Although applying for scholarship applications can be time-consuming, School of Business student Victoria Favela ‘23 believes that it is better to have tried than to not try at all.
“There are risks in everything, so why not just give it a go?” says Favela.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Favela moved to the Menomonee Falls area with her family about eight years ago. She chose Carroll because she did not want to stray too far from family while attending college. Favela was also interested in pursuing a degree in accounting with a CPA emphasis.
Aside from pursuing a minor in business analytics, Favela will also receive a minor in art next fall. She has found that the perfect balance for her accounting major is her love for art – specifically, painting and drawing. Favela aims to take an art class every semester, but otherwise enjoys working on personal projects at Carroll’s art center.
When she first visited Carroll, she immediately loved the community feel and was impressed by the kindness that students and professors exuded on campus. Favela also realized early on that she would excel the most in smaller classroom environments, where she could be seen and heard by her professors – especially when she needed it most.
"I am delighted to have met and befriended my wonderful professors,” said Favela. “I know that I will be staying in touch with such influential people in my education and career after my time at Carroll.”
Naturally, when accounting professor Courtney Malloy told Favela about a national accounting scholarship, she began to work closely with School of Business professors Julio Rivera and Lisa Zajc to apply.
“Victoria is skilled as an accountant and an analyst, but she brings more to her work and life than quantitative skills,” said Rivera, William B. Yersin Professor of Applied Business Analytics. “She is an artist who continues to work and develop her art. Victoria also has a strong social conscience and some of her data projects have focused on important social justice issues.”
Malloy introduced her to This Way to CPA, a website fueled by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), to help students prepare for their CPA exam. There was no cost to become a student affiliate member, which gave her access to special webinars and opportunities for scholarships provided by the AICPA. There, Favela discovered the AICPA Legacy Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students. When she was awarded $5,000 for the 2022-23 academic year, Favela was honored.
“Receiving this scholarship from the AICPA Foundation has done wonders beyond what words can describe,” said Favela. “It has eased tension in paying for my education; the focus can be on my schoolwork rather than on how to manage paying for it, for the sake of both my parents and me.”
Favela also says that the experience has given her higher confidence in herself.
“If my professors, loved ones and the AICPA Foundation have the utmost faith in me, I should too,” said Favela. “Responding to the questions in the scholarship application gave me a better picture and understanding of what I wanted for myself. Answering those intimidating yet important questions about where you see yourself in the future and what steps you need to take to get there – can set you up in the right direction for your journey in this lifetime.”
As to whether the time and energy spent searching for and applying for scholarships is worth it, Favela encourages others to think about how beneficial the opportunity can be.
“When you are on the fence of putting energy into writing and submitting an application, think about how beneficial it can be for your loved ones and yourself," said Favela. “Whichever way it may go, be proud that you put yourself out there and gave it a try. You are worthy of accomplishing your dreams.”