2015 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Susanna Rafalovich is a third-year Business Economics major and Accounting Minor. She joined Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VUA) in her first quarter at UCLA and has continued to pursue her interest in the accounting world ever since. The following summer she was an accounting intern at SD Mayer & Associates, LLP. She participated in summer leadership programs with the Big Four and other firms in 2015. She has also been a dancer her entire life and has pursued this passion at UCLA through HOOLIGAN Theatre Company for which she has both performed and choreographed.

Future Plans: Susanna is looking forward to her summer internship at Deloitte in the Audit practice. She intends to graduate a quarter early to have more time to take—and pass—the CPA examinations. She hopes to be invited to start full-time at Deloitte and obtain her CPA licensure.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am beyond honored and grateful to have received this award. Financial independence upon graduation has always been a goal of mine and I have worked to alleviate the financial burden on my parents. Although I have learned a lot at my job as a Senior Student Supervisor at Lu Valle Commons, it takes time away from school and extracurricular activities. Thanks to the Professor Harry Simons Scholarship donors, I look forward to spending less time at work and more time studying and exploring my interests. Furthermore, the recognition motivates me and reaffirms my dedication to pursue accounting. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.