At six years old I deposited my entire savings of $32 into a passbook account at a local bank. When I was eight, I started balancing my parents' checkbook every month. Eventually, when my parents invested in mutual funds, I began graphing the prices of the funds listed in the weekly business section. Although I no longer keep track of my parents' finances, I remain fascinated with investments and managing money. Thus, I plan to follow my passion by pursuing a career in business finance and management.

When I consider the qualities required to be successful in the business world, I know that I already have a solid foundation for achievement. Successful business executives are self-starters who know how to set goals and devise effective strategies to accomplish objectives. Four years ago, I read about a teenager who earned money creating websites. Because of my interest in computers, I decided to try designing a website myself, with the ultimate goal of starting my own business. I first taught myself HTML programming, then the elements of website design. Next, I voluntarily developed a website for a non-profit organization in order to publicize my new vocation. My business plan worked! The president of the group was so impressed she showed the site to her father, who asked me to design websites for his business and promised to recommend me to his associates. Taking clear aim at a definable target created my success.

I have always viewed my academic and extracurricular activities as preparatory steps toward future goals. For example, this year I am competing as my math team's only oralist, a unique position which requires verbally answering questions before a panel of judges. This experience has taught me how to quickly synthesize solutions to difficult problems; it has also provided opportunities to develop my presentation skills. This spring, I will participate in the Fed Challenge, an economics competition where teams debate the state of the economy. This unique endeavor will also increase my speaking ability while expanding my knowledge of the American economy.

Since I eventually want to earn an MBA from one of the country's top business programs, I have long recognized the need to attend an undergraduate school with a strong academic reputation. Next fall I will enroll at Illinois Wesleyan University, where I will double major in mathematics and economics, with a minor in computer science. I am confident I can handle this rigorous workload since I have already successfully juggled a demanding academic schedule, while working part-time and participating in several school organizations, including being president of the school council. This past semester I took an advanced calculus class two nights a week at the community college. While this was very challenging, my skills at time management and organization allowed me to earn an "A" in the class, while still maintaining my straight "A" average in the honors and AP classes I currently take in high school.

Eventually I plan to become the Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit organization or corporation. Although managing the funds of a business is an enormous leap from balancing my parents' checking account, I am confident I will accomplish my aspirations. I am definitely someone who looks down the road, creates a map, and takes purposeful steps toward the destination.