SCORENAVIGATOR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - ELIRON ROSI (ESSAY)

When most of us were young, we probably didn't show much interest in finance. It seemed to be

something we all kind of just threw to the side and moved on without. With that being said, how do some of these people then go on to be accountants, financial advisors, and more? Well, let me tell you a story.

While growing up, not that I am not anymore, the first thing my parents told me before dropping me off for my first day of kindergarten is that for me to succeed, I would have to put in my own work, and succeed based off of my merit alone. Having come from a family of immigrants, it seemed natural to be on my own for the majority of my life. However, as a kindergartener, I was more focused on what was for lunch that afternoon. And for the next several years, I didn't think much of it. Going into the second semester of my eight grade year, I finally decided that I would really put most of my energy towards preparing myself for the future. As someone that wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force, I knew it would be one daunting task to accomplish. For that reason, I spent several hours a week studying for my classes, being part of organizations, and even working out, all to make myself a better candidate for officer school in the Air Force. In fact, I was actually arrested several times since they thought I was a trespasser on the track, when all I wanted to do was run some extra laps before school started.

Now, as a Junior, running before I wake up, and taking a shower while on the bus, I learned that having to meet the standards of the officer schools for the Air Force is no easy task. Being involved in several organizations, and being an officer in all of them, I learned about the importance of leadership and what that would mean for when I do end up joining the service. However, when I look back on my past, and even further on my parents past, I can't hesitate to think that everything that I have led myself to do up to this point was all because I decided to put myself forward in this field. Why is that important in the financial field? because, as part of this career choice, knowing that I want to be a pilot, I really had to look into my options here. I'm not that kid you see on television whose parents were both pilots, nor am I some rich kid that could do anything. Rather, I have to figure out how to do it myself, through scholarships and more. And while I may not know what the future has for me as of today, I can say that I will be ready to adapt accordingly.

-Eliron Rosin