As a freshman at Virginia Tech, I am currently undecided in the Pamplin School of Business but plan to declare a major in marketing. Marketing has always fascinated me with its dynamic blend of creativity, analytics, and the ability to influence consumer behavior. My interest in marketing began in high school and has already grown tremendously since starting at Virginia Tech. In high school, I was very involved in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), which is where I found my passion for marketing. Junior year I created an Integrated Marketing Campaign for the Thrive Causemetics makeup company, where I developed promotions and constructed a plan to increase profits for their business. Senior year I continued with my DECA journey by acting as a consultant for The Children’s Place with an Operations Paper. Both projects placed in the top five at the NJ state competition, qualifying us for the international competition. In the summer of 2023, I attended the Summer Scholars program at the University of Notre Dame. I was fortunate enough to take the two week course, “Marketing for the Common Good”, and learn from experienced and intelligent professors. This experience solidified my passion for marketing and equipped me with new skills. As I think ahead to my academic and professional goals, I want to pursue marketing as a career - not merely as a job - but as a way to connect with people, shape perceptions, and contribute to the success of businesses. I am proud that Virginia Tech is the place that will help me to do so!