Each year Continental Bank provides scholarships at the Eccles School of Business for first-generation students. In 2020 Continental Bank awarded scholarships to both Diana Nguyen and Logan Berger. Diana and Logan had this to say about their scholarship awards and personal journeys.
Diana Nguyen
“I’m so grateful to and excited to see that you are investing in me and my future. I am extremely touched because you chose to believe in me and my goals. I am a Salt Lake City born-and-raised, first-generation student majoring in Finance with an Advanced Financial Analysis (AF A) emphasis. Growing up, my parents did not have much knowledge about managing money so my family really struggled with our finances. One of the most prominent financial hardships we’ve experienced was losing our home when I was very young. This was what originally sparked my interest to learn more about finance and how to manage my own money so that I could support my family. I joined the Academy of Finance to learn exactly that: basic accounting and personal money management. When I got to college, I was introduced to the finance major and learned that it was more than just financial planning and managing money; there were fields such as private equity, corporate finance, and investment banking. I really enjoyed the introduction class, which encouraged me to talk to staff, alumni, peers, and professionals to get advice on how to enter the industry and what it takes to be successful within it. I loved the idea of potentially being a part of these business deals and transactions that you always hear about in the financial markets. The more I learned about finance and banking, the more I fell in love with it.
The farther I’ve progressed into my major, the more I’ve realized there are very few women and minorities and little to no resources and guidance available to them. I was the only woman in one of my finance classes and one of the few women that participate in finance club. This discouraged me from reaching out for help when I had questions. Many of the internships or professional development opportunities took preference to men in the industry. This male-dominated world is intimidating, deterring women and minorities from entering the industry. Because of this imbalance, I want to be a voice and advocate for those who are discouraged, forging a path for those like me. I plan to provide the resources, empathy, and compassion that others in the industry cannot provide. It is my goal and passion to make sure that women and minorities are properly represented within finance.
College has given me so many great opportunities to participate in such great programs. I had the chance to join the Business Scholars Program as an advocate and even took on the role of the CEO for the innovation showcase hosted annually at Lassonde Entrepreneurship Institute. I was accepted to be the Chief Operations Officer of Business Leaders Incorporated business school, became the Students Organizations Lead this past year, and will be returning as the Chief of Events and Training for this academic year. I’ve made so many meaningful friendships and have learned so many things in my classes. I’m so thankful for all of the things I’ve learned in attending classes and participating in extracurriculars. College has also allowed me to expand my experience professionally as I’ve received the opportunity to work in investment banking, private wealth management, and data analytics.
I am extremely grateful of your support throughout my educational journey, as I am one step closer to achieving my dreams. It truly means so much to me, and I cannot thank you enough. My family and I are deeply moved that I have the opportunity to continue my college attendance, learn, make meaningful relationships, and be able to make a difference in the world.”
Logan Berger
“As a recipient of the 2020-2021 Continental Bank Scholarship, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for funding this scholarship.
I would like to start by introducing myself. My name is Logan Berger, and I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. My parents raised me to believe that a college education is not necessary to be successful, but through hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything you want in life. Neither of them attended college so I was at first unsure if college was the right choice for me. My parents were not fond of the idea of me attending college but after much discussion with them, I convinced them that it was the right choice. I have family in Utah and through my visits, I had become familiar with the campus. I always thought it was a beautiful campus and it was first to come to mind when considering college options. I still strongly believe and respect the values that my parents taught me. However, I now feel that obtaining a college education combines well with my hard work and determination to help me achieve my full potential.
When I first began college in the fall of 2017, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do as a career and which major would help me achieve this. I had considered a major in engineering or some business field, however, after attending a Business Scholars information session, I knew this was the program for me. I knew to apply immediately with every hope to be accepted into a program this elite. I am in my second semester of my sophomore year, and I have decided I want to major in finance. Once graduated, my intention is to pursue a path in commercial real estate with my end goal being venture capitalism. I currently am interested in learning more and pursuing the stock market and cryptocurrency. I look forward to joining the finance club in the David Eccles School of Business next year, but unfortunately, the current meeting schedule conflicted with my class schedule.
The David Eccles School of Business has already given me great opportunities through the Business Scholars Program. They have allowed me to travel to Dallas, Texas and Saint George, Utah all while introducing us to some of the top companies across the United States. They have given me opportunities that I never thought I would have through social networking and internships.
This scholarship means a tremendous amount to me because it allows me to focus more on my education rather than my finances. It has filled my entire family’s lives with bliss and appreciation. This is an outstanding opportunity that you are giving me. My words written in this letter could never repay you for the act of kindness you are extending to me. I am forever grateful for the chance to use this scholarship to help me pursue my education, dreams, and goals in life. I hope one day I will be successful enough to do the same as you and give back to hardworking students.
Again, I am truly appreciative of this opportunity, and I wholeheartedly thank you.”
Each year Continental Bank gives out scholarships we are happy to hear how these awards help first-generation students. As they continue their journey through education and their careers we are excited to see how each of these promising students develop.
