Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal: Poullas, Stephania

Share the Dream essay by Stephania Poullas

 My name is Stephania Poullas and I am a freshman planning to pursue a degree in Business with a focus on Accounting and Finance. My parents come from Greece, a country rich in history and culture and I am proud of my Greek heritage, which has instilled in me strong Christian values such as integrity, compassion and perseverance. Additionally, my father is a U.S. Marine Veteran and I am proud of his service to our country. From him, I have learned to fight like a warrior and from my mother, I have learned to think critically like Socrates. My family is close-knit, consisting of my parents, siblings and extended relatives. My sister is an UMass graduate in Medical Laboratory Science and my brother is currently completing his MIS degree at the university.

Throughout my life, I have faced and overcome various obstacles, including adapting to new environments and balancing responsibilities while pursuing my education. One of my greatest accomplishments has been participating in the College Now program, which allowed me to start college coursework early and prepare myself for higher education. I am also passionate about traveling and meeting new people, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my desire to learn about different cultures and communities. I actively participate in my church and community activities and value the connections I have built through these experiences, which continue to motivate me toward my academic and personal goals. One of my proudest accomplishments is that I have been working since I was 14 years old, which allowed me to buy my commuter car with little help and build a strong work ethic. This experience has helped me create a working resume that demonstrates my drive, responsibility and accomplishments. My family has always emphasized the importance of education and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.

I chose to enroll at UMass Dartmouth because of its reputation for providing quality education, affordability and its supportive environment for college students like myself. It is also close to my parents' home and I have the option to commute if my finances do not allow me to live on campus. The College Now program played a significant role in my decision as it offered me a valuable transition into college life helping me develop essential skills such as time management, critical thinking and independence. The most helpful components of the program have been the mentorship opportunities. I also appreciated the opportunity that the program offers to earn college credits while still in high school as it can make the transition to college smoother for many students. Overall, I am very grateful for this support and guidance as it help me transition to college schoolwork. I also enjoyed working closely with my program instructor. Thank you!

My motivation to stay in school is driven by my desire to build a better future for myself and my family. College has been different from what I expected as I initially thought it would be solely academic but I have found it to be a place for personal growth, networking and discovering my passions. I am committed to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus on Finance and Accounting to equip myself with the skills necessary to succeed in the corporate world and contribute meaningfully to society. I also enjoyed meeting students from different countries and learning about other cultures. I have a great roommate as well.

I believe that education is a powerful tool for personal growth and for creating positive change in society. My goal is to use my knowledge in finance and accounting to help small businesses and entrepreneurs especially those in underprivileged communities to grow and succeed. One change I would like to see in the world is peace and greater financial freedom and access to economic opportunities for all regardless of background. I believe everyone deserves freedom and the right to pursue happiness.

Philanthropic donors should consider supporting my education because I am dedicated, hardworking and driven by a genuine desire to give back. My career aspirations include becoming a financial advisor or accountant who specializes in helping local businesses expand and thrive and eventually have my own business. By achieving this, I hope to benefit my family, contribute to my local community and eventually make a positive impact on my society. I want to be part of a movement that promotes financial empowerment and economic development, ensuring brighter futures for those who need it most. Ultimately, I aspire to be a person of dignity and compassion, guided by a strong ethical and moral compass to serve all my fellow citizens.