I come from a family where no one previously has attended college. My older sister started attending LSU this year. I live with my mother who has worked hard to provide for our family, and her work ethic has been a major influence on my life. Growing up, I learned the value of perseverance and determination from her, which has shaped my outlook on education and success. Despite the challenges we faced, my mother always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities through education. One of my primary interests is entrepreneurship. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of creating something from the ground up and turning it into a sustainable business. As a child, I would try to sell rubber band bracelets to my family. This experience has helped me develop skills in creativity, communication, and problem-solving. I hope to one day own my own business and contribute to my community through job creation and innovation. In addition to entrepreneurship, I am passionate about helping others to improve the welfare of my community. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a successful business owner, specifically in the field of technology. I hope to build a company that contributes to advancing this field (by doing things such as researching and experimenting with different software). I also aspire to mentor young entrepreneurs, especially those who come from backgrounds similar to mine, where higher education and professional success might seem out of reach.

Three issues that have significantly influenced my life are access to education, financial literacy, and community support. Coming from a family without a college background, I have seen firsthand the limitations that a lack of education can impose. This has inspired me to pursue higher education and has driven me to work hard to open doors for myself that were previously closed to my family.  Financial literacy is another issue that I am passionate about. Growing up, I realized how a lack of understanding about managing money can affect not only individual families but entire communities. I hope to use my future platform as a business owner to provide financial education programs that empower people to make informed decisions about their finances. Lastly, community support has been a key factor in shaping who I am. From teachers who believed in me to local programs that provided resources, I have experienced the power of collective effort. It is this support that has allowed me to envision a future of success, and I am committed to paying it forward by fostering community-based programs that help others achieve their goals.