2011 The Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Melanie (Mimi) Johnson is a fourth-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. Mimi is an active participant and committee leader in the Alumni Scholars Club, Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honors 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, traveling surfing, swimming, running, and relaxing at the beach.

Future Plans: Mimi intends to work full-time after graduation with a public accounting firm and 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 Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship. This scholarship is greatly appreciated. It will allow me to continue to devote my time in finishing 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 in my final year. Furthermore, I will be able to continue 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 my hard work and dedication to my studies and activities. I would like to thank the donors of the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship for providing me with this opportunity.