Listening, Learning, and Leading: My Journey to Impact by Victor

Listening, Learning, and Leading: My Journey to Impact by Victor - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

“Have you ever stopped to truly listen?" This question, posed during my National Honor Society presidential campaign, wasn't just a rhetorical device. It was a turning point that shaped my approach to leadership and innovation. Rather than listing my accomplishments, I focused on the needs of my peers. This mindset has guided me through high school and will continue to shape my path as I pursue a future where technology bridges the gap between dreams and reality.

In high school, my knack for listening was often seen as quirky, but it became my superpower. Joining the Robotics Team, I noticed their struggle with fundraising. They were brilliant with tech but traditional in their approach to raising funds. By listening to their needs and those of my fellow athletes, I launched a mobile snack cart, which not only raised funds but also fostered a sense of community. This experience taught me the importance of merging creativity with practical solutions, a lesson I plan to carry forward.

Looking ahead, I see myself as a leader in social entrepreneurship, using technology and business acumen to address critical social issues like affordable housing and education. My education at Illinois Tech, particularly through programs like Tech+ and the Stuart School of Business, will be instrumental in achieving this vision. Illinois Tech's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experience aligns perfectly with my goals. The Stuart School of Business prepares students for a tech-driven world, offering a curriculum that bridges business and technology, which is exactly what I need to thrive in the future.

One of my proudest achievements was a housing initiative inspired by my high school experience in Costa Rica. Working on an unofficial project with my Spanish teacher to provide clothes for students from Central America opened my eyes to the power of quiet impact. Building homes for single mothers in Costa Rica taught me that Spanish wasn't just about conjugating verbs but about making connections. At Illinois Tech, I aim to further develop these skills, particularly through programs like Elevate, which guarantee hands-on experiences and mentorship.

In ten years, I envision myself leading initiatives that make significant social impacts, using the skills and networks I will build at Illinois Tech. The university's focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, especially through the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, will equip me with the tools to create businesses that are both profitable and dedicated to social good.

Ultimately, my journey is about more than just personal success. It's about listening, learning, and leading with empathy. It was initially through my high school experience and further developed in college that I began to see that creatively and confidently approaching opportunities at the crossroads of business and technology allowed me to serve and benefit two communities. First, the tech geniuses who could focus on their innovative work while I helped to facilitate funds and bring their creations to the public. Two to the public and community, whose lives became better because of the resources that technology provided. What I learned from my education and where I hope to be in ten years is at that pivotal crossroad of business and technology, where I stand in service listening.

I hope you walk away with this—listening is not just a skill. It's a philosophy. By truly listening, we can address our communities' needs, driving change and innovation.