Education is the gateway to opportunities. For me, doors have been opened in my pursuit for knowledge. Though, this was no simple journey. I share that my personal story comes with the rise of systemic barriers in effort of attaining a postsecondary education. It has been an arduous journey that has pointed me in a direction of reformation. As an advocate for higher education, I staunchly believe in attainable and equitable opportunities for every student.I recently graduated with highest distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in economics and minor studies in mathematics, statistics, and psychology. I want to interweave my academic knowledge with my career goals in which I want to focus on economic research, specializing in areas such as the labor economics, economics of education, and public finance/policy. I plan to do so by pursuing education beyond my undergraduate experience in hopes of translating my knowledge into tangible work.Note: The views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond or the Federal Reserve System.