Growing up in Alaska, I’ve been shaped by a community where people rely on one another and where hard work and perseverance are part of everyday life. In a place where opportunities can sometimes feel limited, I’ve learned to value determination, responsibility, and giving back. These values have guided both who I am and the career path I’ve chosen. I plan to pursue a career in accounting while also becoming a hockey coach. At first, these two paths may seem unrelated, but to me they are deeply connected. Accounting represents stability, problem-solving, and the ability to help individuals and organizations make informed decisions. Hockey represents leadership, mentorship, and community. Together, they reflect both my practical goals and my passion for making a difference in people’s lives. My interest in accounting comes from my appreciation for structure and responsibility. I enjoy working with numbers, analyzing information, and finding solutions to complex problems. Accounting is essential in every field, and I am drawn to the idea of helping businesses, families, and organizations manage their finances responsibly. In Alaska, where many small businesses and local operations are the backbone of communities, accountants play a critical role. I want to be someone people can trust and someone who helps others build financial stability and long-term success. At the same time, hockey has been one of the most important influences in my life. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. More importantly, it has shown me the impact a coach can have. A good coach doesn’t just teach skills; they build confidence, character, and a sense of belonging. That is the kind of influence I want to have on others. As a future hockey coach, I want to create an environment where young athletes feel supported and motivated to grow, both on and off the ice. In Alaska, sports can provide structure, purpose, and community especially during long winters. I want to give kids a positive outlet and help them develop life skills that go far beyond the game. My passion for these paths comes from a desire to balance personal success with meaningful impact. Through accounting, I will be able to provide stability for myself while helping others navigate important financial decisions. Through coaching, I will be able to directly invest in the next generation, encouraging them to work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in themselves. Paying it forward will always be a priority for me. I plan to offer financial guidance to small businesses and individuals in my community, especially those who may not have easy access to these resources. As a coach, I will mentor young athletes and strive to be the kind of role model who makes a lasting difference. I want to help others see their potential, just as others have helped me see mine. Holden William Bettis’s legacy of selflessness and service is something I deeply respect. I hope to carry that same spirit into my future by using both my career and my passion for hockey to support and uplift others. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to giving back, I am determined to make a positive impact in my community.

I admire my older sister more than anyone else in my life. Growing up, I watched her navigate challenges that often felt overwhelming, yet she faced them with determination and quiet strength. She was the first person in our family to seriously pursue higher education, and seeing her take that path opened my eyes to possibilities I had never fully considered for myself. When my sister began applying to colleges, I remember the late nights she spent working on essays, filling out applications, and studying for exams. It wasn’t easy for her as she balanced school with part-time work and family responsibilities but she never allowed those obstacles to define her limits. Instead, she used them as motivation. Watching her persistence showed me that higher education isn’t just for people with perfect circumstances; it’s for those willing to work hard and believe in their potential. Her journey inspired me to think differently about my own future. Before, college felt like a distant idea, something abstract and uncertain. But through her example, it became something tangible and achievable. She taught me that education is not just about earning a degree but it’s about building confidence, expanding your perspective, and creating opportunities to make a meaningful impact. My decision to participate in speech and debate was also deeply influenced by her. She always encouraged me to find my voice and to not be afraid of expressing my thoughts. At first, the idea of speaking in front of others intimidated me. I doubted my abilities and worried about making mistakes. However, I realized that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Joining speech and debate challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. It pushed me to think critically, analyze complex issues, and communicate my ideas clearly and persuasively. I learned how to construct arguments, listen actively to opposing viewpoints, and respond thoughtfully under pressure. These skills have not only improved my academic performance but have also helped me become more confident in everyday interactions. More importantly, speech and debate showed me the power of using your voice to advocate for change. Whether discussing social issues or defending a position, I began to understand how communication can influence perspectives and inspire action. This realization strengthened my desire to pursue higher education, where I can continue developing these skills and use them to contribute to my community. My sister’s example and my experiences in speech and debate have shaped my ambitions for the future. I am motivated to pursue higher education not only to achieve personal success but also to make a difference in the lives of others. Like her, I want to overcome challenges, break barriers, and create opportunities for those who come after me. Through determination, education, and the courage to speak up, I hope to carry forward the values that have inspired me and honor the path that was first shown to me by someone I deeply admire.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Pixar’s "Up." On the surface, it is an animated adventure about a man who flies his house to South America using balloons, but its true lessons run much deeper. "Up" teaches the importance of dreams, perseverance, and valuing relationships, lessons that have shaped how I view education, goals, and life in general. One of the biggest lessons from "Up" is that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, but it’s also important to remain flexible along the way. Carl Fredricksen spends his life dreaming of adventure and travel, yet circumstances prevent him from realizing that dream for decades. Instead of giving up, he finds new ways to pursue purpose and meaning. This resonates with me as a student because education is full of challenges and unexpected twists. Sometimes I struggle with difficult subjects or setbacks, but like Carl, I have learned to adapt, keep moving forward, and find creative solutions to achieve my goals, no matter how big or small. I have discovered that patience, persistence, and a willingness to adjust my approach are essential skills for both academic and personal growth. Another powerful message from the film is the importance of meaningful relationships. While Carl begins his adventure focused on fulfilling a lifelong dream, it’s his connection with Russell, Dug, and Kevin that gives his journey real meaning. The movie reminds me that success is not just about personal achievements; it is about the impact we have on others and the community around us. In my own life, I have seen this through teamwork in school projects and volunteering in my community, where supporting others has strengthened my sense of purpose, leadership, and empathy. Learning to work well with others and value their contributions has been just as important as mastering academic skills. "Up" also inspires courage and taking bold steps, even when the path seems impossible. Flying a house with balloons is a whimsical metaphor, but it represents the leaps of faith we must take to pursue our goals. As someone who aspires to push myself academically and personally, this idea encourages me to explore new ideas, take on challenges, and embrace opportunities, even when they seem daunting or uncertain. It reminds me that progress often requires stepping outside of my comfort zone and trusting in my ability to overcome obstacles. Overall, "Up" has influenced my perspective on life, education, and ambition. It reminds me that dreams are worth pursuing, relationships matter, and courage can take you far. As I continue my journey toward higher education, I carry the lessons of "Up" with me, striving to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in my community while chasing my own goals and passions. I hope to approach each opportunity with the same adventurous spirit, resilience, and empathy that Carl shows, using both knowledge and compassion to create a meaningful future.

Sustainability should be a priority in accounting because the way businesses handle money affects both profits and the environment. Accountants don’t just track numbers but we help guide decisions. By including sustainability in accounting, we can help companies save money while reducing their environmental impact, creating a balance between financial success and responsible business practices. Every financial decision has consequences, and accounting gives us the tools to measure those consequences and encourage smarter, greener choices. Many companies focus only on short-term profits without considering environmental effects. For example, a business may appear successful on paper while using large amounts of energy, generating excessive waste, or relying on unsustainable resources. Accountants can help by including environmental costs in financial reports and analyzing how sustainable practices can improve long-term performance. Tools like carbon accounting and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting allow companies to see the bigger picture and make choices that benefit both their finances and the planet. In this way, accountants become more than number-crunchers; they become advisors who help businesses operate responsibly and sustainably. As a future accountant, I want to help businesses make smarter financial decisions that also protect the environment. I plan to track energy use, waste production, and resource consumption, then suggest strategies that save both money and resources. For example, helping a company switch to renewable energy, reduce packaging waste, or invest in energy-efficient equipment can improve efficiency, lower costs, and reduce environmental harm. By showing that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, I hope to inspire more businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and see environmental responsibility as an asset rather than a burden. I also want to encourage other accountants to consider sustainability in their work. By sharing knowledge, promoting green financial practices, and helping companies adopt sustainable reporting methods, accountants can play a key role in creating a more environmentally responsible industry. Even small changes in budgeting, investment planning, or reporting can influence business strategies and create larger environmental improvements. Sustainability in accounting is not just a trend but it is a long-term necessity that can transform the way businesses operate. Accounting may seem like a behind-the-scenes profession, but it has a major influence over how companies operate. By making sustainability part of my career, I can help businesses grow while protecting the planet. My goal is to show that financial planning can do more than manage money but it can also drive meaningful change. I want to leave a legacy as an accountant who helped companies think bigger, act greener, and succeed responsibly, proving that responsible business practices can benefit both people and the planet.

High school was more than a place to learn but it was where I discovered the kind of person I wanted to become. Before attending, I often approached challenges cautiously, hesitant to take risks or speak up. But through the encouragement and example of one teacher, my perspective shifted in a way that continues to guide my choices today. Miss Simmons, my English teacher, noticed my quietness in class and gently pushed me to share my thoughts during discussions. She encouraged me to write creatively, not for grades but to explore ideas and emotions that felt too big to say aloud. One assignment which was a personal essay on a family tradition required me to be honest and vulnerable. When I shared it with the class, I was nervous, but Miss Simmons praised my insight and bravery. That moment was transformative: I realized my voice mattered, and that expressing myself could inspire and connect with others. Her mentorship extended beyond the classroom. When I struggled to balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities, she helped me develop time management strategies and reminded me that growth often comes from stepping outside comfort zones. Seeing her dedication and compassion made me understand the impact one person can have on others’ lives which is a lesson that now informs how I approach relationships and opportunities. High school also shaped my future aspirations. Inspired by Miss Simmons’ guidance, I developed a passion for education and communication. I plan to pursue a degree in education, with the goal of becoming a teacher who fosters curiosity and confidence in students just as she did for me. The mindset I cultivated of resilience, self-expression, and empathy continues to guide me in preparing for college and beyond, whether through volunteering, tutoring, or leadership roles. Reflecting on my high school journey, I see that transformation often comes from unexpected sources. Miss Simmons didn’t just teach English; she taught me the value of courage, reflection, and meaningful connections. Those lessons reshaped my heart and perspective, giving me the confidence to pursue my goals and the understanding that the right guidance can spark lasting change. As I move forward, I carry with me the conviction that I can both grow and help others grow, making each challenge an opportunity to embody the lessons learned in my high school years.