Experiencing a life-altering accident earlier this year in the middle of my school semester, was a pivotal moment that profoundly reshaped my perspective on mental health, goals, and relationships. It was an ordinary day when, through unfortunate circumstances, my life was dramatically transformed. I suddenly found myself in a place of profound vulnerability after breaking both of my wrists! Losing the ability to perform even the simplest tasks was not just physically challenging—it was mentally devastating. I needed nurses to assist with basic needs like showering and eating, and my autonomy vanished in an instant. This experience left me feeling like a shell of my former self, grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss and helplessness. The impact on my mental health was immediate and severe, leaving me at what felt like the lowest point in my life. I found myself wrestling with feelings of worthlessness and despair, as the accident stripped away the independence I once took for granted. The accident not only damaged my body but also shattered my sense of self-worth. Activities that had once been second nature now required the assistance of others, which was a humbling and often humiliating experience. The physical pain was accompanied by emotional turmoil, as I struggled to come to terms with my new reality and the limitations imposed upon me. It was the lowest point of my life, and I struggled to find hope in the midst of it. Compounding this was the lack of support from my school, which failed to provide the accommodations and understanding I desperately needed. Rather than receiving empathy and assistance, I was left to navigate academic challenges alone, adding another layer of stress to an already overwhelming situation. This lack of institutional support was disheartening, reinforcing feelings of isolation and frustration. In contrast, my therapists, my family, and my church community emerged as my unwavering pillars of strength, providing the emotional and practical support I needed to slowly rebuild my life. Their encouragement and love were invaluable, reminding me that I was not alone in my struggle. My family members rearranged their lives to help me manage daily tasks, and my church community offered prayers, visits, and a sense of belonging that was crucial during my recovery. Through this journey, I learned profound lessons about resilience and the power of community. My goals have evolved to include advocating for better support systems for those facing similar challenges, and recognizing that not everyone has access to such a supportive network. This experience inspired a newfound determination to ensure that others do not feel as isolated or unsupported as I once did. I became passionate about raising awareness for the need for comprehensive mental health support, particularly for those dealing with sudden disabilities or significant life changes. My relationships have deepened, as I now appreciate the value of empathy and kindness more than ever. The accident taught me to cherish the people in my life in general, and even more so the people who stood by me during my darkest times. I have become more attuned to the struggles of others, understanding that everyone carries their own burdens and that a little kindness can make a profound difference. This has enriched my interactions with others, fostering a deeper sense of connection and compassion. This experience has also broadened my understanding of the world, highlighting the importance of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity. I have learned that while life's challenges can be harsh and unexpected, they also offer opportunities for personal growth and transformation. The accident forced me to reevaluate my priorities, leading to a more focused and meaningful pursuit of my dreams. While I never imagined myself in such a vulnerable position, this journey has taught me invaluable lessons about strength and recovery. It has shown me that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. I am determined to use these insights to inspire others and advocate for change, ensuring that no one feels as isolated or unsupported as I did. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I simply just felt alone, even with others around me, as others went about their summer activities in normalcy. While I had to be cooped up in recovery at home. In the end, the accident that initially felt like it had shattered my life has become a catalyst for a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the world. It has fueled a commitment to help others find strength in adversity, empowering them to rise above their challenges. By sharing my story and working towards systemic change, I hope to make a positive impact, turning my personal tragedy into a force for good. My journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community and compassion.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household has shaped my resilience and determination in profound ways. Life presented challenges early on, with numerous medical issues that required extensive care. Through it all, my grandparents became my pillars of strength, stepping in as primary caregivers. Their unwavering love and support, despite our financial struggles, taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and the power of community. Their commitment allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth, fostering a drive that continues to guide me. Now, as a junior in college, I am determined to use these experiences to make a positive impact. College has offered me a transformative journey, providing opportunities to explore my interests and refine my goals. Participating in student organizations has helped me develop leadership skills, empowering me to advocate for educational and economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. Briefly, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a startup aimed at supporting local businesses. This endeavor reflects the support and encouragement my grandparents have always provided, though it is not the centerpiece of my journey. My true passion lies in inspiring others who face similar adversities, demonstrating that resilience can turn obstacles into opportunities. By building a supportive network and fostering resources for those in need, I aim to give back to my community, driven by the strength and lessons imparted by my family. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the positive change one can create when choosing to uplift others.

Growing up in a single-parent and blended family household has profoundly shaped who I am today and the goals I aspire to achieve. My life began with significant challenges; being born prematurely meant facing numerous medical issues that required countless weeks in the NICU and various therapies. Despite these tough early experiences, I developed resilience that continues to drive me forward. During these formative years, my maternal grandparents became my primary caregivers. Their prompt move to the USA after my birth exemplifies their deep commitment and the sacrifices they made to provide a stable home for me. While my mother worked tirelessly in New York to maintain financial stability, my grandparents were my constants. Living with them, I experienced a unique blend of love, discipline, and encouragement. They became my role models, demonstrating the value of perseverance and selflessness. Even amid financial difficulties, they prioritized my well-being and education, embodying the true spirit of family. The pandemic, though a global crisis, was pivotal for me. It provided a break from the tumultuous routine of medical appointments and academic pressures. This period allowed me to explore interests and rediscover potential. The unwavering support from my grandparents inspired visions of a future where I could repay their kindness by helping others. Now, as a junior in college at the University of Hartford, these experiences continue to shape my journey. College has been transformative, offering opportunities to delve deeper into my interests and refine my goals. The diverse environment and academic challenges broadened my perspectives, emphasizing community and collaboration's importance. I've engaged in various student organizations, gaining leadership skills and a deeper passion for helping others. I've embarked on growing a digital marketing agency—an endeavor not just career-driven but mission-oriented to aid small businesses in thriving. I aim to use my skills to make a tangible difference, much like how my grandparents have impacted my life. Running my own business aligns with my goal of building a sustainable future, and breaking the cycle of financial uncertainty my family has faced. In addition to my entrepreneurial pursuits, I continue engaging with Youth About Business. This incredible organization offers invaluable exposure to the business and finance worlds, equipping me with professional realm navigation skills and confidence. The hands-on experience and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my aspirations and preparing me for future opportunities. I view this involvement as a stepping stone toward achieving my ultimate goal of supporting my family and contributing positively to my community. As I progress through college, gratitude fills me for the foundation my family has laid. My grandparents' sacrifices and my mother's perseverance have enabled me to dream and instilled the drive to turn dreams into reality. I am determined to use my talents and experiences to uplift others, as my family has uplifted me. Their example of resilience and generosity fuels my ambition to create a life of purpose and impact. Thank you for considering my application and allowing me to share my story. I am eager to continue my education and pursue my dreams, carrying the strength and lessons of my family with me. With their support and the skills I am acquiring, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Education in my opinion is an indispensable pillar of personal and professional growth. It equips individuals with the tools necessary to analyze, understand, and engage with the world around them. This essay explores why education is important and how it has brought value to my life, specifically through critical thinking, cultural awareness, career advancement, and continuous learning. One of the most significant benefits of my high school education was the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills have proven invaluable in both my personal and professional life. For example, when I was a high school cadet volunteer with the Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol, I was often faced with challenging situations that required quick thinking and effective problem-solving. These experiences honed my ability to analyze complex problems, consider multiple perspectives, and develop well-reasoned solutions. This foundation has been essential in my role as the CEO of my startup marketing firm, where every decision required careful analysis and strategic thinking. Pursuing a college degree at the University of Hartford has significantly broadened my perspective. Engaging with diverse ideas and cultures has helped shape my worldview and fostered a deeper understanding of the global community. For instance, during my internship with Apple Incorporated, I had the opportunity to work with a team of international professionals. This experience not only enhanced my appreciation for cultural diversity but also improved my ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. The exposure to various viewpoints has made me more empathetic and adaptable, qualities that are crucial for success in today's interconnected world. Education has also played a crucial role in enhancing my employability and opening doors to career advancement opportunities. Completing a specialized certification course in finance and marketing through Udemy significantly increased my qualifications, making me a more attractive candidate for internships and job positions. This credential helped me secure a summer internship with the corporate real estate team at OTIS Elevator Company, where I gained practical experience and built valuable industry connections. Additionally, continuous learning through workshops and seminars has kept me updated with the latest trends and technologies, ensuring that I remain competitive in the job market. In today's rapidly evolving world, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. Continuous learning has been a constant in my life, allowing me to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities. Participating in programs like Youth About Business and the OMNILyf Career Exploration Program has provided me with hands-on experience and knowledge that textbooks alone cannot offer. These programs have not only kept me informed about industry developments but have also equipped me with practical skills that are directly applicable to my career. Education is a lifelong investment that offers immense value. From developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to broadening perspectives and enhancing employability, the benefits are manifold. My educational journey has been instrumental in shaping who I am today, providing me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to achieve my aspirations.

I am pursuing a business degree because it offers a versatile foundation for a wide range of career opportunities and equips me with essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape. My passion for entrepreneurship and the desire to make a meaningful impact on my community are the driving forces behind my educational pursuits. A business degree provides me with the knowledge and tools to understand market dynamics, financial management, and strategic planning, all crucial for launching and sustaining successful ventures. Through my education, I plan to make a positive impact on my community by emphasizing financial literacy and entrepreneurship. I aim to empower individuals, particularly young people, with the skills necessary to manage their finances effectively and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. By organizing workshops and seminars, I hope to provide practical guidance on budgeting, saving, and investing, helping community members achieve financial stability and independence. These educational initiatives will not only improve personal financial management but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. Additionally, I am committed to supporting local businesses by offering my expertise in marketing and business development. By collaborating with small business owners, I can assist them in implementing innovative marketing strategies and improving their operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to their growth and success. My goal is to create a thriving local economy where businesses can flourish and provide valuable services and employment opportunities to community members, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. Furthermore, I plan to leverage my business education to advocate for policies that promote economic development and social equity. By engaging with local governments and community organizations, I hope to influence decision-making processes that prioritize the needs of underserved populations and create an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This involves working towards policies that reduce barriers to entry for minority-owned businesses and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities. My experiences in various internships and leadership roles have taught me the importance of collaboration and community engagement. I intend to apply these lessons by fostering partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to create programs that address local challenges and drive positive change. These collaborations can lead to innovative solutions that benefit the community as a whole, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support. Ultimately, my pursuit of a business degree is driven by a desire to create a lasting impact on my community. By combining my education with my passion for entrepreneurship and social responsibility, I am committed to building a future where individuals are empowered to achieve their goals and contribute to the well-being of their communities. I believe that by investing in education and fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Leveraging my Management and Finance education from the University of Hartford, I am dedicated to paving the way for Black individuals in the business sector through a focus on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. My academic foundation in accounting, macroeconomics, and business, along with hands-on experience at 2 fortune 500 companies, has equipped me with the expertise to craft innovative marketing strategies and financial solutions. My goal is to establish programs that provide financial education to young people, enabling them to save and invest for their futures. By utilizing my expertise in market research and CRM systems, I aim to support local Black-owned businesses, enhancing their growth and sustainability. Through these efforts, I hope to foster a community of informed and empowered individuals, contributing to a more equitable business environment for Black people. I plan to leverage my experiences and skills to address the systemic barriers that Black individuals face in the business world. By focusing on education and mentorship, I aim to create a supportive network that encourages young Black entrepreneurs to pursue their business ideas with confidence. My involvement in various internships and leadership roles has taught me the importance of collaboration and innovation, which I intend to apply in developing community-based initiatives. One of my key strategies is to work closely with educational institutions and community organizations to integrate financial literacy programs into their curricula. By doing so, I hope to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, I plan to organize workshops and seminars that focus on entrepreneurship, providing aspiring business owners with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Furthermore, I am passionate about using technology to bridge the gap between Black entrepreneurs and the resources they need. By developing digital platforms and tools, I aim to connect Black business owners with mentors, investors, and other entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also creates a sense of community among Black entrepreneurs. In addition to my focus on education and technology, I am committed to advocating for policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the business world. By working with policymakers and industry leaders, I hope to create an environment where Black individuals have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. Ultimately, my vision is to create a business landscape where Black individuals are empowered to pursue their dreams and achieve financial independence. By combining my education, skills, and passion for entrepreneurship, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on the business world and paving the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is the one book I would choose for every person to read. This book offers timeless wisdom on personal finances and financial freedom. It explains why having a successful career does not necessarily mean you will be wealthy, and how building a strong financial foundation is critical for achieving both long-term monetary success and peace of mind. The book's narrative follows Robert Kiyosaki as he moves from his childhood in Hawaii to adulthood in California trying to understand the difference between Rich Dad (his father's best friend) and Poor Dad (his real father). Throughout the story, we learn how different mindsets shape our approach to money: what it means, how we should use it, where it comes from, and more. We are also introduced to the Cashflow Quadrant, which explains how different types of people generate money and how to use that knowledge for our own financial benefit. The core message of Rich Dad Poor Dad is that traditional education often fails to prepare us for managing our finances in adulthood. It encourages readers to think beyond their ability to earn a paycheck and develop other sources of income. It also helps readers understand the importance of separating their emotions from money decisions, taking risks, and having a long-term perspective when it comes to building wealth. In addition, it gives practical advice on investing in assets rather than liabilities, such as real estate and stocks, understanding taxes and insurance, starting businesses, and more. Overall, Rich Dad Poor Dad is an incredibly insightful book that can help anyone improve their financial literacy and eventually become financially free. It provides readers with a better understanding of how to use money wisely, build wealth over time, and ultimately create a secure future for themselves. Therefore, that is why I believe this book should be required reading for everyone!

"In the world of business, the people who are most successful are those who are doing what they love." – Warren Buffett I've chosen to pursue a career in digital marketing because it allows me to combine my creative talents with my business acumen. My ideal future role would be one where I'm able to use both my analytical and creative skills in order to create effective marketing campaigns for my clients. This role would involve researching and analyzing my target market, crafting strategies to reach this audience, executing those strategies, tracking their performance, and then measuring the results. In terms of my ideal industry, I am most passionate about working with non-profit organizations. I believe strongly in giving back to our communities and making a positive difference in people's lives. I also have a strong desire to help businesses grow, so working with a non-profit organization would allow me to reach both of those goals. As a college marketing major, some specific ways in which I plan to use my educational accomplishments to better my community include: Working with local businesses to help them grow, by using the tools that they already have using innovative marketing strategies to get 1-time customers to become repeat customers; and Working with local non-profit organizations to help them with their marketing efforts. Too often, these organizations rely on volunteers who are not experienced in marketing and advertising. As a result, they miss out on opportunities to be more effective, reach a wider audience, and raise more money for their cause. In terms of an ideal company, I would like to be an entrepreneur and run my own agency. I want to be able to work with various clients, craft marketing strategies and tactics that are tailored to each individual client's needs, as well as provide them with a detailed analysis of their campaigns' performance. Having my own agency also gives me the freedom to choose which projects and clients I take on, so that I can continue to be passionate about the work I'm doing. With this type of career, I believe I will be able to make a difference in people's lives and help businesses grow at the same time. I also want to have the experience to hire other professionals to help me with marketing strategies and tactics. All of these factors combined make digital marketing a career path that I am excited to pursue. One of my dreams in life has been to be a pillar in my community, providing jobs and resources to those in need. This career path will not only provide me with a great opportunity to make a difference, but also allow me to pursue my dreams and succeed. In conclusion, digital marketing has been a passion of mine for a long time. I am excited to have the opportunity to pursue my career in this field. As stated, my ideal future role would involve using both my creative and technical skills to create next-level campaigns for my clients to keep them ahead of the game, while also giving back to my community by working with many of the non-profits which I grew up playing and learning in their facilities. My ideal company to work for would be my own marketing agency, where I can choose the projects and clients with whom I work and build a family culture among my employees. I'm looking forward to what the future holds and I am certain that digital marketing is where I'm meant to make a difference! Would you support me in this journey?

Don't let someone else's fast progress, make you feel bad about your slow progress! YOU are your ONLY competition! After all the seeding, tilling, and watering, fruit... is the last thing to come on a tree! Remember that! Many times, as students, we get overwhelmed with what other people are doing and achieving... running their own race. Sometimes, to the detriment of running our own race... as God intends us to do. Some fruits are even forced... and see how quickly those die or how lacking in real nutrient they are!!! We all don't have to bloom at the same time, and we are uniquely qualified and equipped to run our own race, and fulfill our unique destiny for our lives. Does that mean that we should be lazy and complacent?? Not at all. But it means that we should live our lives trying to be better than our own selves yesterday, last week, last month, last year.... not the "photo-shopped" outside version of people that we normally see on the outside. We are AALLL struggling with something... after all!

Credit and its responsible use, is an important lesson that we can all master - especially as young people who are starting out our economic lives. Firstly, I have already applied for a college credit card that is geared specifically to help me to build my credit - a small credit limit at this point, which is fine… to help me to learn to manage small amounts until I can be trusted with a bigger limit. Then, I make sure to pay my bill on time on a monthly basis - to ensure that my credit is being built up responsibly. I then charge something small on a monthly basis, in order to ensure that the credit bureaus are being told that my card is being used. So I’m responsibly managing my credit card. I intend to diversify my credit opportunities to build a solid credit score over my life. If necessary, I’ll apply for a student loan to diversify my types of credit. To get better loan opportunities in the future, it’s important to use credit as a tool to build my financial future responsibly, using it to improve my credit score - not as a way to rack up debt I can’t pay off. Credit is something that I've been working on building for a while - beginning with becoming an authorized user on a family member’s card. I've gotten authorized user credit cards, I've made sure to pay my bills on time, and I've generally tried to use credit responsibly. I’m now also monitoring my credit score monthly, watching it gradually rise over time… Of course, this is one of the places where age is a beauty. The longer the credit, the better my score! I hope to build my credit responsibly for a long time!!!