A famous philanthropist once said that education is one of the most powerful weapons that can help change the world. A college education is one of many steps that will help me use acquired business skills and innovation to support organizations that keep the world going. School offers an extensive number of career opportunities and I accepted the pleasant challenge of choosing a future accounting career. Education has and will help me learn the value of ambition and risk-taking; they have molded me into the person I am today and have continued to guide me as I pursue my goals. With a major in Accounting and Finance, I look forward to a future where I can utilize my problem-solving skills to help business owners achieve their goals. Whether it’s a career in accounting, economics, finance, or any business-related profession, there are vast possibilities, flexibility, and societal impact in each alternative. While growing up, my definition of leadership reformed. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum-wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set the food on the table for the six of us. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. They never wanted us to get jobs to help them pay the bills; they wanted us to focus on our education. Even though problems constantly came their way, they always maintained the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents' leadership, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and service. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future, but also to give back to others. I want to make an impact and I can start by going to college. With all my involvement in past community service projects, I realized community service is about getting out of the comfort zone to contribute to one's time to help and establish a direct positive influence on others. As I move forward with my education, I hope to attain skills and knowledge and give back to my community. My community involvement has helped me become an evident image of a student leader to those around me. Developing my leadership skills has given me the skills necessary to make more positive impacts in the future, big or small. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Proudly I can say I have defeated some of the darkest moments in my life, and my education will help me take the first steps on the journey toward my future. My first and foremost goal is to make a difference, whether that is in someone's life, in my future career, or in the community. Through this goal, I hope to continue having the pleasure of creating and seeing my ideas in action to aid others. With eagerness, I look forward to the many opportunities to come where I can become an influence. If one plan fails, I will try again and develop another route; I will reevaluate and approach from various angles. I am confident in my decision-making, and even though I do not know what the results will be, I know it will be worth it.

Growing up, I watched my parents work very hard at each task handed to them day by day. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum-wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set food on the table for the six of us. There were times when we had very little food or almost none at all. I appreciated these tiny portions because I knew how hard my parents worked to give us food, not even wanting to eat themselves sometimes. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. Even though problems constantly come their way, they always maintain the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and sacrifice. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future education, but also to give back to others and create positive impacts just as my parents did for me. My passion for problem-solving led me to become a community-minded business leader and join the Future Business Leaders of America. I proudly served as the elected Treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, participating in many fundraisers, creating fundraiser videos, and donating to the needy. Everyone in the community was always so appreciative and grateful, and my team members and I always enjoyed the experiences. These community activities have provided me with the skills to make even more positive impacts in the future and contribute my time in making a direct positive influence on others. My parents never wanted me to get a job to help them pay the bills; they wanted me to focus on my education. Through my goal of a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, I can look forward to a future where I can continue to utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others achieve their goals. However, to make my goals a reality, I need to be able to pay the financial obligations required to attain a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Even though my parents cannot contribute to my college expenses, this scholarship will enable me to pursue a debt-free education and focus on my studies rather than my financial situation. This financial assistance is the first step toward my future. Accounting is a way I can help business owners to dodge financial roadblocks and avoid watching their businesses crumble. Businesses are what create society by offering opportunities and job openings, they drive the economy, and meet the needs of consumers and other producers. By doing my part for one business, I’m doing my part for society. Whether it’s a career in accounting, economics, finance, or any profession, each alternative has vast possibilities, flexibility, and societal impact. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Proudly I can say that I am ready to take the first steps on the journey toward my future, and I hope to continue having the pleasure of creating and seeing my ideas in action to aid others. I have the strength to push through any challenge because no matter how uncomfortable or awkward I look; I know it will be worth it in the end. I am confident in my decision-making, and even though I will not know what the roadblocks will be, I look forward to maneuvering through each obstacle.

1) I don't deserve this scholarship because I'm just like every other candidate out there. I'm not special enough. 2) I don't have any goals. I just want free money. 3) I remembered having a dream last night about an obstacle course. I remember it being super hard that I gave up halfway through before waking up. At least I didn't fail in real life.

How does one attain happiness? Some might find it from money, love, or family; for others, it might mean power, isolation, or gratitude. From birth, all human beings have the primary goal of being happy, but everyone finds happiness in their own way through their own actions. Knowing one’s happiness is not enough; having the freedom to attain these purposes the way one wishes is what leads to true satisfaction in a person’s life. Happiness is like a good meal. It isn't the result of a single factor, but a combination of things in my life that produces happiness. My passion for math sparks excitement and curiosity, my family incites love inside me, and nature enables me to marvel at creation itself. We all have a right to pursue happiness and to be happy without influence or fear is to be truly free. Everybody's goal is to be happy and to help others to achieve that happiness is a happiness that gives me a warm feeling inside. As a Future Business Leader of America, serving the community has always been something I've enjoyed. The freedom to find my happiness is what makes me happy.

Growing up, I watched my parents work very hard at each task handed to them day by day. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set food on the table for the six of us. There were times when we had very little food or almost none at all. I appreciated these tiny portions because I knew how hard my parents worked to give us food, not even wanting to eat themselves sometimes. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. Even though problems constantly come their way, they always maintain the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and sacrifice. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future education, but also to give back to others and create positive impacts just as my parents did for me. I like to call myself a logical thinker; along with math, I love riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers. My passion for problem-solving led me to become a community-minded business leader and join the Future Business Leaders of America. I proudly serve as the elected Treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, participating in many fundraisers, creating fundraiser videos, and donating to the needy. Everyone in the community was always so appreciative and grateful, and my team members and I always enjoyed the experiences. Today, my FBLA team is registered and participating in the Lead4Change team community project. I have also served as a math mentor, helped schools with Field days, and more. These community activities have provided me with the skills to make even more positive impacts in the future, regardless of how big or small they are. I realize that leadership is about getting out of the comfort zone to contribute one's time to helping the community and establishing a direct positive influence on others. Years ago, I would never have imagined myself becoming the leader I am today, but when you use it right, curiosity can lead you into the best places you never thought were possible. My parents never wanted me to get a job to help them pay the bills; they wanted me to focus on my education. Through my goal of a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, I can look forward to a future where I can continue to utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others achieve their goals. My community involvement has helped me become an evident image of a student leader and provided me with the skills to make even more positive impacts in the future. I look forward to a future where I can utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Proudly I can say that I am ready to take the first steps on the journey toward my future, and I hope to continue having the pleasure of creating and seeing my ideas in action to aid others. I have the strength to push through because no matter how uncomfortable or awkward I look; I know it will be worth it in the end.

I can still remember the shock I felt when I first discovered the brilliant mathematical concept of multiplication. I remember having so many questions wanting to find the answers to all of them. There I was' probing through each problem in the math textbooks doing them one by one, creatively adapting to each new challenge, identifying calculation patterns, and developing faster calculation methods. Lost in the numbers, time became irrelevant. I felt drained and fatigued at the end of my numerical infatuation, however, mentally I had never felt stronger. I was only a second grader, but it has been a crucial moment in my life that has helped me develop the curiosity to brainstorm and discover. Math has always been my channel toward the thrilling joys of discovery and exploration because I enjoy the process of examining, recognizing, organizing, being exact, and anything math-related. I always feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity surge through me. Those key elements forged a passion in me and eventually led to my career goal of majoring in Accounting and Finance. Accounting has not only nourished my passion but has fortified my mind as I learned the wonders of problem-solving. I look forward to a future where I can utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others. Growing up, I watched my parents work very hard at each task handed to them day by day. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set food on the table for the six of us. There were times when we had very little food or almost none at all. I appreciated these tiny portions because I knew how hard my parents worked to give us food, not even wanting to eat themselves sometimes. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. Even though problems constantly come their way, they always maintain the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and sacrifice. Through these qualities, I developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future education, but also to give back to others and create positive impacts, just as my parents did for me. A college education is one of many steps that will help me use acquired business skills and innovation to support organizations that keeps the world going. My parents never wanted me to get a job to help them pay the bills; they wanted me to focus on my education. This scholarship will enable me to pursue a debt-free education and focus on my studies in Accounting rather than on my financial situation. Proudly I can say that I am confident in my decision-making, and I am ready to take the first steps on the journey toward my future.

Growing up, I watched my parents work very hard at each task handed to them day by day. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set the food on the table for the six of us. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. Even though problems constantly come their way, they always maintain the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents, my perspective of leadership reformed. I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and kindness. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future, but also to give back to others to create positive impacts. When I decided to become a community-minded business leader and join the Future Business Leaders of America, I was constantly put in situations where I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces who looked and sounded different from me. With our advisor leaving community projects up to us, I remember days passing by with all of us in complete silence and confusion until one day I uttered, "Hi guys, my name is Vanessa, what are your names?" As a result, another voice began to speak, and another. Voices eventually evolved into ideas, and ideas into action plans. I often felt uncomfortable and awkward, but they looked to me for leadership and cooperation, and it formed an intense desire in me to do my part as a leader. I proudly serve as the elected Treasurer, participating in many extracurricular activities every day. Future Business Leaders of America nourishes my passion for accounting as I encourage and practice efficient money management every day. In my three years in FBLA, I have assisted with two yearly fundraisers, created and edited fundraiser videos, designed team shirts, and donated to the needy. Everyone in the community was always so appreciative and grateful, and my team members and I always enjoyed the experiences. The successes and mistakes we've made in these activities serve as valuable lessons that we got to experience firsthand and show how influential leadership is in all aspects of decision-making and skill development. As of today, my FBLA team is registered and participating in the Lead4Change team community project. Our current project involves supporting our local Humane Society with donations and supplies because of the huge spike in animals given to animal shelters. Being nominated as the team leader for this project has not only given me a huge responsibility but has allowed me the opportunity to create, experience, and inspire others. When you use it right, curiosity can lead you into the best places you never thought were possible. With all my involvements in past community service projects, I realized community service is about getting out of the comfort zone to contribute to one's time to help and establish a direct positive influence on others. Through my goal of a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, I can look forward to a future where I can continue to utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others achieve their goals. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. I hope to continue having the pleasure of creating and seeing my ideas in action to aid others. I eagerly await the many opportunities to come where I can become an influence.

Growing up, I watched my parents work very hard at each task handed to them day by day. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set food on the table for the six of us. There were times when we had very little food or almost none at all. I appreciated these tiny portions because I knew how hard my parents worked to give us food, not even wanting to eat themselves sometimes. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. They never wanted us to get jobs to help them pay the bills; they wanted us to focus on our education. Even though problems constantly come their way, they always maintain the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and sacrifice. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future education, but also to give back to others and create positive impacts just as my parents did for me. I can still remember the shock. The shock I felt when I first discovered the feeling of passion through the brilliant mathematical concept of multiplication. I remember having so many questions such as: How did it work? Why was it working? What else can I do with it? There I was, probing through each problem in the math textbooks. I remember doing them one by one, creatively adapting to each new challenge, identifying calculation patterns, and developing faster calculation methods. Lost in the numbers, time became irrelevant. I felt drained and fatigued at the end of my numerical infatuation, however, I had never felt mentally stronger. I was only a second grader, but it has been a crucial moment in my life that has helped me develop the curiosity to brainstorm and discover. Math has always been my channel toward the thrilling joys of discovery and exploration, but what makes it so special is that there is always a new kind of problem to solve. Above anything, I enjoy the process of examining, recognizing, organizing, uncovering the details, being exact, and anything math-related. I always feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity surge through me. Those key elements forged a passion in me and eventually led to my career goal of majoring in Accounting and Finance. A famous philanthropist once said that education is one of the most powerful weapons that can help change the world. Education has and will continue to mold me into the person I am today and guide me as I pursue my goals. Through my goal of a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, I look forward to a future where I can continue to utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills to help others achieve their goals. Whether I have a career in accounting, economics, finance, or any other profession; there are vast possibilities and societal impacts in each alternative. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Proudly I can say that I have overcome some of the darkest moments of my life and am ready to take the first steps on the journey toward my future. I have the strength to push through because no matter how uncomfortable or awkward I look; I know it will be worth it in the end.

My family is the main source of inspiration behind my strong feelings of problem-solving and critical thinking. As immigrants with limited English, they were forced to work full-time minimum-wage jobs, but they always pull through just enough to pay the bills and set food on the table for the six of us. Each day presents a challenge for them, but they never complain. They never wanted us to get jobs to help them pay the bills; they wanted us to focus on our education and even gave occasional allowances. Even though problems constantly came their way, they consistently maintained the resolve to overcome them by themselves. I now dwell on this, and I realize by observing my parents I learned the value of patience, persistence, and perseverance and it’s through these qualities I have developed the passion for challenging myself and the will to become a first-generation college student not only for myself but for my parents as well. I see hope for a better future because of people like my parents. People who are caring, passionate, and self-sacrificing that are out there in the world are what will make a change in millions of lives. Whether they are growing a family, building a new invention, or solving the world's problems, it is those who have self-sacrificing love for one another that will truly make the world a better place. There will always be challenges to face, hardships to go through, and bad people everywhere, but it's those who are willing to struggle through the bad that makes me hopeful. I have seen, heard of, and met many people like this, and I will follow so I can help bring hope to many others as well. All of us want a better future, but those who care about helping others get there are the ones who give me hope.

Recall any moment you were viewed as an outcast because of appearance, personality, skin color, or weight. Without the spirit to challenge the so-called "status quo," maybe you just accepted who you were through the eyes of others as I did. The weird one. The fat one. The black girl. Struggling with low self-esteem and restlessness made the stabbing words, stress overload, and discouraging news of failure hit me harder than I could have ever imagined. With non-English speaking immigrant parents that constantly worked to provide for our family of six, I had to take on more responsibilities for my family since I was a young child. I often compared my life to others questioning myself, "Why was I the outcast? Why do I have to have these feelings of worthlessness? Why did my life have to be so hard?" In the past, I believed that my situations determined my success; however, I found that it only leads to false hope, and now I refuse to let circumstances limit my potential. With so many uncontrollable situations, I focus on what I can control: My actions. Proudly I can say that I have defeated some of the darkest moments in my life by shifting my eyes to myself. Coming from a past full of anxiety and low self-esteem, it seemed impossible to overcome those negative feelings. Nevertheless, I was tired of worrying about how others see me or why my life was so hard; as a result, I focused and learn about myself. I notice my emotions of isolation and stress gradually disappear as I dive into the world of numbers. Researching, learning, and finding opportunities to expand my knowledge for my future will lead me toward a career involving my passion for numerical math. By making an effort, my passion for accomplishing my goals strengthens, and by building up my passion, I reinforce my questions and research. This two-way bond of knowledge and passion will create the actuality of my achievements now and in the future. Reflecting on myself and who I want to be in the future blurs out the anxieties for a moment and builds my confidence. Focusing on myself and my passion prompt me to reject the dejection spat at me every day. With no financial aid for my future education, I courageously take a step forward into the new chapter and challenges of the college path I am ready to face. Dreams are only achieved through the decisions one has made and will make. Whatever plan I execute, I will strive to block out any hostile surroundings by concentrating on myself. Whether it is in accounting, finance, business, computer tech, or any other major I grow to love; this financial assistance is the first step on my journey to instill courage in me to take the steps into my future. TI burst out of my comfort zone as I take on upcoming hardships of education and life. Not only have I grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Thank you for this opportunity.

This is Nala! She is 9 months old now and is still a growing pup, so she has pictures in many shapes and sizes. Nala is a super chewer because she will put her mouth on anything she sees: Clothing, socks, the couch, her leash, my arm, and most of all disposable masks for some reason. It was so hard picking out the best photos of her because my phone is filled with them! She is my first puppy and I am definitely looking forward to seeing how she grows.

Dear Mom, I am obligated to write this letter of appreciation because you gave me the gift of having a loving mother. As your daughter, you took care of me, gave me food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. You work hard every day and made sure I had enough so I could focus on my education no matter how much I wanted to help with the bills. All you wanted was the best for me, and all I want is to make you proud. Although you don't have enough to pay for university tuition you still encourage me to reach my educational goals of being an accounting and finance major. With the total of $1,153 of expected family contribution, I am determined to achieve the scores, gain a high GPA and attain the financial aid need to avoid burdening my parents with even that much amount of expected contribution. As a mother, you gladly took me by the hand and introduced me to life, and guided me in the right directions that will help me in the long run. . You are my influence that help me fueled my passion for learning more about myself and what I want to do with my education. You voluntarily supported me in areas where I did not even ask you, whether it was paying my dues to clubs for me or supporting me in all I decided to do for my future. As a child raised in a household with financial struggles, there are no words to describe my appreciation for what you did and what you are still doing for me. I would ask myself, "Why would she do all this for me?" I realize now it is because you are not only a mother, but you are a role model who cares for her children. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are the reason that I and my other three siblings have a clear, focused path into higher education and beyond. You turned my confusion into assurance, hopelessness into confidence, and my trust into love. An influential writer realized, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I do not remember all the lessons you taught me or all the encouraging actions you have done for me, but I will never forget how special you made me feel. Thank you, Mom. You daughter, Vanessa Virgil

Tips I find will be helpful for College Life! #relatable #college #mood #real #life

The most valuable kind of leadership is one that is developed. I value my leadership qualities because a leader does not become a leader through title, but through action. Leadership is defined not only by one’s actions, but the effect their actions have on himself and the entire group. Real leadership exudes a positive impact which creates a better experience as a whole. By exerting my influence, being active, and utilizing my own passions, I value my leadership qualities as it will help me to impact my life and the lives of others. Leadership is not only about getting things done through others, but about the effect their leadership has on others. Being a leader involves influencing individuals to work toward a common goal. Through my words and actions, I can have a positive effect on others, motivating them to become a stronger team. Seeing this type of influence I can give to someone is a special thing. The valuable kind of leadership is not a one way street, but involves the beneficial influence of both the leader and the team. The positive energy exerted by leaders plays a crucial role in leadership and will take an influential toll on the individuals around them. My passion to reach a goal is my motivation to pursue an objective. The beneficial desire to attain a goal heightens the dedication, perseverance, and good characteristics of the leader which others will benefit from imitating. Using my passion as a stimulant for leadership will make my life journey to a goal, attainable or not, worth the effort. Passion will help me not only create a valuable leadership but it will also make me a valuable leader. From my own experience in participating in volunteer opportunities, the positive influence, actions, and sincere passion of the leaders in my life have impacted me to become the leader I am today. These valuable characteristics of leadership creates a rewarding experience for me and others. This kind of leadership is important to me because it influences everyone to build their own leadership qualities as well. The discipline I carry to my volunteer work and academics reflects how diligently I intend to work in college and beyond to be the leader everyone can benefit from. Although these qualities will not develop immediately in myself, I strive to apply the valuable traits of leadership in my life to enhance myself and those around me.

Recall any moment you were viewed as an outcast because of appearance, personality, skin color, or weight. Without the spirit to challenge the so-called "status quo," maybe you just accepted who you were through the eyes of others as I did. The weird one. The fat one. The black girl. Struggling with low self-esteem and restlessness made the stabbing words of students, stress overload, and discouraging news of failure hit me harder than I could have ever imagined. With non-English speaking immigrant parents that constantly worked to provide for our family of six, I had to take on more responsibilities for my family since I was a young child. I often compared my life to others questioning myself, "Why was I the outcast? Why do I have to have these feelings of worthlessness? Why did my life have to be so hard?" In the past, I believed that my situations determined my success; however, I found that it only leads to false hope, and now I refuse to let circumstances limit my potential. With so many uncontrollable situations, I focus on what I can control: My actions. Proudly I can say that I have defeated some of the darkest moments in my life by shifting my eyes to myself. I was tired of worrying about how others see me or why my life was so hard; as a result, I focus and learn about myself. I notice my emotions of isolation and stress gradually disappear as I dive into the world of numbers. Researching, learning, and finding opportunities to expand my knowledge for my future will lead me toward a career involving my passion for numerical math. By making an effort, my passion for accomplishing my goals strengthens, and by building up my passion, I reinforce my questions and research. This two-way bond of knowledge and passion will create the actuality of my achievements now and in the future. Reflecting on myself and whom I want to be in the future blurs out the anxieties for a moment and builds my confidence. Focusing on myself and my passion prompt me to reject the dejection spat at me every day. With no financial aid for my future education, I courageously take a step forward into the new chapter and challenges of the college path I am ready to face. I can only achieve dreams through the decisions I have made and will make. Whatever plan I execute, I will strive to block out any hostile surroundings by concentrating on myself. I burst out of my comfort zone as I take on upcoming hardships of education and life. Not only have I grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Whether it is in accounting, finance, business, computer tech, or any other major I grow to love; this financial assistance is the first step on my journey to instill courage in me to take the steps into my future. Thank you for this opportunity.

Seeing so many of my peers reaching for top jobs such as a surgeon, doctor, manager, and engineer made me doubt my dream career choices. This system encourages the new generation to reach for the top, go to the best colleges, and live the best life, but what is the top? What is the best college? Is what I have chosen to do with my life the best? I did not know. I have always felt lost and confused, constantly fighting against anxiety and my conscious self-doubt. Until I found a few simple words that forever transformed the way I view my life today. "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." All my life, I wondered, "What is real success?" when I should have been asking, "What is real success to me?" Not just in education but in all aspects of my life, I continue to live by this quote to remind myself that I am the judge of my own life. This quote realizes that joy does not come from doing what others expect of me, but true happiness in life comes from the victories I want to make for myself now and beyond. I build my own success.

Dear Mrs.Bryan, I am obligated to write this letter of appreciation because you gave me the gift of hope. As a high school freshman, I came out of middle school just recently learning about myself. I liked numbers and organization, but I did not know what to do with them. The only title that fit me personally was the Accounting field. Is that really what I wanted to do? What if I grow to hate it? What am I going to do? I did not know where to start. With some research of my own, what I found lead me to a small, obscure portable classroom that most students never knew. Little did I know that dank portable classroom would be where I met my superhero, where I met you. Mrs.Bryan, not knowing who I was yet, you gladly took me by the hand and introduced me to your Accounting class which I did not realize existed. Walking me through each step with joy, you nourished my passion for numerical math more and more. It was amazing to see how genuine you were in each generous act, motivating life story, and comforting hug you gave me. Your influence to help me fueled my passion for learning more about myself. You helped me understand that the Accounting field is the place I need to be. I was lost, but you helped me find myself. Thank you, Mrs.Bryan. You voluntarily supported me in areas where I did not even ask you, whether it was paying my FBLA dues for me or doing your research for me to find scholarships. As a child raised in a household with financial struggles, there are no words to describe my appreciation for what you did and what you are still doing for me. I would ask myself, "Why would she do all this for me?" I realize now it is because you are not only a teacher, but you are a person who cares for her students, children whom you have only known for about a year or two. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, Mrs.Bryan. You are the reason that I have a clear, focused path into my higher education journey and beyond. You turned my confusion into assurance, hopelessness into confidence, and my trust into love. An influential writer realized, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I do not remember all the lessons you taught me or all the encouraging actions you have done for me, but I will never forget how special you made me feel. Thank you, Mrs.Bryan. With appreciation, Vanessa Virgil

Seeing so many of my peers reaching for top jobs such as a surgeon, doctor, manager, and engineer made me doubt my dream career choices. This system encourages the new generation to reach for the top, go to the best colleges, and live the best life, but what is the top? What is the best college? Is what I have chosen to do with my life the best? I did not know. I have always felt lost and confused, constantly fighting against anxiety and my conscious self-doubt. Until I found a few simple words that forever transformed the way I view my life today. "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." - Maya Angelou. All my life, I wondered, "What is real success?" when I should have been asking, "What is real success to me?" Not just in education but in all aspects of my life, I continue to live by this quote to remind myself that I am the judge of my own life. This quote realizes that joy does not come from doing what others expect of me, but true happiness in life comes from the victories I want to make for myself now and beyond. I build my own success.

Recall any moment where you were viewed as an outcast because of appearance, personality, skin color, or weight. Without the spirit to challenge the so-called "status quo," maybe you just accepted who you were through the eyes of others as I did. The weird one. The fat one. The black girl. Struggling with low self-esteem and restlessness made the stabbing words of students, stress overload, and discouraging news of failure hit me harder than I could have ever imagined. With non-English speaking immigrant parents that constantly worked to provide for our family of six, I had to take on more responsibilities for my family since I was a young child. As a child, I often compared my life to others thinking, " Why was I the outcast? Why do I have to have these feelings of worthlessness? Why did my life have to be so hard?" In the past, I believed that my situations determined my success. However, I found that relying on a situation leads to false hope, and now I refuse to let circumstances limit my potential. With so many uncontrollable situations, I focus on what I can control: My actions. Proudly I can say that I have defeated some of the darkest moments in my life by shifting my eyes to myself. I was tired of worrying about how others see me or why my life was so hard; as a result, I focus and learn about myself. I notice my emotions of isolation and stress gradually disappear as I dive into the world of numbers. Researching, learning, and finding opportunities to expand my knowledge for my future will lead me toward a career involving my passion for numerical math. Reflecting on myself and who I want to be in the future blurs out the anxieties for a moment and builds my confidence. Focusing on myself and my passion prompt me to reject the dejection spat at me every day. With no financial aid for my future education, I courageously take a step forward into the new chapter and challenges of the college path I am ready to face. Whatever the plan I execute, I know I will strive to block out the negative surrounding by concentrating on myself. I burst out of my comfort zone as I take on upcoming hardships of education and life. Not only have I grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Whether it is in accounting, finance, business, computer tech, or any other major I grow to love, this financial assistance is the first step on my journey to instill courage in me to take the steps into my future. Thank you for this opportunity.