Intro to Honors
Initially, I present my 'I Am' and 'I Want to Become' statements, crafted in 2023 to assess my current position and future aspirations. These statements serve as a benchmark for reflecting on personal growth and continuity by comparing them with my recent analysis.
Following this, I share my journey maps from 2023 and 2025. Since initially mapping my journey in H200, my goals have evolved while still aligning closely with my anticipated path.
When I first joined Indiana University Indianapolis, I was driven by a deep passion for finance, shaped by both my personal experiences and my disciplined approach to learning. As I progressed through the Kelley School of Business Honors Program, my understanding of finance expanded beyond theoretical knowledge to practical application, equipping me with the skills to make meaningful financial decisions. Throughout my academic journey, I have honed my organizational abilities, critical thinking, and leadership skills—traits that are essential for success in the financial sector.
At the beginning of my honors journey, I identified myself with the following statement:
“I am motivated by both my parents' upbringing and my own experiences. I've inherited both my ambition and my meticulous attention to detail, transforming them into a pursuit of education. As a dedicated student, even days of intense studying provide me with a sense of relief as I work proactively toward my future. My aspiration is to become a financial manager specializing in corporate finance.” - Written Auguest 28, 2023
At that time, I was focused on academic success, prioritizing discipline and structure in my studies. I was driven by a desire to prove myself through rigorous coursework and meaningful extracurricular involvement, such as participating in IUPUI’s Academic and Civic Engagement (ACE) club.
I want to continuously challenge myself, develop my leadership capabilities, and uphold my personal standards of empathy, open communication, and accountability. Success is not just about completing tasks—it’s about learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact. As I transition from student to professional, I want to use my education to its fullest potential, gaining leadership experience and embracing lifelong learning.
Today, my ambitions extend beyond academic achievement—I now seek to apply my education to create tangible financial impact. My refined strategic thinking, organizational expertise, and analytical mindset will serve as the foundation for a career in corporate finance. With this mindset, I am prepared to step into a financial leadership role in the coming years, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and determination to excel.
Reflecting on my growth, I have evolved from a student focused on academic excellence to a developing finance professional with hands-on experience. Since writing my original statement I have gain real-world experiences through my positions at STAR Financial Bank. During my Commerical Sale Intership, I conducted financial analysis, credit assessments, and market research, strengthening my ability to make data-driven decisions. Transitioning into my role as a Commercial Credit Associate, I have taken on greater responsibility in monitoring credit accounts, analyzing financial statements, and preparing credit reports. Through collaboration with senior associates, I have strengthened my risk assessment skills, attention to financial compliance, and ability to evaluate creditworthiness.
Creating this journey map allowed me to reflect on my childhood and the profound impact it has had on shaping who I am today. Each member of my family has served as a strong role model, instilling in me values such as faithfulness, resilience, and independence. Staying true to these principles while maintaining self-awareness of areas for improvement has been instrumental in my growth as a student.
Looking back at my first journey map, I see how my early experiences laid the foundation for the person I have become today. Every milestone—whether personal, academic, or professional—contributed to my growth, shaping my values and aspirations. From my first job at Kurtz’s Produce to becoming an OTeam Mentor, I developed a deep understanding of work ethic, financial responsibility, and leadership. Receiving a full-time offer from STAR Financial Bank marked the culmination of my hard work, networking, and skill development. As I prepare for graduation, my focus has shifted from learning foundational skills to refining my expertise.
Orginal Goals:
Secure strong academic performance (GPA)
Gain financial industry experience through interships
Focus on personal financial sucess
Current Goals:
Build a strong foundation in commercial lending and financial strategy to support business growth
Leverage my network for strategic career growth and mentorship opportunities
Apply financial expertise to drive business and economic impact
Comparing my initial goals with my actual journey highlights both alignment and evolution in my career aspirations. This journey map captures who I was and what I valued at the time, and while my goals have evolved, the core lessons remain the same. While I always aimed for a career in finance, my hands-on experiences refined my interests, particularly in commercial banking, credit analysis, and economic development. Through my experiences, I’ve grown into a forward-thinking financial professional who understands that success is not just about individual achievements but about driving meaningful, long-term impact. While my core passion for finance remains unchanged, my approach and ambitions have evolved, positioning me for a career where I can combine strategic financial decision-making with leadership and economic development. I am leaving Kelley Honors not just as a graduate, but as someone readt to shape the financial landscape, lead with integrity, and create sustainable value in the business world.