Growing up with a single mother helped form me into the person I am now, instilling in me a strong sense of independence and resourcefulness. From a young age, I learnt to take affairs into my own hands, understanding that my efforts were critical to the household's operation. This realization prompted me to find a part-time job early on, allowing me to buy what I needed without putting more financial hardship on my mother. My mom works so hard every time she goes to work so that influence me to mimic and do the same by getting a job. One day I repay her for all the hardwork she has done. The need for self-reliance also meant that I had to figure things out on my own, whether it was managing school assignments or completing practical jobs around the house. I took on typically "manly" tasks like changing the oil in our car, inspecting the tires, and performing modest household repairs. These experiences not only provided me with practical skills, but also gave me a sense of confidence and competence. Furthermore, growing up as a single mom taught me the value of preparation and order. My mother frequently juggled many jobs and obligations, so I quickly realized that good time and resource management required efficient preparation. I started painstakingly planning my responsibilities, whether it was scheduling study time around work hours or organizing chores to ensure everything ran well. This habit of planning carried over into other aspects of my life, assisting me in setting specific goals and developing tactics to achieve them. My ability to anticipate and prepare for prospective obstacles has been helpful, allowing me to manage both short-term chores and long-term initiatives. Independence, practical skills, and strategic planning have helped me become not only self-sufficient, but also flexible and resilient. I learnt to approach life's uncertainties with a problem-solving mindset, always prepared to face new problems head on. This upbringing has also instilled in me a profound appreciation for hard work and dedication, which I see in my mother on a daily basis. Overall, being the kid of a single mom has shaped me into a proactive, capable individual who approaches life with confidence and a well-rounded skill set, ready to face whatever challenges come my way. This experience has taught me the value of self-reliance, the importance of strategic planning, and the strength that comes from facing challenges head-on. These lessons have shaped my character and will undoubtedly continue to influence my approach to life's many obstacles and opportunities.

If I could have everyone on the planet read only one book, it would be Kobe Bryant's "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play". This decision is motivated by the book's profound lessons on thinking, determination, and resilience, which are both widely applicable and tremendously inspirational. Kobe Bryant, a renowned personality in athletics, explains his personal approach to basketball and life, which he refers to as the "Mamba Mentality." This mindset values unwavering tenacity, ongoing self-improvement, and the pursuit of greatness. Bryant's thorough stories of his tough training regimens, mental preparation, and sacrifices to become one of the best basketball players of all time emphasize the value of hard effort, discipline, and commitment. These characteristics are important not only in athletics, but in many aspects of life, making his ideas extremely valuable. Furthermore, Kobe's journey of overcoming injuries, criticism, and personal disappointments is a compelling model of resilience. His capacity to overcome obstacles and maintain a high level of proficiency exemplifies tenacity and determination. In a world full with challenges and uncertainty, his experiences serve as a beacon of hope and a practical roadmap for overcoming hardship. Kobe Bryant's attitude has broad appeal for anybody aiming for success in their various industries, not just sportsmen. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, student, or professional, the ideas stated in "The Mamba Mentality" can inspire and motivate you to follow your hobbies with more zeal and purpose. The book not only honors Kobe's reputation as a tireless achiever, but it also imparts timeless knowledge that can help people all around the world realize their full potential and achieve greatness.

Throughout my high school basketball career, I have accomplished various goals that demonstrate my passion and improvement in the sport. As a freshman, I made the varsity team, which was a huge accomplishment that paved the way for my high school career. By my sophomore year, I was a starter, and we won the regional championship, our school's first in more than a decade. In my junior year, I led the team in scoring and assists, earning All-State accolades and guiding our squad to the state semi-finals. My proudest accomplishment came during my senior year, when I led our team to the state championship. However, this journey was not without obstacles. Balancing academics with the hard demands of basketball proved to be a significant challenge. Maintaining outstanding grades while attending daily practices, traveling to games, and competing in tournaments necessitated exceptional time management and prioritization. Some evenings, I had to stay up late to do tasks after a full day of practice or a game. Another hurdle was recovering from a severe ankle sprain during my junior year. The injury delayed me for several weeks at a critical point in the season. The physical discomfort was excruciating, but the mental difficulty of remaining focused and supporting my team from the sidelines was equally difficult. Rehabilitating and returning to peak performance takes tremendous devotion and mental courage.These events have taught me some vital lessons that will help me reach my long-term ambitions. The significance of discipline and time management cannot be emphasized. Balancing athletics and academics taught me how to prioritize things and stay organized, which will be useful in college and beyond. Second, resiliency and perseverance are essential. Overcoming my injuries taught me that setbacks are transient, and that hard work and an optimistic attitude may help you recover stronger. Additionally, teamwork and leadership have been critical components of my basketball experience. Leading my team to a state title required me to effectively communicate, motivate my colleagues, and set a good example. These leadership abilities are applicable to any future employment or effort. Finally, creating goals and working deliberately toward them has been a key takeaway. Whether it was increasing my free-throw % or meeting academic milestones, having clear goals and a plan to attain them has been critical to my success. These basketball teachings have given me a solid platform to face future challenges and pursue my goals with confidence and drive.

As an individual deeply committed to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world, I am driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the well-being of others. Throughout my life, I have always sought out opportunities to support and uplift those around me, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending a helping hand whenever needed. One of the ways I envision making a significant difference in the world is through a career in finance. Finance, for me, is not just about numbers and profit margins; it is a powerful tool that can be used to create positive change and improve people's lives. My passion for math and analytical thinking has naturally drawn me towards this field, but it is the potential to leverage my knowledge and skills to benefit others that truly motivates me. In finance, there are countless opportunities to make a difference, from helping individuals and families achieve financial stability to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams. As someone who values community and social responsibility, I am particularly interested in exploring avenues where finance intersects with social impact investing, sustainable development, and philanthropy. One way I plan to make a positive impact through my career in finance is by advocating for ethical and responsible investment practices. By directing capital towards socially responsible initiatives and companies that prioritize environmental sustainability, human rights, and community development, I hope to contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Furthermore, I am eager to use my financial expertise to empower underserved communities and address systemic inequalities. Whether through financial education programs, microfinance initiatives, or access to affordable credit and investment opportunities, I believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources they need to thrive economically. Beyond individual actions, I am also committed to fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility within the finance industry. By promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior, we can work towards creating a financial sector that serves the greater good and works towards the betterment of society as a whole. In summary, my ambition is to leverage my passion for finance and mathematics to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world. Through my future career, I aspire to not only drive financial success but also to promote social change, empower communities, and create a more just and equitable world for future generations.