Duke (Progress) Energy Carolina Scholar 
Oakbrook Preparatory School
Spartanburg, South Carolina 
Accounting 

 UofSC helped me learn to prioritize what is important, both in work and in life. 

Impactful experience: 
In Spring 2020, I took a study abroad Spring Break trip to London for an insurance class. In addition to meeting with risk management firms about their respective fields, I also learned what it was like to exit a country as the world was completely shutting down for COVID. It was real world experience I had no idea I had signed up for. 

Enjoy most as a TS:
The community of Top Scholars has always been the most enjoyable part about being a Scholar for me. 

Story: 
When I got to campus in the fall of my freshman year, I entered as an undeclared business major hoping to find which subject I enjoyed the most. Enter Introductory Financial Accounting, a class people told me I would loathe. I ended up enjoying the subject so much, I met with my professor, Debbie Brumbaugh, outside of class to discuss her career to see if accounting was the route I might want to choose. Four years later, and I am prepared to head back to South Carolina graduate school in the fall to get my Master’s degree in the subject. My first accounting class and Debbie Brumbaugh helped me figure out my pathway through classes in college. 

Post-graduate plans: 
William will be returning to the University of South Carolina Graduate School to get a Master's Degree in Accounting.   

Career goals/professional aspirations: 
I want to become a public accountant, working on the tax side. Long-term, I want to work in tax planning and strategies in a client facing environment.