2007 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Born in on August 24th, 1986, Paul Evan Wong spent his formative years growing up in Alameda, California. In 2004, Paul moved to Los Angeles upon successful matriculation to the University of California at Los Angeles. Now entering his fourth year, Paul is currently pursuing a major in Business Economics and a minor in Accounting. In addition to his primary major, Paul is also seeking a second major in History as a means of broadening his education. Considering universal academic pursuit a life-long interest and goal, Paul enjoys many other academic disciplines, including Political Science, Psychology, and Astronomy among others. Prior to attending UCLA, Paul completed high school, graduating cum laude, at the Head-Royce School in Oakland, California.

Future Plans: This fall, Paul will begin his fourth year at UCLA. Academically, Paul hopes to begin an honors thesis in economics and complete the necessary courses in accounting in order to be eligible for a CPA upon graduation. Through his remaining course work, he hopes to gain an international perspective on business and economics. In June 2008, Paul intends to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UCLA. During the year, Paul will also continue his search for a job upon graduation. He hopes to gain a few years of valuable work experience to begin his career before attending business school. Completing business school, he aspires to work as a financial consultant within the hi-tech industry. Ultimately, Paul’s hope is someday run his own computer company, which provides affordable products to low-to-middle income households in a progressive eco-friendly manner.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship means very much to me, and it shall provide me with numerous opportunities that are invaluable to my growth, both as an academician and as a person. Without such a scholarship, I would be hard pressed to participate in the Economic Departmental Honors Program. The aid that the scholarship provides, has allowed me to go to focus on my studies much more intensively. Also, such assistance will allow me to search for an ideal place to being my career upon graduation from UCLA. Lastly, this scholarship will allow me to participate as a student-athlete during the winter on the UCLA Ski Team. All in all, the generosity of the benefactors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship has made these invaluable experiences possible. To them, and the Department of Economics at UCLA, I am grateful.