Toilet paper – viewed my most as a mundane item, it astonishingly sent me on the roll of my life. Attempting to aid my family amid the pandemic’s shortage, I began scouring the Internet for this precious commodity. After an exhaustive search, I discovered a website offering a 12-pack and reluctantly clicked purchase.

After weeks of waiting and unsuccessful attempts at contacting the company, I was resigned to the fact that I had been a victim of fraud, which wiped the smile off my face and plunged me into a state of embarrassment. As I researched more about consumer fraud, I discovered that over two million Americans are scammed annually. While I had no immediate solution, I resolved to use my toilet paper debacle as an impetus for positive change.

Entering high school, I was inspired to compete in the New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl, which tests knowledge of the State’s Consumer Fraud Act. Working with peers, I enhanced my ability to perform research, identify scams, and evaluate risk. Unfortunately, by studying the material, I became aware of the elder fraud catastrophe across America.

Galvanized to protect society’s most vulnerable members, I hosted workshops at senior communities across New Jersey, teaching hundreds of elders how to avoid scams, identify phishing attempts, and conduct due diligence on their financial advisors. Through these workshops, I cultivated meaningful connections and realized that with humor, honesty, and patience, I can create a dynamic space for shared learning and growth. I remember one interaction with a woman who was defrauded a decade ago and had been too distressed to seek support. I will always heed her wise words: “Be proud of your mistakes and channel them into successes.”

Recently, as I walked through a supermarket to pick up a pack of Charmin, I had to smile; my blunder has led me to a greater understanding of unscrupulous practices and has shaped me into a more informed, empathetic person. As a Forty Acres Scholar, I will continue to grow through my mistakes and apply what I learn to help everyone’s lives roll in the right direction.
 

Major
Canfield Business Honors Program

Honors Program
Canfield Business Honors Program

Other Academic Interests
Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
Two factors: the people and the opportunities. At Finalist Weekend, everyone had a captivating story to tell. Whether I was with a finalist, alumnus, or current scholar, I was struck by every conversation and interaction I had. I can confidently say that there will never be another three-day stretch in which I connect with so many amazing people. Additionally, I was inspired by the wealth of opportunities available through FASP — an exclusive network, retreats with your cohort, and endless enrichment activities, to name a few. This program truly has it all and I cannot wait to form lifelong memories with my cohort these next four years!