Class: 2021

Hometown: Frederick, MD

Major: Information Systems and Finance

Why I decided to enroll at the University of Maryland:  The University of Maryland is an institution that has provided opportunity to many families and students from across the nation. My own family has developed a recent history with the institution through the college experiences of my older siblings, each of them going on to earn a degree in their respective fields and later employment practicing those degrees. After seeing my acceptance into the Robert H. Smith School of Business, I did not hesitate to enroll.

Why I chose business:  I had always known that I wanted to be working at the forefront of business. This developed from my passion with technology, statistics, and working with people. When confronted with my acceptance, I had initially chosen to pursue a degree in business information systems. Once I had started to take more courses required for the general business degree I took interest in the world of finance as well.

Activities I do outside of class:  Currently I am employed by the University of Maryland to serve as a resident assistant within its facilities. This places me in a position to assist other students while they adjust to college life. Outside of this work, I serve as the vice president of the Smith Business Academy. With this organization we continue to achieve our goal of forming a brotherhood of motivated, minority men which strives for academic and personal excellence.

Honors and awards I have received at Maryland:  Thus far I have pursued the Dean's List award for students who achieve academic excellence during any semester of college. I also aim to achieve awards surrounding my role as a resident assistant, whether they be scholarships or awards of recognition such as RA of the Year.

After graduation, I plan to:  Currently I wish to be able to begin my career with companies such as Bloomberg, JP Morgan, or Capital One. While understanding that long-term success will need me to incorporate hard-work, smart planning, and networking to advance my professional career; I do not plan to forget giving back to those who supported and educated me. I hope that my brothers within the Smith Business Academy will allow me to pass on knowledge to the next cohort of young men.

Letter:

Dear Ms. Duong, Dr. Nguyen and Mr. Nguyen,

I would like to express my gratitude toward receiving this generous scholarship. Your endorsement over the past two years has changed the direction of my life for the better. My family, who have supported me all throughout this endeavor, are beyond grateful for your assistance. This scholarship has continued to motivate me to continue to accomplish my goal of graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor 's and acquiring the Bachelor of Finance and Information Systems and the Master of Information Systems degrees.

When we last met, I was ecstatic to tell you both about m y employment to the University of Maryland as a resident assistant. I 'm happy to report that in this area, I have managed to advance to become the head resident assistant of my residence hall. Since this has occurred, it has allowed me to be further in control of activities and resources required by my staff. Meanwhile it positions me to guide and pass knowledge to the 74 UMD freshmen assigned to me. I have been enjoying supporting them the same way I wished that someone else had done for me during my own freshman year. This makes my job a daily enjoyment and fills me with pride when my residents succeed. In the classroom, I have been steadily tightening bonds with classmates and professors alike. Learning all can and garnering support in recommendations toward career opportunities and higher-level academic programs which will be available in the spring semester of 2020.

Coming to the end of a rigorous fall semester, I am happy to state that I have done my best and I am hoping to have aspired to your expectations. All of these things I have accomplished so far, it has been your support making them possible.

Sincerely grateful,

Luis Daniel Fuentes