In my application to Howard University, I made it clear that I wanted to attend Howard today, so I could change the world tomorrow. I grew up in a typical immigrant household, rooted in a tight knit Ghanaian community. I was born with a myriad of “aunties and uncles”, all community members who took it upon themselves to help one another succeed and raise their next generation in a foreign land. Many great qualities were instilled in me early on, most importantly ones of perseverance, grit, resilience and many more. As wonderful as these qualities are, and as grateful I am for their guidance in my life, I am more thankful for the purpose these qualities hoped to serve, our community and the collective betterment of our environment. I grew up surrounded by community heroes and trailblazers who dedicated all their efforts to support our community. These people were the business owners and entrepreneurs surrounding us. Auntie Millicent’s African Store fed the community and kept us moving, Uncle Sam’s tax preparation and financial consulting services practice helped us stay ahead and afloat, of financial matters while Uncle Kwasi’s event hall served as the de facto meeting place of our pride, hosting funerals, weddings, celebrations of life, birthday parties, and much more. Growing up I realized the power of commerce, of entrepreneurship, of businesses, through those ventures and many more. I realized the power and responsibilities of those trailblazers who took the risks so our community could thrive. I was proud of them and their grit, determination, and resilience. No matter what threatened them or their businesses they never let anything stop them. Along with my community, the economic inequalities and financial barriers of the 21st century, inspired me to pursue my degree in finance. Post-graduation, I plan to enter the finance industry, with aspirations for a career in investment banking, private equity, or wealth management. My career path is not merely a means to achieve personal success but a steppingstone towards a larger goal: starting a firm dedicated to providing funding to black businesses and financially empowering black communities. The financial industry, with its vast resources and influential networks, offers a powerful platform from which I can drive significant economic change. My vision is to utilize my financial expertise to address the challenges faced by both business owners and regular Ghanaian Americans. Many black-owned businesses struggle with limited access to capital, which stifles their growth and economic contributions. By focusing on investment banking, private equity, or wealth management, I aim to create pathways for these businesses to access the funding they need to thrive. This, in turn, will contribute to the economic expansion of my community, fostering a cycle of growth and empowerment. Additionally, my ultimate objective is to start a firm that not only provides funding but also offers financial education and resources to black communities. Financial literacy is a critical component of economic empowerment, and by equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their finances effectively, we can create a foundation for long-term stability and growth. This firm will serve as a beacon of support, helping to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically hindered black communities from achieving economic prosperity. I attend Howard University so I can change the world tomorrow.

In my application to Howard University, I made it clear that I wanted to attend Howard today, so I could change the world tomorrow. I grew up in a typical immigrant household, rooted in a tight-knit Ghanaian community. I was born with a myriad of “aunties and uncles”, all community members who took it upon themselves to help one another succeed and raise the next generation in a foreign land. Many great qualities were instilled in me early on, most importantly ones of perseverance, grit, resilience, and many more. As wonderful as these qualities are, and as grateful I am for their guidance in my life, I am more thankful for the purpose these qualities hoped to serve, our community, and the collective betterment of our environment. I grew up surrounded by community heroes and trailblazers who dedicated all their efforts to support our community. These people were the business owners and entrepreneurs surrounding us. Auntie Millicent’s African Store fed the community and kept us moving, Uncle Sam’s tax preparation and financial consulting services practice helped us stay ahead and afloat in financial matters, while Uncle Kwasi’s event hall served as the de facto meeting place of our pride, hosting funerals, weddings, celebrations of life, birthday parties, and much more. Growing up I realized the power of commerce, entrepreneurship, of businesses, through those ventures, and many more. I realized the power and responsibilities of those trailblazers who took the risks so our community could thrive. I was proud of them and their grit, determination, and resilience. No matter what threatened them or their businesses they never let anything stop them. Along with my community, the economic inequalities and financial barriers of the 21st century inspired me to pursue my degree in finance. Post-graduation, I plan to enter the finance industry, with aspirations for a career in investment banking, private equity, or wealth management. My career path is not merely a means to achieve personal success but a stepping stone towards a larger goal: starting a firm dedicated to providing funding to black businesses and financially empowering black communities. The financial industry, with its vast resources and influential networks, offers a powerful platform from which I can drive significant economic change. My vision is to utilize my financial expertise to address the challenges faced by both business owners and regular Ghanaian Americans. Many black-owned businesses struggle with limited access to capital, which stifles their growth and economic contributions. By focusing on investment banking, private equity, or wealth management, I aim to create pathways for these businesses to access the funding they need to thrive. This, in turn, will contribute to the economic expansion of my community, fostering a cycle of growth and empowerment. Additionally, my ultimate objective is to start a firm that not only provides funding but also offers financial education and resources to black communities. Financial literacy is a critical component of economic empowerment, and by equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their finances effectively, we can create a foundation for long-term stability and growth. This firm will serve as a beacon of support, helping to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically hindered black communities from achieving economic prosperity. I attend Howard University so I can change the world tomorrow.