I chose to pursue a career in real estate because of my initial experience of witnessing a family holding the keys to a home they never believed they could own. As a Real Estate Intern with Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners, I had the privilege of helping that family buy their first home after being a renter of a two bed apartment for over ten years. They were full of uncertainty and fear, asking questions like, "What if we can't afford unexpected repairs? What if the mortgage is too much? Is our credit even good enough?" Answering their questions and helping them see that becoming a home owner was more of a benefit for them now and in the long run. I was able to help them realize that homeownership was within their reach. This one experience simply changed my perspective from seeing real estate as a way of buying and selling houses, to empowering families and helping individuals achieve their dreams. Real estate is one of the most powerful tools for creating financial stability, empowering communities, and increasing generational wealth. As an Economics major, I have become fascinated by the way housing markets, investment decisions, and economic policies shape opportunities for individuals and families around the world. My goal is to create meaningful value through real estate by combining analytical thinking, leadership, and networking in order to build my career. My academic foundation has strengthened my interest in understanding how markets function and how intelligent financial decisions influence long term growth. Maintaining a high GPA while also participating in other volunteer opportunities has always been set high on my list. Both requirements have reinforced the discipline and worth ethic necessary to succeed in this competitive industry. Beyond the classroom, my professional experiences have proven to me that real estate is where my passions and strengths align. As an Intern with Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners, I learned that success in real estate depends on strong communication and leadership skills. During my time there, I was exposed to marketing partnerships and business developments. That exposure strengthened my ability to build relationships, analyze consumer needs, and collaborate across teams. Serving as Treasurer for the Spelman College Sophomore Class Council has also strengthened my financial management skills, and reinforced the importance of accountability, responsibility, stewardship, and organization. The Lia Legacy Key Scholarship would allow me to continue developing the experience, education, and leadership skills necessary in achieving my goals. I am committed to becoming a thoughtful, and innovative leader in the real estate industry while also creating a lasting impact for families and communities.