I have never been the student who could effortlessly write about symbolism in literature or other works of art. In high school, I never understood why I needed to write a whole page about the meaning behind the green light in The Great Gatsby. But then I was introduced to a subject many people avoid: accounting. Accounting had answers. it never drifts, it never lies, and it is grounded in rules. And for the first time, I felt confident in my abilities. The first time I balanced a balance sheet, I felt unstoppable and I thought to myself that I had unlocked a new secret language that few could speak. Staring at the numbers, recalculating, and tracing each entry back to its source became my new superpower. What I love most about accounting is that it demands the truth. I can't make numbers up, I have to play by the rules and dissect each and every account. Assets on one side, liabilities and equity on the other. It made sense and it helped me realize my career path of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. More specifically, I want to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and become the head auditor of my practice. I aspire to be the absolute best at what I do as an auditor by leading with technical expertise and integrity. I hope to understand organization so thoroughly that I can anticipate risks, ask the right questions, and uphold the highest standards of accountability. That feeling is what drives me toward Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University to pursue a Master of Accounting degree. I feel ready for the intellectual challenge that Rice's rigorous curriculum will bring to me. After I receive my diploma from Rice, my goal is to pass the CPA exams on my first attempt and start my career in audit. With my new found superpower, I strive to become the best and perfect the language that I was meant to speak: numbers.

1. My name is Sloane Panter and I proudly serve as the Vice President of Community Relations for the Theta Epsilon chapter of Tri Delta. As the first member of my family to join a Greek Organization, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found a community of inclusive women with a strong love for their philanthropy. Tri Delta partners with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help ensure no family ever receives a bill to pay their child's cancer treatment. In my role, I also chair our chapter's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) committee, where I work to ensure every member feels seen, heard, and valued. As a Latina woman in a predominantly white organization, I understand how isolating it can feel sometimes. That's why I've made it my mission to advocate for the underrepresented voices, listen to the needs of women of color in our chapter, and foster a culture where every member feels like they belong. 2. At Southwestern University, I am currently double majoring in Business and Spanish in hopes to continue my education at Rice University with the Master's in Accounting Program. Since Southwestern University is an undergraduate-only institution, I intend to complete my final year of accounting through graduate study. I chose accounting, because of my grandfather. Although I never had the chance to meet him, my dad often shares memories of his father's journey and how it ultimately led our family to Austin, Texas. He was known for building meaningful relationships and leaving a lasting legacy for our family. Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash during a pivotal moment in his career. Through accounting, I hope to honor his legacy and continue leading with the same strength and integrity he was known for. 3. My favorite way to give back is through Tri Delta's philanthropy, St, Jude. As the Vice President of Community Relations, I oversee all of our philanthropic efforts. This academic year, we were able to raise $19,684 for St. Jude which was the highest amount raised by any Greek Life organization on our campus. We achieved this milestone by our three signature events: Deltas on the Block, Delta's Desserts, and the Sincerely Yours Initiative. Every dollar raised goes straight to St. Jude, thanks to the hard work and dedication of each member of our chapter. This summer, I will attend the St. Jude Celebration in Memphis, Tennessee where I'll have the opportunity to visit the hospital we've worked so hard to support and celebrate the impact of Tri Delta's national efforts. Our chapter, Theta Epsilon, even holds a plaque in Tri Delta Place, a home for families to stay while their child gets treatment, honoring our commitment to St. Jude. I hope to continue leading and growing our philanthropic success by raising even more money this upcoming academic year. 4. The Hulede Collegiate Golf scholarship would allow me to think less about financial burdens. Because Southwestern University is a NCAA Division 3 school, they are not allowed to give out athletic scholarships, which reduces the amount of money I can put toward my tuition. I've worked hard balancing school, my part-time work, and athletics, but the added support of this scholarship would allow me to focus more on developing my skills as an athlete and a leader outside the classroom.

It's a rare sight to see a young woman wanting to pursue golf at a young age and I want to change that. Being in a male dominated sport, I want to create a legacy of young women who want to play college golf. When I practice at my golf facility, I have many mothers and fathers come up to me and ask me to walk with their daughters on the golf course. Nothing makes me more joyful than to have the opportunity to inspire young women who have the potential to be the next Nelly Korda on the LPGA Tour. Even a simple task of accompanying these women on the golf course will create an impact in my large community of golf members. Once I go on and create my own college golf career, I know that I will leave behind an amazing group of women to keep inspiring others just like I did. Being a mentor, I want to encourage those who look up to me and create even more future leaders.