The most impactful decision I made as a learner was to begin asking, "Why?" Although I will never be able to pinpoint the exact moment that decision was made, it is clear that curiosity has fueled my growth, both as a person and as a learner. Although often described as quiet and reserved, I have grown to become confident in my ability to solve difficult problems, understand complex topics, while still appreciating the small details of life. Let me take you back to the beginning, when my spark of curiosity began.

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I was born in the city of Sandton, South Africa as the firstborn of my two brothers. My parents nurtured my curiosity from the very beginning. From puzzles to picture books to beach trips, I always enjoyed a healthy dose of awe at the world around me. However, it was not until I began at primary school that this curiosity translated to my studies. I vividly remember the day we first learned our multiplication tables in 2nd grade math. As the other students streamed outside to enjoy playtime, I stayed inside, working vigorously on the homework we had been given, until I had completed the entire sheet twice over. It was at that point that both my parents and my teacher knew that I had found my passion. 

When we moved to the United States, I began attending Marvin Ridge Middle and High School, where I was afforded the opportunity to duel-enroll at SPCC. I sprung upon the opportunity, ready to stretch my knowledge with college classes. I had always found a satisfying application of my passion in numbers to the study of accounting, so I began enrolling in business CTE credits at SPCC alongside general education credits. Initially, my goal was to earn an Associate of Arts degree so that I could save two years' worth of tuition at a four-year university. However, as I progressed through the program, I understood that my time at SPCC was more than just a cost savings exercise. You see, I have always been motivated by the goal of mastering a topic, essentially the fulfillment of my curiosity.

 

SPCC, then, was a steppingstone in my journey to master accounting, a journey which I hope, and strongly suspect, I never will fully complete. As I progressed through high school and community college, my curiosity expressed itself in various ways outside of the classroom, mostly in the form of hobbies that I had once held but abandoned for one reason or another. I began running and reading, a combination which has not only brought me away from my screen, but also closer to an awareness of the world around me (and myself)! I have also picked up part-time jobs, and just recently began applying my accounting knowledge to local startup businesses, as well as to my very own website, where I am developing a small business guide. In addition, I have developed a deep passion for serving in my local church. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving in many different capacities, most recently as an AWANA's teacher for 1st and 2nd graders.

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​One of the most impactful projects I embarked on at SPCC was creating an investigative report for my ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry class, which was later published in the 2023-2024 SPCC student journal. I would not label language arts as my strongest skill, but I would say that it is recently one of my most improved skills. Challenging myself to spend time honing a skill which I too often neglected made me appreciate the learning process all the more, and left me feeling satisfied. There are other projects too, like my final reports in HIS-111 & 112, Art-111, and COM-231, which all reflect my ability to step outside of my "numbers" mindset and be curious about topics which do not naturally interest me. All of these experiences have contributed to my growth mindset and ability to learn, two skills which I trust will serve me well as I begin my journey towards professional designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).