Major in International Relations & Business by Deval

Major in International Relations & Business by Deval - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Growing up in a family-owned motel, I witnessed firsthand the power a business can provide in terms of financial stability and independence. Watching my mom balance the demands of running a motel while raising her daughters left a lasting impression on me. I followed her lead and helped wherever I could, developing communication skills by helping out customers, learning how to use platforms such as Gusto Payroll and ResMan Management Software, and understanding the difficulties and advantages of owning a business through my parents. With an appreciation for business, being raised in this environment also sparked my interest in international relations. While using my AP-level Spanish to communicate with a guest, I met a traveler from Honduras who was visiting for work. Our interaction allowed me to gain confidence in my ability to communicate with someone in a real-life scenario from the Spanish I had learned in school, which allowed me to gain insight from his experiences and pursue a similar path. Interacting with guests from different cultures and backgrounds opened my eyes to the global connections that businesses foster. This exposure led me to want to pursue a double major in Business and International Relations and Global Studies. However, what I admire most about business is its potential to help others. Growing up, I watched my mom offer affordable lodging to those in need, showing me how businesses can have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. Though I may pursue a different path from her, I want to use my education to make a difference not just locally, but globally. Combining my passion for business with international relations will equip me to address challenges on a global scale and contribute to a world where businesses drive positive change.