From the Fields to Finance: My Journey to Becoming a CPA

Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t grow up learning about money from books—I learned about it working in the fields. 

From a young age, I understood what hard work meant. Long days under the sun weren’t about building experience for a résumé—they were about helping my family get by. Money wasn’t something we discussed in terms of investing or saving. It was about survival, paying bills, and making ends meet.

As the eldest daughter in an immigrant family, responsibility came early. I helped translate, fill out paperwork, and navigate systems my parents weren’t familiar with. At the time, it felt normal. Looking back, I realize those moments shaped how I approached challenges and built my sense of responsibility.

Choosing accounting in college wasn’t casual—it was intentional. I wanted to understand the financial world that always felt out of reach. I wanted to learn how money works, not just to succeed personally, but to help my family and others like us. 

The transition into college wasn’t easy. I often felt behind, surrounded by students who seemed more prepared or familiar with business concepts. I was learning everything from the ground up while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. There were moments of doubt, but quitting was never an option. 

Instead, I leaned into growth. I attended workshops, asked questions, and looked for opportunities outside the classroom. Slowly, things started to make sense. Accounting became more than a subject—it became a tool. A tool to understand systems, make informed decisions, and create opportunities.

Today, as I work toward becoming CPA-eligible, I carry my story with me. It reminds me of why I started. This journey is about more than a career—it’s about impact. It’s about helping others feel confident with money and showing that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.

From the fields to finance, this journey is just the beginning.