Where are you from?
I am from Hickory, N.C.
What high school did you attend?
I attended Fred T. Foard High School.
Graduation Dates:
May 2019 – B.S.B.A. in Finance
May 2020 – M.S. in Mathematical Finance
In your opinion, what are the three best things about UNC Charlotte?
- Strong alumni network
- Located in one of the largest financial centers in the nation
- The CEO Speaker Series
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place at UNC Charlotte would have to be the Greenway Trail meandering through campus. Whenever I have been affected by writer’s block, walking or running along the trail has served as the perfect environment for developing new and creative ideas.
What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?
Although an extremely tough decision, I must settle on The Cowfish. I always arrive with a large appetite for two entrees: The Shroomin’ Swiss Burger, and the TNT Sushi Roll. To conclude this delicious meal, I usually stroll over to The Cheesecake Factory for a delectable slice of cheesecake.
What is your favorite class that you have taken and why?
My favorite class that I have taken at UNC Charlotte is Macroeconomics with Dr. Amato during my sophomore year. During this course, students were tasked to complete a group research paper by the end of the semester. My group focused on examining the role of the Federal Reserve and U.S. financial institutions in the Great Recession. Learning how to reason through a highly complex topic, to develop correlations within the research, and to communicate one’s ideas effectively are skills that will be useful throughout my scholastic career and into my professional career.
Tell us three random things about yourself.
- I interned at Bank of America in the Consumer Banking Analyst Program.
- I am an avid listener of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast.
- I sponsor a child living in the Dominican Republic through Compassion International.
What majors are you pursuing and why?
I am studying Finance in the Belk Scholars Program. As a Belk Scholar, I plan to continue my education at UNC Charlotte in pursuit of a Master of Science in Mathematical Finance. I chose this field of study due to the complementary aspects of mathematics and finance, in combination with my interest in understanding the function of the financial markets.
Why did you choose the Belk College of Business/UNC Charlotte?
After being accepted into the Belk Scholars Program and meeting the Director, Dr. Amato, I quickly became aware of how focused the Belk College of Business was in preparing students for their future careers in a dynamic, data-oriented business environment. When considering my options of where to attend college, it was this program that attracted me to UNC Charlotte. In addition, Charlotte is one of the largest financial centers in the nation. Being interested in pursuing a successful career in the finance industry, the decision to study at the Belk College of Business was a no-brainer.
What activities are you involved in when not working/studying?
I am the President of the Financial Management Association, a member and mentor in the Business Honors Program, a representative speaker for the Belk Scholars Program, and I serve on the Judicial Board of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?
Growing in an environment that promotes intellectual curiosity has been the best part of my academic experience so far. A critical aspect of an exceptional undergraduate program is the provision of an environment where students are engaged in discussion and learn the skills necessary to solve complex problems. Whether learning how mixed-used development impacts the local economy in a course about urban transportation and development or attending a Business Honors presentation regarding the role of investment banks in the finance industry, UNC Charlotte offers a plethora of opportunities for students to develop intellectually.
How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone who is thinking about applying?
The Belk College of Business is a launching pad to a successful business career. The world-class faculty and exceptional alumni network are invaluable.
If you have received a scholarship or financial aid, how has that helped you?
I am grateful to the donors of the Belk Scholars Program for offering me a full scholarship and the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. I am also thankful to receive the John P. D. Cato Scholarship. Witnessing the joy and relief on my parents’ faces will be a lifetime memory. Not only has it alleviated financial concerns, but it has also given me the confidence to pursue opportunities that have come my way.
