"What is your chosen major and why did you choose it?

Name some reasons why your major is important to you and detail some of the things which have led you towards this path. Bonus if you can a select a book that has had a significant impact in helping you make your decision.
I chose business as a major because it is a field that exemplifies flexibility as well as universal practicality. Current professionals draw from all corners of life to unravel convoluted problems and work on the answers for the questions of tomorrow. Business encompasses every aspect of our lives, and as such, requires an approach that recognizes it as multidimensional, fluid, and constantly changing. More specifically, I chose to major in accounting within the business school because of the wide range of opportunities that that accounting lends itself to. Accounting isnt just about numbers; its about understanding the operation of an entire company and figuring out the processes that make it work. I really enjoy learning more about the connection between finance and the decisions that went into making those choices. I have always been an avid researcher into the complexities of answering why, and I think that accounting gives me a way to answer my questions. Data in the modern world can be rich and detailed information that effectively conveys key ideas across to other individuals. Data is the connecting string that ties the different levels of an organization together. Without accounting, business loses its coherency. A book that really helped me in my decision to major in accounting was Robert Kiyosakis Rich Dad Poor Dad. While I had originally picked it up for a cursory read through, I realized that the book was more than just anecdotal experience. The book actually taught me a great deal about how to be financially savvy and introduced me to the field of accounting. The author slowly immersed the reader in the financial world by introducing some accounting terms. One of the terms that he introduced was the difference between assets and liabilities, but he did it in such a way that it was entertaining and easy to remember. I really felt like the book taught me the importance of being financially literate and not just ignoring the fine print. After reading, I felt like I could decipher and analyze some of the numbers on my bank statements. More than that, the author heavily emphasized that financial independence came from understanding the financial world. This book really prompted me to become more than just an outsider who didnt understand the inner workings of the finance industry. I was determined to better educate myself so I could further understand how to navigate the business world. The way that Robert Kiyosaki viewed the world showed me a different perspective on how to do business and invest my savings. After Rich Dad Poor Dad piqued my interest in choose a major in the field of business, I did some further research on the industry. I learned about the relatively recent scandals within the industry that were based on false accounting, such as with Enron. Enrons complicated financial statements and unethical practices led to the company using accounting loopholes to misrepresent their true earnings, as well as modifying the balance sheet from what it truly was. I was strongly moved by the shareholders

who lost much of their wealth due to the company purposely misrepresenting themselves on their financial statements. I truly believe that by choosing accounting, I can be part of a new generation of business professionals who can ensure that no such falsification will continue to occur. By choosing accounting, I can positively impact the individuals in my community and take steps towards positive economic change. I feel that the companies who leverage business and accounting in a strategic way gain a key advantage. By having a clear visualization of their finances, companies can easily envision where their future path lies, or how to change and adapt to the current needs of the economy. All companies, whether large or small, and no matter what their industry is, can benefit from strong accountants. Through effective use of numbers, business professionals can streamline their processes in a way that supports informed decision making. We live in a reality where business figures prominently in every aspect of our lives. It helps direct our decisions and guide professionals on the right path. I think that the role of accounting has recently taken a big step forward, and now figures prominently in the business and business management field. As the wave of numbers keeps spreading, philosophies and tools about how to manage this data should change to adapt to this influx of data. Individuals who realize the importance of accounting are poised to become future leaders and innovators, and that is why I chose accounting as a major.

I think that a career in energy truly allows for an understanding of how the world works. By working with energy, you gain a unique understanding of how to harness the Earths natural resources. Energy provides the backbone for all of our activities, and I am very interested in being part of the process that powers everyday life. Since I come from Houston, I am very aware of the impact of the oil industry in Texas, and how the energy industry here has helped grow the community. I would also like to have a chance in the future to be able to impact the community I live in. On top of that, I believe that a career in energy has great potential for growth and expansion. I think that you are able to access an unlimited range of opportunities by choosing to focus in energy. Since energy is such an all encompassing field, your work can range across the globe, and that aspect really appeals to me. My ideal work environment would be with a company that would offer me the chance to fully realize my potential. I think that a place where growth is not only heightened, but also encouraged would truly push me to develop myself as an individual. I would also highly value the opportunity to contribute my own thoughts and ideas, and have the ability to communicate with not only my coworkers, but also management. As for culture, I think that a team based, collaborative spirit would increase productivity. And of course, I am looking for an office culture that reaches out to the community and is willing to recognize that work and play come in equal measures. I think that the SHIELD scholarship truly enriches the college experience. Besides relieving my financial burden, the enrichment services that the SHIELD program provides would truly be beneficial to my personal development. I could enhance my college university by engaging in a more fulfilling experience of campus culture. Although I am already part of several on campus organizations, I am sure that there are more out there that I have been unable to discover. I will be enable to enrich myself as an individual

and further develop my leadership skills. I also believe that I will be able to learn more about Phillips 66 as a company and the goals and values that inspired them to create this scholar program.