Biography: Xiaohong Huang is a rising junior at UCLA, majoring in Business Economics with a minor in Accounting. As a first-generation college student, she has always been driven to achieve academic excellence, fueled by her passion for learning and determination to excel in her studies of Economics and Accounting. Xiao is also passionate about engaging in community service because she believes it makes all resources and assistance more accessible to people living in underprivileged communities. On campus, Xiao has participated in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to provide low-income individuals and families with free tax return filing services. She has also engaged in One Bus One Cause, providing assistance to local communities, including helping with food insecurity, promoting urban wildlife habitat, and fostering educational opportunities in elementary schools. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, building Legos, hiking, and exploring new places. 

 

Future Plans: In the short term, Xiao’s academic focus is on completing the necessary accounting class units, a vital step towards her goal of qualifying for the CPA exam and earning the certification to become a Certified Public Accountant. After graduation, her career ambition is to secure a tax position within the Big Four’s international rotation program. She believes this role would provide her with invaluable exposure to diverse global experiences, fostering a mobile mindset essential for thriving in today’s interconnected business landscape. In the long term, her aim is to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to offering free or affordable accounting and financial services to a broader spectrum of low-income individuals and families, promoting financial literacy, and making financial resources more accessible in underprivileged communities. 

 

What this scholarship means to me: First of all, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the generous donors of this scholarship and to Professor Harry Simons. I am deeply honored and thankful to have been selected as the recipient of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting. Receiving this scholarship not only alleviates my financial burden of pursuing higher education but also allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my academic and professional endeavors within the field of accounting. This scholarship enables me to uphold my commitment to community service with my professional knowledge and give back the kindness I’ve received. Moreover, it serves as a source of inspiration, reminding me of the unwavering support and encouragement I have received throughout my academic journey at UCLA and empowering me to keep moving forward.