Being a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means striving not only for personal success but also for the well-being and advancement of the people and environment around you. These three traits—purpose, responsibility, and productivity—are the foundation of a strong, thriving community. To embody them is to commit to making a meaningful impact, staying accountable for your actions, and contributing actively toward collective goals. To be purposeful is to live with intention. It means understanding who you are, what you value, and how your unique skills can benefit others. Purpose gives direction and fuels long-term commitment. Purposeful people see beyond themselves—they look for opportunities to uplift others. In a community context, this could mean volunteering, mentoring today's youth, or advocating for social justice. I believe that being purposeful begins with self-awareness and a vision for positive change. I want my life to matter not just for what I achieve, but for how I help others grow and succeed. Responsibility involves integrity, reliability, and a willingness to be held accountable. Responsible community members follow through on their commitments, take ownership of their actions, and make decisions with others in mind. They recognize that their behavior affects those around them. Responsibility also means being informed—understanding the issues that impact the community and making choices that align with shared values and needs. I plan to demonstrate responsibility by staying active in civic life, voting, staying educated on community matters, and showing up when others are counting on me. Productivity in a community doesn't just mean staying busy—it means contributing in ways that create value and move the group forward. Productive members bring energy, creativity, and effort to solving problems. Whether it’s helping organize a fundraiser, cleaning up a park, or starting a local initiative, productivity reflects the willingness to act rather than remaining passive. I aim to be productive by leveraging my skills in finance and business to support community development projects and small business growth in underrepresented neighborhoods. I also want to encourage young people to pursue education and entrepreneurship, helping them unlock their full potential. Looking ahead, I plan to embody these qualities through both my personal and professional life. As a student pursuing a degree in business and accounting, I am preparing myself to lead and manage with ethical principles and a community-first mindset. I aspire to work in banking, where I can support financial literacy programs and advocate for equitable access to capital. Outside of work, I want to remain involved in local outreach programs and create opportunities for others to succeed. Ultimately, being a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means showing up with compassion, doing the right thing even when it's difficult, and taking action to make things better. I am committed to living by these values and building a future where my contributions strengthen both individuals and the community as a whole.

When I think about who the most influential man in my life is, the answer is easy—my father, Quinton Carter Sr. He is much more than just a parent to me; he is my mentor, my motivator, and my role model. The lessons he’s taught me extend far beyond the home. Through his actions, values, and support, my father has shown me what it means to lead with integrity, to care deeply for others, and to always strive to become the best version of myself. My father was a coach for the NJ Sparks, a team in the AAU girls' basketball program in New Jersey. His passion for coaching went far beyond the game itself. He dedicated his time and energy to guiding young women both on and off the court, supporting them in their goals to receive a higher education after high school. Whether he was training athletes, helping with college recruitment, or mentoring players through personal challenges, my father was always present and engaged. His impact on these young women’s lives is profound, and seeing the difference he made has inspired me to do the same in my own way. What makes my father so special is how naturally he leads by example. He doesn’t just talk about the importance of hard work—he lives it. Watching him commit himself to his players, his family, and his values has instilled in me a deep respect for discipline and perseverance. He has always pushed me to work hard in school, not just to get good grades, but to truly learn and grow. He reminds me constantly that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve our lives and help others. At the same time, he’s never been overbearing or unapproachable. He’s supportive in a way that makes me feel confident even when I’m unsure of myself. When I’ve struggled—whether academically, emotionally, or just trying to figure out life—he’s been there with guidance and encouragement. He never solves problems for me, but instead gives me the tools I need to face them head-on. That’s one of the greatest gifts he’s given me: the ability to believe in myself and to take responsibility for my growth. Most of all, my father has taught me what it means to be a man—not just in the traditional sense, but as someone who carries himself with respect, lifts up others, and lives with purpose. His example drives me to be the best I can be, not only for myself but for those around me. Whether I’m in the classroom, at work, or with family and friends, I strive to reflect the lessons he’s passed down. My father is more than just a father figure. He’s a community leader, a teacher, and a constant presence in my life. His love, his guidance, and his example have shaped me into the person I am today—and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Since I was a child, I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to support my family—not just emotionally, but financially as well. Growing up, I understood that money played a powerful role in stability and opportunity, and I wanted to be someone my family could rely on in every sense. That desire has shaped nearly every decision I’ve made and continues to guide the path I’m building for my future. Fortunately, I’ve never had to face that goal alone. I’ve been blessed with a supportive and dependable family—one that has always encouraged me, stood by me, and believed in my potential. Whether it was helping me stay focused in school, showing up at events, or offering advice when I needed it most, my family has been the foundation I’ve leaned on time and time again. Their unwavering support has not only given me confidence, but it has also taught me the value of loyalty, perseverance, and compassion. A particularly meaningful influence in my life was my grandmother. She passed away three years ago, but her presence is still with me every day. We were incredibly close—she was my biggest cheerleader, my sounding board, and one of my earliest teachers. She constantly encouraged me to push myself further, to never settle, and to get the most out of every opportunity, especially when it came to my education. She believed in education as a powerful tool for change, and that belief stuck with me. When I sit in a classroom or set new goals for myself, I think of her and the pride she would feel seeing me grow. My passion lies in understanding how the financial world works and using that knowledge to uplift others. Whether it's through budgeting, saving, or investing, I see financial literacy as a critical skill—one that too many people are never taught. That’s why I aspire to become a bank manager. I want to help individuals and families make smart financial decisions that improve their lives, just as I’ve always hoped to do for my own family. I’m currently pursuing this dream through my education, and every step forward is driven by my desire to fulfill the role I imagined for myself as a child: someone who provides security and guidance to those around them. Every experience I’ve had—good and bad—has helped shape who I am today. The desire to support my family gave me purpose. The loss of my grandmother gave me perspective. And the love and encouragement of those closest to me gave me the strength to chase my dreams. I’m still growing, still learning, and still reaching toward the future I’ve envisioned. But with my roots in family, passion for business and finance, and commitment to self-improvement, I know that I’m on the right path.

Growing up in Pennsylvania has been a deeply influential part of my life, shaping the way I view the world, the values I hold, and my future career plans. From the peaceful, stable environment of my home to the academic and professional opportunities I’ve encountered, my upbringing has given me both a strong foundation and a clear direction for the future. One of the most significant aspects of my life in Pennsylvania has been the stability of my home environment. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a secure household with supportive family members who have always emphasized the importance of hard work, education, and responsibility. This stability has allowed me to focus on personal growth and to pursue my goals without the kind of distractions or hardships that others may face. Knowing that I had a dependable support system at home gave me the confidence to take on challenges, make mistakes, and continue learning. It taught me to value consistency, reliability, and financial prudence—traits that I now strive to apply to every area of my life. Living in Pennsylvania also fostered deep and lasting relationships that have contributed significantly to who I am today. I've made many connections in my community, and I was raised with the understanding that kindness, respect, and honesty go a long way. Friendships and family ties have taught me the value of trust and communication, and my interactions with others have helped me develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills. These relationships have not only provided me with personal fulfillment, but they have also guided me toward a career that centers around service and connection. Academically, Pennsylvania has provided me with excellent opportunities to grow and prepare for the future. One of the most impactful experiences of my life has been studying at Penn State University. Attending such a respected institution has opened doors I never imagined possible. At Penn State, I have been able to study business, finance, and management, building the knowledge and skills necessary for my future. More importantly, it has exposed me to a network of professors, mentors, and peers who challenge me to think critically and pursue excellence in everything I do. These experiences have led me to aspire to become a bank manager. I’ve always been drawn to careers that involve both numbers and people, and banking is a field that blends the two seamlessly. As a bank manager, I hope to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions, support local businesses, and contribute to the economic health of my community. I believe that financial literacy and security are keys to long-term success, and I want to be in a position where I can guide others toward those goals. Growing up in a financially stable home taught me the importance of money management early on, and I want to pass that understanding on to others. In many ways, my Pennsylvania upbringing has instilled in me a grounded but ambitious mindset. I want to remain humble, but I’m also driven to make a larger impact. I want to be someone who is known not just for success in my field, but also for integrity, empathy, and leadership. In conclusion, Pennsylvania has shaped me into the person I am today—someone who is focused, compassionate, and driven to succeed. My beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations are all rooted in the experiences I’ve had growing up here, and I’m grateful for the path it has placed me on. As I move forward toward a career in banking, I carry with me the lessons, values, and vision that Pennsylvania has helped me build.

I intend to affect my community as a bank teller and then later on down the line as a bank manager. Bank tellers and bank managers play crucial roles in the financial well-being and development of their communities. Beyond performing routine transactions and managing operations, these professionals act as trusted financial advisors, access points to economic opportunity, and ethical stewards of local financial practices. Their impact reaches beyond the bank doors into homes, small businesses, schools, and civic institutions. First, I want to help improve financial literacy in my community. As a Teller and later manager, it would be my responsibility to educate customers on managing money, saving, and using credit wisely. For example, I may assist someone in setting up a savings account for the first time, helping them understand interest accumulation and budgeting strategies. As a bank manager I will organize or host financial education workshops for schools or community centers, addressing topics like debt reduction, fraud prevention, or building credit. By improving financial literacy, I can empower individuals to make sound economic decisions that improve their quality of life and financial independence. Second, I will support local businesses, which are the backbone of most communities. A bank manager can offer personalized lending advice to a local entrepreneur or expedite a loan for a family-owned restaurant. These interactions help drive local job creation, encourage entrepreneurship, and stimulate the local economy. I also want to support business clients with merchant services, cash flow planning, or loan structuring. This is because when businesses grow, they often give back through hiring, local sponsorships, and donations—creating a cycle of reinvestment into the community. Additionally, bank tellers can be front-line supporters of financial inclusion. I would be the first point of contact for unbanked or underbanked individuals, including immigrants or low-income households. By welcoming these customers, explaining banking products clearly, and helping them avoid predatory alternatives like payday lenders, I can provide a bridge to financial stability and long-term wealth-building. Bank managers also build trust and safety in their communities. It will be my job to ensure ethical practices are followed, that customer data is protected, and that fraud is prevented or swiftly addressed. In times of crisis—such as natural disasters or pandemics—us managers can work with clients to defer payments, waive fees, or connect them with relief services. These efforts provide stability in uncertain times. Lastly, I want to serve as a role model in my community. I plan to participate at charity events, school functions, and local gatherings to demonstrate my civic engagement. Many banks encourage employees to volunteer or offer paid time for community service. I might sit on a nonprofit board or participate in city planning initiatives. This builds meaningful relationships and reinforces the bank’s role as a community ally, not just a profit-driven institution. In conclusion, bank tellers and managers are more than financial service providers—they are educators, supporters of local development, promoters of equity, and ethical leaders. Through everyday interactions and broader outreach, I'll have the power to strengthen the economic and social fabric of my community. The positive influence I'll bring is measured not only in financial metrics, but in trust, opportunity, and hope.

A few years ago, when I was still a senior in high school, I lost my grandma. She died from cancer. She had originally beat it when I was younger, but it came back, seemingly out of nowhere. I got to see her a few days before she died, and what I saw broke my heart. My grandma was once so full of life, but the cancer had taken a toll on her body and made her into a husk of the person I knew. I had initially thought that we would get a few more months together, but I was proven wrong, as she died a few days later. I will always love my grandma, and the pain of what happened is still with me today. But every day that I think about it, I remind myself of how she always pushed me to better myself and to aim for higher things in the future. She always reminded me that hard work and dedication can get me far in life and that I should never waste the opportunities that I'm given. I know that even know, she is looking after me in heaven, and I refuse to let her down. That's why I want to continue to aim for new heights and to push myself to be better, every single day. I work hard, so that I can make her proud, make my family proud, and most of all to be proud of myself. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, and if my grandma was here, I know she would agree with me too. Receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in furthering my goal of building a better path for Black people in the business world. As an undergraduate student majoring in accounting and aspiring to become a bank manager, I recognize the need for greater financial literacy, access to capital, and professional mentorship within the Black community. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand my ability to make a meaningful impact in these areas. One way I would utilize this scholarship is by investing in educational resources that enhance my knowledge of financial systems, wealth management, and business operations. By deepening my expertise, I can better educate and mentor others on how to navigate the financial world, secure funding for businesses, and create long-term financial stability. Additionally, I plan to use a portion of the scholarship to attend networking events and business conferences where I can connect with professionals who share my vision for economic empowerment in the Black community. Furthermore, this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with my studies, allowing me to dedicate more time to community engagement. I aim to one organize financial literacy workshops and mentorship programs for young Black entrepreneurs and students. Through these initiatives, I want to provide the guidance and knowledge needed to help individuals build successful businesses and achieve financial independence. Ultimately, this scholarship is more to me than just financial assistance—it is an investment in a future leader dedicated to fostering economic equity. By supporting my education, this funding will enable me to create opportunities, advocate for financial inclusion, and pave the way for a more diverse and thriving business world.

Receiving this $500 scholarship would be instrumental in furthering my goal of building a better path for Black people in the business world. As an undergraduate student majoring in accounting and aspiring to become a bank manager, I recognize the need for greater financial literacy, access to capital, and professional mentorship within the Black community. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand my ability to make a meaningful impact in these areas. One way I would utilize this scholarship is by investing in educational resources that enhance my knowledge of financial systems, wealth management, and business operations. By deepening my expertise, I can better educate and mentor others on how to navigate the financial world, secure funding for businesses, and create long-term financial stability. Additionally, I plan to use a portion of the scholarship to attend networking events and business conferences where I can connect with professionals who share my vision for economic empowerment in the Black community. Furthermore, this scholarship would help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with my studies, allowing me to dedicate more time to community engagement. I aim to one organize financial literacy workshops and mentorship programs for young Black entrepreneurs and students. Through these initiatives, I want to provide the guidance and knowledge needed to help individuals build successful businesses and achieve financial independence. A few years ago, when I was still a senior in high school, I lost my grandma. She died from cancer. She had originally beat it when I was younger, but it came back, seemingly out of nowhere. I got to see her a few days before she died, and what I saw broke my heart. My grandma was once so full of life, but the cancer had taken a toll on her body and made her into a husk of the person I knew. I had initially thought that we would get a few more months together, but I was proven wrong, as she died a few days later. I will always love my grandma, and the pain of what happened is still with me today. But every day that I think about it, I remind myself of how she always pushed me to better myself and to aim for higher things in the future. She always reminded me that hard work and dedication can get me far in life and that I should never waste the opportunities that I'm given. I know that even know, she is looking after me in heaven, and I refuse to let her down. That's why I want to continue to aim for new heights and to push myself to be better, every single day. I work hard, so that I can make her proud, make my family proud, and most of all to be proud of myself. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, and if my grandma was here, I know she would agree with me too. Ultimately, this scholarship is more to me than just financial assistance—it is an investment in a future leader dedicated to fostering economic equity. By supporting my education, this funding will enable me to create opportunities, advocate for financial inclusion, and pave the way for a more diverse and thriving business world.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. It serves as the foundation for acquiring knowledge, developing critical thinking skills, and creating opportunities for success. As a business major focusing on accounting, my education has not only broadened my understanding of financial principles but has also provided me with practical skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market. The value of education extends beyond academics; it has shaped my perspective, enhanced my abilities, and given me a sense of purpose. One of the most significant benefits of education is the knowledge and skills it imparts. In my journey as a business major, I have gained a deep understanding of financial statements, tax regulations, and auditing principles. These are crucial skills for a career in accounting and finance, and my education has given me the confidence to apply them in real-world scenarios. Beyond technical knowledge, education has taught me analytical and problem-solving skills. Accounting requires attention to detail, logical reasoning, and the ability to interpret financial data accurately. Through coursework, case studies, and hands-on projects, I have honed my ability to analyze financial situations and make informed decisions. These skills will not only help me excel in my future career but also contribute to my ability to manage personal finances effectively. Education has also played a crucial role in my personal development. College has challenged me to think critically, ask questions, and approach problems from different perspectives. Through group discussions, research projects, and business simulations, I have learned to evaluate information objectively and develop well-reasoned arguments. Additionally, education has helped me improve my communication skills. As a business major, being able to convey financial information clearly and concisely is essential. Whether it’s presenting financial reports or discussing strategies with a team, strong communication skills are vital. My coursework and experiences have allowed me to practice and refine these skills, making me more confident in professional settings. A quality education is a gateway to numerous career opportunities. My studies in accounting have opened doors to internships, networking events, and mentorship opportunities that will help me establish a strong career path. Employers value individuals who have a solid educational background, as it demonstrates discipline, dedication, and the ability to acquire specialized knowledge. Furthermore, education provides long-term financial stability. A degree in accounting is highly valued in the job market, and professionals in this field often have access to stable and well-paying careers. By investing in my education, I am securing a future that offers both financial security and professional growth. Education has been a transformative force in my life, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary for success. It has helped me grow intellectually, develop essential skills, and prepare for a rewarding career in accounting. Beyond academics, education has instilled in me a lifelong love for learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the business world. I am grateful for the value it has brought to my life, and I look forward to using my education to make a positive impact in the future.

As an undergraduate student majoring in accounting, I recognize the significant role that financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership play in fostering economic empowerment. The knowledge I have gained through coursework and business programs has equipped me with the tools necessary to contribute to a more equitable business landscape for Black individuals. By applying my education strategically, I can help dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for economic advancement. My approach will focus on three key areas: financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership. One of the most pressing challenges facing the Black community is a lack of financial literacy. Many individuals struggle with understanding credit, investments, savings, and wealth-building strategies, which impedes economic mobility. With my background in finance and accounting, I can develop programs and workshops to educate individuals and families on these crucial financial principles. Whether through nonprofit initiatives, online content, or community engagement, I can work to demystify complex financial topics and provide Black individuals with the tools needed to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, I can collaborate with schools to integrate financial education into curricula at an early age. Many high schools, particularly those in underserved Black communities, do not offer courses on personal finance. By advocating for and developing financial literacy programs, I can help young Black students establish a strong foundation for financial success. Partnering with local organizations and financial institutions to offer mentorship and resources would further ensure that Black individuals have access to the knowledge necessary for long-term economic stability. Entrepreneurship has long been a pathway for economic empowerment, yet Black entrepreneurs often face challenges such as limited access to capital, lack of mentorship, and systemic discrimination. With my education in finance, accounting, and marketing, I can work to address these barriers by offering financial consulting services to Black-owned businesses. I can help entrepreneurs create business plans, secure funding, and develop sustainable financial strategies. Another key initiative I could pursue is the creation of an investment fund or financial network dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs. Many startups fail due to insufficient capital, but by connecting Black business owners with investors who are committed to diversity, I can help level the playing field. Additionally, I can work with organizations that provide small business grants, ensuring that Black entrepreneurs have access to the necessary resources to succeed. Beyond funding, mentorship is critical. I can use my knowledge and experience to guide aspiring Black entrepreneurs in navigating the business world. By organizing mentorship programs that pair experienced business professionals with young Black entrepreneurs, I can help bridge the gap between ambition and execution, providing practical insights on business operations, financial management, and strategic growth. While financial literacy and entrepreneurship are critical, representation at the highest levels of corporate America is equally important. Black professionals remain underrepresented in executive leadership positions, limiting decision-making power and perpetuating systemic inequities. With my finance and accounting education, I can work toward breaking these barriers by advocating for diversity initiatives within corporations and positioning myself as a leader in the field. Through financial literacy, entrepreneurship support, and corporate leadership, I can use my finance and accounting education to build a better path for Black people in the business world. By addressing systemic barriers and providing tangible solutions, I can contribute to a future where Black individuals have greater access to economic opportunities and financial success. Whether through community initiatives, business consulting, or corporate leadership, my goal is to empower the Black community and foster a more inclusive and prosperous business environment for future generations.

When the pandemic first started, I figured that I would be out of school for a few days or even a few weeks before things would go back to normal. All of my friends did. But unfortunately for us, it didn’t. Days turned to weeks, and weeks into months, and before we knew it a year had passed. But it wasn’t an easy year. We all thought it would be fun to stay at home at first, but over time we realized that there was nothing fun about having to stay in our homes. The pandemic hit me hard. All of a sudden my whole world had changed. With news of the virus spreading, and people getting sick and dying, I was terrified of what could happen. Each day I refused to even walk down the street as I was too afraid of running into other people, of somehow contracting the virus. I lived in fear like that for almost two years. The situation with school didn’t make it any better. I tried staying enthusiastic about my online classes at first, but gradually I started to miss my friends. I missed hanging out, playing games, and just being able to talk in-person again. I was depressed for most of the quarantine. I used to just pace around my house for hours, too bored to even sit down. I wanted to do something, anything to alleviate my boredom. But I was too scared of the virus to leave my house. I didn’t like talking about my feelings either. My mom could tell something was going on with me, but I didn’t want to worry her so I just pretended that I was alright. She knew that wasn’t true and regularly checked in with me to see how I was handling the situation. But no matter what she tried, I kept my feelings bottled up. I’m not ashamed to admit that that was a mistake. I spent my days doing zooms for school and watching tv. Day in and day out, that was my routine. But even watching my favorite shows stopped being enjoyable when I remembered how I was stuck living like this. When I got tired of watching my shows I switched on the news channels. I wanted to know if there were any updates on the virus disappearing. But nothing the news said was very uplifting. The virus was still raging on, putting people in hospitals and killing them. Even when numbers went down, I still didn’t trust it enough to go back to school in-person. I was scared every single day. Not just for myself, but for my family as well. I kept thinking to myself, “What if you get them sick?”, “What if your mom can’t work anymore?”, “What if you being careless gets your grandma killed?”. I didn’t want to put my family at risk so I just stayed inside. I thought I would lose my mind. Pacing around, sleeping all the time, snacking constantly, I did all this when I was bored. It felt like there was this weight constantly pressing down on me every second of every day. My grades slipped during this period. I went from getting A’s and B’s to getting B’s and C’s. I wanted to cry sometimes. I almost did a few times. It was so hard holding myself together but I managed. I wanted to be strong for my mom and my grandma. That’s my job as man of the house. It was a role I gave myself but it was just so hard to even breathe sometimes. I never want to feel like that again. When I got back to school a year and a half later, I swore that I would never let my emotions get as dark as they were in quarantine. Now I live for the future. I won’t ever let myself fall back into that darkness. I’m striving to meet the goals I set for my life, every single day. I’m majoring in business management, and with a little luck I believe I can land a managerial position in a good company. I may even be able to start my own company one day. No matter what happens, I can gladly say that I’m facing each day head on with pride. When I have problems, I talk about them with others, so as not to shoulder my burdens alone. My grades are back up and while I’m not completely free of my depression, I’m making significant progress in my healing. I’m working towards a bright future where I am prosperous and happy. I’m proud of who I’ve become and who I want to be as a person. Someone who takes care of himself and the people around him.

When the pandemic first started, I figured that I would be out of school for a few days or even a few weeks before things would go back to normal. All of my friends did. But unfortunately for us, it didn’t. Days turned to weeks, and weeks into months, and before we knew it a year had passed. But it wasn’t an easy year. We all thought it would be fun to stay at home at first, but over time we realized that there was nothing fun about having to stay in our homes. The pandemic hit me hard. All of a sudden my whole world had changed. With news of the virus spreading, and people getting sick and dying, I was terrified of what could happen. Each day I refused to even walk down the street as I was too afraid of running into other people, of somehow contracting the virus. I lived in fear like that for almost two years. The situation with school didn’t make it any better. I tried staying enthusiastic about my online classes at first, but gradually I started to miss my friends. I missed hanging out, playing games, and just being able to talk in-person again. I was depressed for most of the quarantine. I used to just pace around my house for hours, too bored to even sit down. I wanted to do something, anything to alleviate my boredom. But I was too scared of the virus to leave my house. I didn’t like talking about my feelings either. My mom could tell something was going on with me, but I didn’t want to worry her so I just pretended that I was alright. She knew that wasn’t true and regularly checked in with me to see how I was handling the situation. But no matter what she tried, I kept my feelings bottled up. I’m not ashamed to admit that that was a mistake. I spent my days doing zooms for school and watching tv. Day in and day out, that was my routine. But even watching my favorite shows stopped being enjoyable when I remembered how I was stuck living like this. When I got tired of watching my shows I switched on the news channels. I wanted to know if there were any updates on the virus disappearing. But nothing the news said was very uplifting. The virus was still raging on, putting people in hospitals and killing them. Even when numbers went down, I still didn’t trust it enough to go back to school in-person. I was scared every single day. Not just for myself, but for my family as well. I kept thinking to myself, “What if you get them sick?”, “What if your mom can’t work anymore?”, “What if you being careless gets your grandma killed?”. I didn’t want to put my family at risk so I just stayed inside. I thought I would lose my mind. Pacing around, sleeping all the time, snacking constantly, I did all this when I was bored. It felt like there was this weight constantly pressing down on me every second of every day. My grades slipped during this period. I went from getting A’s and B’s to getting B’s and C’s. I wanted to cry sometimes. I almost did a few times. It was so hard holding myself together but I managed. I wanted to be strong for my mom and my grandma. That’s my job as man of the house. It was a role I gave myself but it was just so hard to even breathe sometimes. I never want to feel like that again. When I got back to school a year and a half later, I swore that I would never let my emotions get as dark as they were in quarantine. Now I live for the future. I won’t ever let myself fall back into that darkness. I’m striving to meet the goals I set for my life, every single day. I’m majoring in business management, and with a little luck I believe I can land a managerial position in a good company. I may even be able to start my own company one day. No matter what happens, I can gladly say that I’m facing each day head on with pride. When I have problems, I talk about them with others, so as not to shoulder my burdens alone. My grades are back up and while I’m not completely free of my depression, I’m making significant progress in my healing. I’m working towards a bright future where I am prosperous and happy. I’m proud of who I’ve become and who I want to be as a person. Someone who takes care of himself and the people around him.

My reason for wanting to pursue a job as a marketing manager stems from my desire to provide for my family. For most of my life, it was just me and my mom living alone. As a child I never realized that every day my mom was doing her best to raise me with the little help that she had. But despite her personal hardships, I never felt like I had any real need for anything as everything that was necessary for my growth was provided. That took a lot of dedication from my mom, who pushed herself so that she would be able to give me a good foundation for my future. So my goal is to give back to her, and to show my mother how her hard work has paid off. To do this, I want to get a managerial position at a company of my choice. I plan on using my knowledge of business that I have obtained from high school and college classes to work my way up to a leading position. I’m not scared of the hard work that this requires, and I’m prepared to put forth the immense amounts of effort necessary to make this happen. I want to find a good company that I can intern at before becoming a full-fledged employee. As an intern I can gain valuable in-person experience of the day-to-day workings of a company’s marketing department. I intend to learn as much as I can about the work environment so as to benefit me when I decide on my place of employment. This is a vital requirement, as knowing more about the condition of the workplace will smooth over my transition from intern to full-time employee. I enjoy the marketing side of business. You can connect with a large number of people and find the one thing that meets their needs. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, so marketing feels perfect for me. But I don’t intend to just stop at becoming a manager. I want to aim even higher than that. Marketing manager is the goal for now, but that's just the start of my success. If I can, I want to achieve an even higher position as a marketing director. I believe that over time, I can develop my leadership skills into those worthy of my intended positions. I already have great coordination skills, I work well with other people, and I believe that with time and practice I’ll become an even more efficient leader. The remainder of my college years will be spent improving myself and my skills so that I can prove my worth as a hardworking, dedicated member of society. I will endeavor to see where this path takes me in my personal and professional lives. Thank you.