Earlier this year, I earned a certification in financial and valuation modeling through Wall Street Prep. In December of 2019 and early January of 2020, I spent more than 80 hours completing modules on accounting, financial statement modeling, and valuation modeling. This certification is important because of the impact that it will have on my future career. I want to pursue a career in investment banking, and the skills and knowledge that I learned during this certification process will help me be successful in doing that. What I learned is information that I will be able apply to not only the job itself, but interviews as well. I learned information that is vital to know for investment banking interviews, and I know that it will ultimately help me to be successful in the future.

Basketball has played a big part in my life since I was young. I have played basketball since I was about 5 years old, and it is not only something that I have thoroughly enjoyed, but it is also something that has taught me many important lessons. Basketball has taught me that the best way to achieve things in life is through hard work. There is no better feeling than practicing for countless hours in the offseason and having it pay off during the season. It has also taught me dedication. There are so many aspects of basketball, and without dedication, there is no way to master all of them. It is easy to fall behind if you are not dedicated to keeping your skills sharp. The most important thing that basketball has taught me is how to bounce back from failure. No matter how good you are and how much you practice, sometimes you aren’t going to win the game. Basketball has taught me how to bounce back from these losses and come back stronger than ever. I feel that I will be able to use that strength in the real world when pursuing opportunities after my time at OSU.

Rubik’s Cube Competition Video

The video shows me competing in the 2017 National Rubik’s Cube Competition. It was the second time that I had qualified for and competed in the National Rubik’s Cube Competition. Believe it or not, the Rubik’s Cube has taught me so much since I began speedsolving in early 2015.  When I first started speedsolving, it would take me more than 2 minutes to solve the cube. I had a goal to be able to solve it in less than 20 seconds and a goal to qualify for the National Competition. After years of practice and hard-work, I have accomplished both goals. I have qualified for the National Competition 3 times and can solve it in less than 15 seconds. Learning to master the Rubik’s Cube has taught me that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to. Going forward, I will use the same determination to accomplish whatever I put my mind to.