Meet Our Student Members

Every month, the Society showcases a college and high school student member on our social media channels to share their background and why they want to pursue accounting as a career. 

October Feature

What sparked your interest in accounting?

My interest in accounting was sparked my freshman year of high school, when I was put into an accounting class without my knowledge. I was a bit wary about it, thinking I wouldn’t like it because I didn’t know what it was. I ended up loving the class, and took the accounting program my high school offered for 3 years. Shout out to Mr. Burrill for making the class enjoyable and being the reason I am majoring in accounting in college.

What is the most unusual or unique talent you possess?

I don’t think it’s unusual, but most people don’t know that I can sing – I just don’t do it very often because I’m shy.

If you could time travel to any period in history, when would you go and what would you want to witness or experience?

I would love to travel to the 1920s to experience the fun of the roaring 20s and celebrate with women when they finally got the right to vote. 

How did the emerging scholar award and ACE program help you?

The emerging scholarship award, and the ACE program solidified my desire to be an accountant. I got a glimpse into what my future could be like and was able to ask some of the questions that had been on my mind.

September Feature

What sparked your interest in accounting?

During my junior year I had an amazing teacher who guided me towards that career path and since then I've been completely enthralled.

If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I’d love to have a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr., as he is a cultural and revolutionary icon, and I’d like to hear his viewpoints in person.

What was your most memorable vacation?

Definitely my road trip to Washington, D.C. I stayed at The Watergate Hotel exactly 50 meters from where the Watergate scandal occurred. It was incredibly memorable for a history fanatic like me.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

"Connections are what let you rise up in this world."

How did the MassCPAs Emerging Scholar award help you?

The scholarship helped relieve the financial stress that comes with higher education. It was a true honor to receive it.

August Features

What word would you use to describe accounting?  

Security. Accounting provides the information necessary to create a sense of security, both on an organizational and on a personal level.

Favorite way to de-stress and relax during busy college weeks:

Getting a deep tissue massage!

Any fun plans for summer?

Taking my kids on their first Safari in Kenya and visiting friends and family.

Go-to food or snack:

A ThinkBar

What sparked your interest in accounting?

Due to my dyslexia, I’ve always had a passion for numbers, which sparked my interest in accounting.

Share your favorite quote.

“Accept yourself. You don’t have to prove anything to no one except yourself.” — Drake

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?

I’d want a yacht, a captain and a large pizza.

If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I’d like to have a conversation with Queen Zenobia and I would ask her how to save Syria.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Friends come and go, but family is forever.

How did the ACE program help you?

The ACE program gave me detailed information, not only about what accounting is, but also what it’s like to be in the business world. It helped me create a goal for myself. I also really enjoyed the trip to Fenway Park and talking to Red Sox CFO Tim Zue, as I realized I can connect my passions into business.

June Features

If you could describe accounting in one word, what would it be and why?

Dynamic — accounting is continuously changing and evolving as new tax laws and financial reporting standards are released. That is one of my favorite aspects of accounting -— there's always something new to learn!

What's your favorite way to de-stress and relax during busy college weeks?

I love going for walks or hikes, preferably somewhere in the woods. Spending time in nature helps me to keep stress at bay.

Any fun plans for this summer?

This year, I’ll be working and taking summer classes, but last year I went to the Greek islands for two weeks, so I'm okay with a more low-key summer this year. Hopefully I can squeeze in a few beach trips to the Cape!

What’s your go-to food or snack?

Recently I’ve been loving cottage cheese because you can make it sweet or savory, and it's packed with protein. It's the perfect snack!

How did you first learn about accounting?

My older brother studied accounting at Northeast Metro Tech and then chose it as a major in college. I’m currently attending Northeast Metro Tech and have been able to follow his path and study accounting.

If you had the opportunity to travel anywhere, where would you go? Why?

I would travel to Monaco because of the views and experience of the country. It's known for its sea borders and luxury, so I’d go shopping and also watch the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix that is held there every year.

Share a favorite movie scene and why you like it.

“So I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them.” – Perks of Being a Wallflower from the book and movie by Stephen Chbosky (one of my all-time favorite pieces of literature and film). I interpret the quote to mean that you don’t owe anyone an explanation of why you are the way you are.

What are 3 things you aim to do in your lifetime?

1. Attend and graduate college with a degree and ultimately a career that I am passionate about.
2. Attend a Formula One Grand Prix – I’ve always had a passion for motorsports and my favorite is Formula One.
3. Travel and move around the world to explore and immerse myself in different cultures and cities.

May Feature

How did you first learn about accounting?

My first true experience with accounting was taking an accounting class in high school. I took it to as an alternative to calculus and found it to be satisfying, easy, rewarding and I’ve been hooked ever since.

If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?

Stevie Wonder because his music is my absolute favorite thing in the world and he’s one of my favorite artists. I just would love to talk about not only his albums but the other albums of his time.

Share a favorite movie scene and why you like it so much.

At the end of Jordan Peele’s Nope (spoilers ahead), Emerald finally stops the giant alien and we get a shot of OJ riding his horse in the distance covered by smoke and haze. It just felt so complete watching that scene at the end of such a great movie.

What are 3 things you aim to do in your lifetime?

Learn a third language, expand my vinyl collection and live comfortably by the time I’m 40.

April Features

How did you first learn about accounting?

I was undecided in my senior year and my uncle suggested I give it a try. My first accounting class was during my sophomore year with a professor who is now one of my favorites!

What is something you work on in your free time?

Improving my health and growing my network. Studying is a big part of passing each semester, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important, as it will impact my motivation to study and attend my classes.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

"If you keep telling yourself you can't, then you might as well start falling." As someone who always wants to do better and climb higher, it’s important to be positive and have patience!

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Empathetic, determined and approachable.

How did you first learn about accounting?

As a young girl, my mother would bring me into work when she was doing taxes, and as I got older, I grew more interested. In high school I took an accounting class and really enjoyed learning the basics. After that, I was hooked and knew I wanted to pursue a degree in accounting.

If you could meet any famous person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Morgan Wallen. His music really calms me down in stressful situations and allows me to jam out in the car rides to and from school.

Share a favorite excerpt from a movie, book or poem. Why do you like it so much?

“There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.” — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

This quote provides a great perspective on how to handle challenges when they arise. Watching this movie when I was younger impacted my life in various ways due to the powerful quotes and meaningful sayings.

Share something about yourself that would surprise most people.

I am an only child. Growing up without any siblings taught me to be more independent and challenged me to be more outgoing. It has helped me interact with and present myself to new people.

March Features

How did you learn about accounting?

From my dad – ever since I was young, he shared his career and inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I always knew my future would be in accounting. I pursued internships in a variety of finance and accounting fields, learning as much as I could to benefit my future and become familiar with different fields and industries. I hope to further my accounting experience and knowledge as my career progresses through both college and my professional life.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Determined, self-motivated and reliable.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

I love adventures and trying new things. I enjoy hiking, camping and traveling, and having adventures with my boyfriend and family.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop having fun. Having something to look forward to has always been and will always be my motivation for everything, so being able to do that is critical to my future success. 

How did you first learn about accounting?

I always knew that I wanted to work with numbers and technology. Sitting in front of a computer and working on something I understand and master at sounds like The Life to me. I believe this job comes with confidence as a gift.

What excites you to study accounting or finance in the future?

The thought of spending the rest of my life working for bosses that were never qualified is enough to send me spiraling. Being able to make my own schedule and the opportunities to travel is exciting.

Share a favorite excerpt from a movie, book or poem. Why do you like it so much?

My favorite excerpt is from the movie The Little Prince and it goes:
“It is the time that you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose important.” In the movie, the little prince found a lonely planet with only one rose on it. That rose became his best friend and his love, but after a while he travels to a different planet filled with roses just like his and he becomes lost. His other friend, the fox, explained to him that just because there are a million different roses just like the one the little prince loved doesn’t mean it loses its value. The rose is not important because it’s a rose; it’s importance comes from the shared times and memories together that no other rose has.

Share something about yourself that would surprise most people.

One thing about myself that would surprise people is that I’m very spiritual. I love to ponder on the complex, it’s one of the ways I train myself to never be afraid of the unknown, and regardless of what happens as long as there is a tomorrow waiting for me I can always try again.