2010 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Melanie (Mimi) Johnson is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Business-Economics and Psychology, with a Minor in Accounting. Mimi grew up in Redondo Beach, which made it very easy for her to decide that she wanted to stay in beautiful Southern California. She graduated from Redondo Union High School as co-Valedictorian of her class. Mimi is an active participant and committee leader in the Alumni Scholars Club, Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honors Society, Student Accounting Society, and Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society. She enjoys community service and continues her work with students with special needs on campus. In her free time, Mimi loves spending time with friends and family, surfing, swimming, running, and relaxing at the beach.

Future Plans: Mimi hopes to intern with a public accounting firm in the summer following her junior year, and to obtain a full-time position with the firm following graduation. She hopes to earn her CPA license and continue a career in public or private accounting. She is looking into earning her Masters in Business Administration or a Juris Doctor degree in the future.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly honored to be awarded the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting. This scholarship is greatly appreciated. It will allow me to continue to devote my time in pursuing a top notch education at UCLA. With less pressure to finance my education, I will be able to focus more on academics, research, and community service. Furthermore, I will be able to take advantage of the numerous career-oriented workshops and events on campus that help me cultivate the skills necessary to achieve my professional goals. Additionally, I will relieve the burden on my parents and embark on the path to financial independence. This award recognizes my past achievements and encourages me to continue that hard work and dedication to my studies and activities. I would like to thank the donors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Scholarship for providing me with this opportunity.