Accounting seemed to catch my attention when I least expected it. I began college as a marketing major, not entirely sure of what I wanted for my future. I would think of potential career options, but none I could actually picture myself doing for the majority of my life. Scared of the future, and anchored to my past, I quickly realized that the present is the only thing I have control of. This realization pushed me to explore new areas outside of my initial field of study, leading me to discover my passion for accounting- a field I had originally overlooked.

It was during my first accounting class where this newfound interest fascinated me. Throughout my life, I have always gravitated towards structure and precision — traits that I found translate directly into the accounting concepts I was learning. It wasn’t just the numbers that stuck out to me; it was the systematic approach to understanding and managing those numbers, making it evident how closely my personal qualities were mirrored into the field of accounting.

This journey has also sparked a specific interest in forensic accounting, an area I am eager to learn more about. It is a specialization that combines my passion for accounting with a strong desire to protect the public. Despite not knowing what I wanted for my future, the one thing that I have always known is that I want to help people and make a difference in the world; whether big or small. My commitment to pursuing a career in forensic accounting stems from a strong aspiration to utilize my skills in accounting, not just for economic efficiency, but for the greater good.

As I look forward to becoming a CPA, I am driven by the positive impact I am going to make on individuals, businesses and society as a whole. It’s going to be a challenging path, but it also promises a rewarding career where I can not only excel in a supporting work environment, but also contribute meaningfully to the communities I serve.

While embracing accounting in this new chapter of my life, I’ve learned that fear of the unknown is normal, but it should never deter us from exploring new possibilities. This journey from uncertainty to discovery has taught me the value of being open to change and the importance of finding work that aligns who we are with what we dream to accomplish. Accounting, for me, is not simply just a profession — it is the perfect combination of a career that combines my skills, interests and aspirations in a way that I could have never imagined when I first stepped foot at Rowan University. Through this transition of my life, I am no longer afraid of the future. I am excited to have the opportunity to discover who I am and how I can make a difference in the world.

This article was reprinted with permission from Rowan University. Kathryn Meehan won honorable mention in Rowan's "Celebrating Success" accounting essay award program in May.