With only four scholarships given in the state of Colorado each year, Hannah Perez was one of the recipients chosen and the first ever CU Denver recipient to receive the prestigious Financial Executives International (FEI) Financial Executive International Scholarship Award.
Perez, earning her BSBA in Accounting and working towards an MS in Taxation, was recommended by faculty for the scholarship. Each nationally accredited university can only recommend two students for the award. Nominees must have an excellent GPA, demonstrate potential leadership and problem-solving skills, and major in either finance or accounting.
Having to write an essay explaining how she exemplifies leadership and problem-solving skills, Perez used multiple concrete examples of how she exudes these qualities.
As a single mom to three children, Perez chose CU Denver because of its proximity to home and because it felt more comfortable than other campuses. “It is a great school for a non-traditional student,” Perez shared.
“It is a great school for a non-traditional student.”
Perez noted, “This scholarship means that I can continue my schooling while still having time to raise my kids. It is very important to me that my children’s childhoods do not ‘suffer’ because I am juggling work and school.”
This scholarship has not only lifted some financial burdens, but it also has allowed Perez to complete her bachelor’s degree on time.
Perez advises her fellow students to get involved with extracurricular activities. School is more than what you learn in books, and experiences can teach you things you cannot learn in a classroom.
“The most important thing I have learned is that most employers are less interested in what you know and more concerned with what you can do. You do not have to be in the top of your class to be the best person for the job,” Perez added.
“The most important thing I have learned is that most employers are less interested in what you know and more concerned with what you can do. You do not have to be in the top of your class to be the best person for the job.”
Perez has had to overcome various obstacles to continue her education, but she like so many other nontraditional students is what makes CU Denver Business School so unique. Working hard and staying involved is what has set Perez apart from the crowd, and we can’t wait to see what her bright future holds.
CU Denver students have won regional and national scholarships for their dedication and academic excellence. Recently, five accounting students won prestigious scholarships from the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (COCPA) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PAOB).
The CU Denver Business School raises hundreds of thousands of dollars through the support of donors and partners to provide for need- and merit-based scholarships for our top students. These scholarships lift the financial burden from students and let them focus on succeeding academically.
Written by: Carmen Hawkins
Contact the author: carmen.hawkins@ucdenver.edu. View more articles by Carmen Hawkins
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