Treating others how you want to be treated has always been something I've heard from my teachers and family. Kindness is one of the characteristics I've valued the most in life. No matter who I interact with in my day, I try to make them feel like they matter, with a smile or words of encouragement, because I never know what can make a person's day better. Each day I make sure I bring that positive light into someone's world. Going the extra mile and acting kind can change a person's attitude and make them feel good about their impact on your life. For instance, I had a teacher in high school who was essential throughout my educational journey. Whenever I had a hard day with classes or home issues, I knew I could always talk to her, and she would give me the advice I needed to encourage me and make me feel better. It was like when I spoke with her, I felt so comfortable expressing my feelings without judgment. She made me realize that my feelings mattered and that it was safe to express myself freely. Her voice of encouragement got me through high school, especially when I felt like giving up due to bad grades and mental state. Being a kind individual can be helpful in my life journey because it lets me know that I'm trying to create a positive change in the world and others' lives. Any act of kindness can benefit those who are a recipient of the kindness. For example, it can boost their self-confidence, inspire them to chase their dreams and create a sense of belongingness. Also, being kind can influence others around you to want to build a relationship and connect with you, leading to opportunities such as networking events, promotions, guidance, and a long-term friendship. My ability to show kindness in any environment can make me more approachable when interacting with individuals of various cultures with different characteristics. For instance, at my university, diversity and inclusion are essential aspects valued by faculty and students. Showing kindness and respect for someone's morals and culture shows them that you are willing to see things differently. It shows that you are taking time and effort to understand a person's culture without bias and create an inclusive culture where your peers can feel comfortable. Belongness is what kindness is about, and it can start with a simple hello and thank you to create the positive environment you desire.

Education is not about how much a person knows, but it reflects who they will become. As a first-generation college student, my mother instilled in me the importance of education and how it could affect my future. Growing up, I remember spending nights studying for a spelling test or working hard to figure out a math problem, not knowing that those hours of studying and preparation would come in handy as a college student. Now as a rising senior in college, my educational journey hasn't been easy, but it has shaped me to become a hardworking, determined individual. Freshman year was an eye-opener for me because it differed from high school. Once I arrived at college, I realized I had more independence when it came to my academics and other responsibilities. I had to learn how to balance my grades, friendships, extracurricular activities, and finances as an adult. I had to understand that college is about having fun and developing relationships, however, my main priority was my education. To assist with planning my days, I incorporated a planner into my life so that I am aware of what I'm doing throughout the day. For instance, I write the times I have to study, do homework, or read my textbook. Having a planner holds me accountable to make my academics my priority and to continue to do what's required of me as a student so that I can get my degree. Planning has improved my time management skills because it allows me to focus on a specific task during that timeframe instead of other duties. As a result of preparation, I finished freshman year with a 3.4- grade point average and made the Dean's List. This moment was only a reminder that I could achieve anything if I put in the work. Soon I will walk across the stage to receive my bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and it will be a monumental accomplishment for my mother and me. She will realize that all her talks about getting my degree and making good grades paid off. To me, education is more than knowledge I've gained from the courses I've completed and a degree, it symbolizes dedication and persistence. My educational path has taught me a lot about myself and has required me to grow to not just see things for what they are in that moment, but to take time to reflect on how they can affect me in the future.

Ever since I can remember, I have read a range of books from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to Becoming by Michelle Obama. These books have taught me lessons in life that include embracing change and to dream big. However, one book that has changed the way I plan for my current and future finances is The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom. Author Paris Woods takes you along the journey of building financial wealth with a guide that anyone can follow no matter their current financial state. Finances and generational wealth have been trending topics among influencers and finance professionals. But for a rising senior in college, learning about finances through this book holds me accountable to make smart financial decisions now that I will not regret later. For instance, chapter three is about education and the author mentions that your educational journey can be affordable. It starts by knowing where you are in your educational process. For me, I plan on receiving my MBA in Business Administration after undergrad. So, to start my affordable approach to earning my degree, I need to look for colleges that are affordable based on my income or see if the company I work for has resources to help pay for college. Once I gather all my resources, I can start an action plan to see which option works best for obtaining my degree potentially debt-free. My decision to earn my master's degree inexpensively will help me focus on my education and to use what I've learned within my schooling to be successful in my career in business. Instead, I can use my finances to invest in my retirement fund or save for emergencies. This book has made me understand that with a plan, my financial goals can be attainable.

My freshman year in college was my first time learning about finances. The second semester was coming, and I didn't have enough money to cover my remaining balance for room & board. I was devastated because I earned money from work but didn't save enough. Now I had to explain this to mom; of course, I was nervous. She advised me to go to the financial aid office to see if they could provide any additional help; however they explained that I had received the maximum amount of financial aid and it was nothing they could do. I continued to apply for jobs on and off-campus; however, I never received a response about the positions. My main focus was my education and I continued to strive for success. By the end of the year I made the dean's list, and was joyful that I didn’t allow my current financial situation to affect my journey to earning my degree. This experience was a defining moment in my life and taught me the importance of managing my finances. This resulted in me taking courses such as personal finance and reading books focused on financial freedom. While taking my finance course, I was required to read a book called "We Should All Be Millionaires." In this book, the author stated that your thoughts are a prelude to your actions. If you believe that you're not good at managing money because of your past financial environment, it impacts how you spend and handle money. Instead of thinking negatively about money, you can use positive affirmations. I wasn't good at managing my money in the past, but with constant learning, I have been able to invest in a finance coach, track my spending, and I'm on the road to financial freedom.

Coming from a single-parent household, my mother instilled in me the importance of an education. Education isn’t just about knowledge, it's a reflection of who you will become. College has taught me a lot, however I wouldn’t change anything. Freshman year was the most defining moment for me and has affected my perspective on responsibility. Freshman year, I experienced firsthand what the world calls “adulting”. I had just finished my first semester and felt proud that I earned a 3.4 Grade Point Average. Within the next couple of weeks, I received an email from the financial aid office showing my balance for the spring semester. It was at that moment I realized that although I was receiving money from work study; I did not manage my income wisely to ensure I had enough saved to pay for the upcoming semester. Now I had to explain this situation to my mother, and I felt nervous. She advised me not to spend any more money and to talk with the financial aid office. Once I arrived at the office, they said that I received the maximum amount for financial aid and there was nothing they could do about it. Walking back to my room, I reflected on all my unwise financial choices. Instead of putting some money into my savings account every paycheck, I would purchase inessential items like clothes and shoes. I talked with my life coach and counselor about my financial issue to seek advice. My life coach advised me to stay at home and find transportation to school. However, it was my freshman year, and I wanted to enjoy the experience of the campus lifestyle. My counselor told me about campus jobs that weren’t work study based that could help me gain income and it motivated me to apply for Starbucks on campus and the dining hall. Although I didn’t receive a call back about any of the positions, I didn’t give up. I enrolled in a payment plan that allowed me to make five payments each month on the fifteenth. My choice of enrolling in the payment plan allowed me time to earn extra income instead of having to pay upfront for the whole spring semester balance. Christmas break was approaching, and I applied for seasonal jobs. I applied for jobs through websites like Indeed and Snagajob. I ended up having a phone interview with one company but didn’t receive the position. To assist with my balance, family members provided me with the finances to make my first payment. I continued work-study and avoided unnecessary purchases. One day while I was completing my homework, I received an email saying that I was a recipient of a scholarship. This scholarship was donor sponsored for the academic year and applied to my remaining semester balance. Once I read that email, I was filled with joy. I no longer had to worry about a balance instead, I could focus on my education and enjoy the rest of my semester. This experience has been a reminder for me to never give up, no matter the situation and the importance of managing my finances. It has influenced how hard I work, both academically and professionally. I made the Dean’s List and have had multiple internships that have allowed me to gain experience in the business field. I plan to continue to work hard and be successful at obtaining my bachelor's degree in Business Administration because with work ethic and a goal in mind, nothing can stop me from pursuing my passions of helping others, changing the world, and entrepreneurship.