My interest in finance didn’t begin in a classroom. It began in conversations with my father about mortgages, investing, and budgeting. What started as simple talks slowly became one of the ways I learned to understand the world. I was drawn to finance because it brought together two things I loved: mathematics and problem-solving. Over time, I began to see that behind every number there is a story, and that business can create opportunities for others. That idea became more important to me after moving from the United States to Costa Rica and having to adapt to a new language, school system, and culture. Learning to succeed in a different environment taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence in my ability to grow through change.
What drew me to Fordham was how closely it aligned with what I wanted from my college experience. I wanted to live in a big city, have access to business opportunities, and be at a university that would encourage me to study abroad. Fordham offered all of that in one place. As someone who has always had a passion for mathematics, finance naturally caught my attention, and I hope to continue challenging myself in that field at the Gabelli School of Business. At Blue Valley School, I learned how to balance life as a student-athlete while maintaining strong academics and making time for what matters. I also founded a microbusiness incubator that supported women in a rural community through budgeting and business guidance, which showed me that financial knowledge can become a real tool for independence and progress.
Although this opportunity may now seem like it fell into place, the journey to it was not easy. For a long time, I felt torn between what was practical for my family and what I truly wanted for my future. The college application process meant balancing essays, financial aid forms, and the demands of the IB Diploma, and there were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming, but it was worth it. Looking back, I believe every challenge pushed me closer to the place I was meant to be. As I wrote in my personal essay, “Balance is not doing everything. It is knowing what matters most and giving it your best.” That idea guided me through this process, and it is what I would share with any student going through it now: stay grounded in your priorities, trust the work you have put in, and remember that success comes from finding the path that is truly right for you.
Sophia Reed, accepted to Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business, Finance
