Numbers With Impact by Chuzam

Numbers With Impact by Chuzam - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

The first time I handled financial records on my own from my bookkeeping job, I was super cautious; I checked every single number at least three or four times. I went through the spreadsheet more than once, knowing that even the smallest mistake could potentially throw everything off balance. It wasn’t just about the numbers; for me, it was about accuracy, trust, and responsibility. That moment made one thing clear to me: over the next few years, I want to master financial analysis.
As a college sophomore pursuing a path in real estate finance, I’ve witnessed firsthand how inadequate financial literacy can ruin both large and small businesses. From a very young age, I’ve always had a strong interest in math and business. I enjoyed seeing how numbers affected real-life decisions. Over time, I've come to realize that being good at calculations is only the starting point; the real skill in finance lies in interpreting data, recognizing patterns, and making informed choices with real-world repercussions. My interest in this skill deepened during my time as a bookkeeper. It wasn't enough just to record transactions; I also wanted to understand what those numbers meant for businesses and individuals, and the impact they had.
I plan to develop this skill using three intentional approaches. First, through my academic coursework, I’ll focus more on finance, accounting, and economics classes that challenge me to apply what I learn to real-life situations. More than just passing my exams and getting good grades, I want to grasp how financial systems work, especially in unpredictable environments. Second, I’ll gain practical experience through internships with a commercial real estate investment firm like the Trammell Crow Company or Leon Capital Group. In this role, I will learn to underwrite acquisitions by building pro forma models, analyzing rent rolls, and calculating key metrics like IRR, cap rates, and debt yields. I've found that I learn the fastest when I leave my comfort zone and put myself out there.
Finally, I'll develop this skill by analyzing real-life financial situations, like tracking my expenses, researching property markets, or reviewing past case studies. Building this habit will help me remain consistent and detail-oriented over time. In the future, I want to use financial analysis not only for personal success but to make a real difference in the world of real estate. Growing up and seeing how the lack of structure and financial planning impacted communities, I intend to play a role in creating solutions that improve access to stable housing opportunities, especially in underserved communities like mine.