money and increasing their cost-effectiveness. I will also help my friends and family by teaching them more about finance. Upon graduation, I will have 150 credit hours and qualify to sit for the CPA exam. As a CPA, I want to offer my services and expert knowledge to help individuals manage their debt, create budgets, and ultimately reach their financial goals. I will subtly (but surely) mention the importance of not buying things we do not care about for the sake of showing off. In the end, we will all live with the consequences (good or bad) of our spending habits, and those who judge us will live with theirs.

Since elementary school, I've loved math and enjoyed the critical thinking and problem-solving skills involved in solving a math equation. As such, I am double majoring in Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. A job in accounting will constantly challenge me and allow me to use my critical thinking and mathematical skills to analyze financial statements. Along the way, I will also use math to help me problem-solve, using financial formulas for things like preparing tax returns, reconciling accounts, and calculating depreciation. I vividly remember the exhilarating moments of playing mental math with my classmates in elementary. The ability to quickly do math in my head felt like a superpower. I wholeheartedly believe that practicing mental math as a kid has made it easier for me to solve equations without pen and paper and understand math concepts better as a young adult. I love math because it is like a puzzle. I love using my critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and recognize connections as I do when solving a math equation. When I am solving math equations, I feel like an artist creating a piece of art. The finished product includes all the scratch work leading down to the answer. In a way, it is a masterpiece. Every artist's masterpiece will look different -- some will have more blank space, and others will have null to zero empty space. Just like a piece of art, each person does it differently. The flexibility of thinking involved in math is one of my favorite things about math -- there are multiple ways to get the same answer. I love that I can tackle a math problem entirely differently from my classmate -- still, we can both come to the correct answer. I love math not only because it will help me reach my educational and career goals but because it is fun and often challenging. Doing math helps me strengthen my flexibility in thinking, improve my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and encourage my curiosity and creativity. Solving math equations and problems are journeys. I hope to take these journeys for as long as I live.

Most people, myself included, look at the problems in the world about them and wish they could do something to solve these global issues. The fact of the matter is -- we can. There are many ways we can make a difference in the world. No song highlights this message more than Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror". This song expresses the most important message: “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” World hunger is an issue that affects as many as 800 million people. Although we know that people continue to suffer from hunger, most of us do not take the steps necessary to help end it because we do not think we have enough resources to make a difference. Whether it is world hunger, climate change, or poverty, everyone knows of a global issue they wish they could change. In the song "Man in the Mirror," Michael Jackson tells us that we can make a difference. If we stand up and act, we can change the world. Instead of waiting for other people to solve problems, MJ explains that we should take matters into our own hands, change our ways, and solve problems that will "make the world a better place." Michael Jackson's message is important because it emphasizes the power that each of us has to make a difference. Jackson reminds us that we should not underestimate our ability to change the world -- we just need to look deep into ourselves and let go of the inhibitions preventing us from doing this.