Tammy N., 20 – Funded

Meet Tammy N. (she/her), a Bold Futures Scholarship winner who is pursuing Accounting and Finance at University of Houston.

What is your dream?

My dream is to become a Certified Public Accountant and build a long-term career at a Big Four accounting firm, where I hope to one day become a Partner. I am already taking meaningful steps toward that goal through my experiences at Deloitte, where I completed a Discovery Internship in Summer 2025 and am currently a Discovery II Intern in Summer 2026.

These opportunities have allowed me to explore different areas of accounting and confirm that this is the career I want to pursue.

I chose accounting because it is the foundation of every business. It goes beyond numbers by providing organizations with the information they need to make informed decisions and navigate complex challenges. As I’ve gained hands-on experience, I’ve discovered that accounting is both analytical and strategic, while also requiring strong communication and adaptability.

After exploring both audit and tax, I have become especially interested in tax because it combines technical knowledge with collaboration and problem-solving. I enjoy working through complex issues and finding practical solutions that create value for clients. I am also excited by the opportunity to continuously learn, adapt to changing regulations, and make a meaningful impact throughout my career.

Please share how you feel about the win and what impact it will have on your career.

This scholarship is an investment in my future and a testament to the hard work and perseverance that have brought me to this point. It brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a CPA!

What advice do you have for others reaching for their dreams?

My advice is not to let self-doubt decide what opportunities you pursue. For a long time, I convinced myself that my accomplishments were due to luck rather than my own abilities. It wasn’t until I challenged myself to apply for opportunities that felt out of reach that I realized growth comes from taking chances, even when you don’t feel completely ready.

Confidence doesn’t always come first. Rather, preparation and perseverance do. Trust your hard work, seek guidance from those around you, and don’t count yourself out before others have the chance to believe in you. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of ability, but believing you deserve to succeed.

What else would you like to share about you and your win?

Hi, my name is Tammy N., and I’m a Business Honors Junior at the University of Houston pursuing a double concentration in Accounting and Finance. I balance my academics with real-world experience as an Accounts Receivable Assistant at a private rental property company, where I develop financial analysis and client management skills.

Outside of work, I mentor high school students and freshmen, teach SAT preparation, and teach Vietnamese to third graders, allowing me to give back to my community while strengthening my leadership and communication skills.

I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Bold Futures Scholarship. Being chosen is a meaningful reminder that my hard work and dedication toward my education and career have been recognized. This scholarship will help me continue pursuing my goal of becoming a CPA by allowing me to purchase a new laptop. My current laptop is over six years old and struggles to run the accounting software and data analysis programs required for my coursework, such as Excel and Tableau. Having a reliable laptop will better prepare me for my classes, future internships, and CPA exam preparation.