The three words people often use to describe me are professional, influential, and self-driven. My journey into the world of business and accounting began in high school, where I discovered my passion for leadership, problem-solving, and making an impact.As president of my high school’s GSA, I led impactful projects like Kindness Week and the Day of Silence. One of my mentors, Emily Patrick, described me as someone who “handles every meeting with professionalism and is always pushing others to do more for the community… passionate about changing the world.” This experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could lead, innovate, and drive positive change.In high school, I also launched Elysa’s Vinyl Stickers, a small business that became well-known among my peers. That early entrepreneurial experience taught me the basics of running a business and sparked my desire to major in Business Administration. Today, I’ve grown that entrepreneurial spirit into Crafted by Torres, offering services such as tax preparation, resume help, presentation design, and social media management. This business allows me to combine creativity with my passion for empowering others to achieve their goals.I’m now a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Accounting (expected May 2026). As a 2022 Terry Scholar, I’m proud to represent one of only 15 students selected for this prestigious scholarship, awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and volunteerism.My academic journey is complemented by hands-on professional experience. As a Staff Accountant, I prepare complex tax returns, maintain organizational systems, and assist with tax research. Previous roles as a Tax Intern and Business Development Intern strengthened my technical skills in software like Lacerte, Salesforce, and QuickBooks Online while teaching me the importance of teamwork and continuous learning.Through coursework and projects at UT Dallas, I’ve honed skills in marketing, project management, and data analysis, thriving in environments where creativity meets strategy. Whether delivering a pitch deck to judges, creating a marketing plan, or growing my own business, I approach every challenge with passion and determination.Looking ahead, I’m excited to leverage my business and accounting expertise to drive growth, inspire innovation, and empower others. Let’s connect and create something impactful together!