2017 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Michelle Phan is a third-year Business Economics major and Accounting minor. Born in Vietnam, she moved to the U.S. at a young age and grew up in Orange County. Michelle graduated from Bolsa Grande High School in 2015. Throughout her academic career, she has put every effort into maintaining the highest level of academic achievement possible. Experiencing the disadvantages that financial challenges bring about as she was growing up, she has learned the value of financial independence and realized the value of a college education. Michelle is a first-generation college student in her family. She endeavors to pursue her career success, become a role model for her sister, and repay her parents for their sacrifices. This past summer, she attended the Big Four’s Summer Leadership Programs and received early internship offers, of which she picked Deloitte.

Future Plans: Michelle will be interning at Deloitte this summer. She will be joining the Orange County Audit Team to gain exposure to the corporate world and receive hands-on training within the professional service. After graduation, Michelle plans to become a Certified Public Accountant. She is also considering becoming a Certified Financial Planner. After a few years, she would like to pursue an MBA. In the long run, she wants to start her own business. She hopes that her knowledge in business, economics, public accounting, and finance will substantially benefit her in pursuing her long-term career goals.

What does this scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship. I feel extremely grateful for the Wark Family’s generous financial support and investment in my education. I am humbled by their recognition of my past achievement and confidence in my potential for future successes. I now feel even more driven than ever to continue working hard and strive to honor this recognition. This scholarship will help reduce my financial burden and allow me to focus on pursuing my educational dreams. One day, I hope to be able to pay it forward to the community.