Entering high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, let alone know what college I want to go to. Every time a family friend asked, “What are you going to major in college?” or “Have you thought about what you want to be?”, I would freeze not knowing how to respond.

I truly didn’t know what I wanted to be. I could be an engineer and help revolutionize the world. I could be a dentist and remind people to floss. I could be someone who has an impact on everyone’s livelihood and make the world better. 

I worried about who I was going to be. But this changed sophomore year. 

At my high school, I am required to take a two-credit business course in order to graduate. I decided to take Accounting. People who previously took the class made it sound like a nightmare. They talked about how they failed or how it was confusing. This made me terrified it was going to jeopardize my GPA. I thought, maybe...who knows...maybe I can do well in the class and they just didn’t get it. I tried to look forward to the challenge.

As I sat in class, the teacher, Mr. Brester, went through the lecture. He was a middle-aged man who kept us interested by using humor. I remember taking an obnoxious amount of notes. Mr. Brester had the class do different lessons on our own, but I didn’t get it. Debits? Credits? What was the point? I just wanted to get the class over with. 

I worked on filling out a trial balance for a company while incorporating the debits and credits I dreaded. I was so focused on finishing it, I didn’t look at my notes. As I was checking my answers with the answer key, I was astounded that I completed the work correctly. I was astonished by the progress I made. Everything clicked and I understood what was going on—and I actually enjoyed it. 

The more I learned, the more I was motivated to do well. I would finish my work earlier and help other students. Though Mr. Brester didn’t know he changed my life, he could see I had potential. He encouraged me to take his other class: College Accounting. 

Taking this class was the best thing I chose to do. It helped me figure out what I was passionate about and who I wanted to be to the world. It felt right managing finances. 

I am happy I got to take well-rounded business courses at my school. Thanks to Mr. Brester and his courses, I know I want to pursue accounting as a career. Mr. Brester taught me to love accounting as much as he does. 

Although being an accountant is not saving lives like a doctor or an Army soldier would,  I know in my own way, I am going to change the world. As an accountant, I will help a company understand their finances so they can be successful. I will manage money to create more opportunities and jobs. I will also be able to consult people on their taxes and get them the help they need. 

Now, when people ask what I want to be when I grow up, I always respond by saying, “I want to be an accountant.” I plan on going to the UW Green Bay to fulfill that dream. Being able to pursue a career of my choosing, something I am lucky to have.