ACE Staff – School of Accounting Collaborative for Excellence

Tell us about yourself:
I am from Dallas, Texas and I graduated from undergrad here at Oklahoma State in May 2020 and plan to graduate from graduate school in July 2021. By July 2021, I will have hopefully passed all my CPA exams, but I will start working full time for BKD as a Tax Associate in September 2021. I’ve been taking one MS class per semester since May 2019. My first MS class was a study abroad trip to Ireland, which was incredible. Truly one of my favorite college experiences.

During my undergrad career, I became a Chi Omega and served our chapter through various philanthropic roles and participations. I was and still continue to teach Sunday School every week at Eagle Heights Baptist Church and love serving my community weekly.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I pursued an associate position with ACE to help pay for graduate school and to help me study for the CPA by teaching other students.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
My definition of an accomplishment might look different than most, but I'm proud of maintaining a consistently high GPA, serving my community weekly while keeping up with school, getting an A in Intermediate Accounting II, and fearlessly investigating potential career pathways through other majors (and finally finding one that I love).

 

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My best advice is to try to give yourself grace. All you can expect from yourself is to give everything you do your best effort. Sometimes the result of that might look exactly how you thought it would, or translate into a good grade. Sometimes, though, our best effort doesn't generate what we want, but that is okay. In fact, when we give something our all and it doesn't deliver what we thought it would, that is a great time to stop and evaluate our motivations and what we truly want out of life. Failure shouldn't make you less passionate about something, so if you put your best in, get a bad grade, and no longer want to pursue your major, maybe that's because it isn't truly your passion in the first place. Take that from someone who has changed her major twice!

Tell us about yourself:
This is my second year serving as an ACE tutor/Teaching Assistant for the school of accounting. I plan to complete my Master's degree in August of 2021 with my CPA certification and my CMA certification if all goes according to plan. My hobbies include reading, traveling, and playing board/card games with my family and friends. My future career goals are to work in public accounting and to work in Japan for at least two years. I am in the process of learning Japanese in my spare time in order to accomplish this. I look forward to working with all of you!

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
My main reason is because I get to work for one of my favorite professors and help her students better understand the material. Other reasons of course include helping accounting and finance students succeed in their course work and be well prepared to move on to the next step of their education. And finally, the tuition waiver that is offered to ACE tutors was a big factor in choosing to pursue a second term with the ACE program.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
These would include my selection as one of this year's PCAOB scholars and one of last year's Black Alumni Leadership scholars, my year-long term as the Chi chapter Beta Alpha Psi reporter, my participation in the Deloitte Audit Innovation Competition, and my role in last year's first Shakespeare on the Lawn production: “A Midsummer Night's Dream."

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Get help early and get help often. If you’re still struggling with a concept or assignment after utilizing all of your resources (videos, the textbook, etc.), visit ACE virtual hours, attend your TA or professor's office hours, or email a classmate for help. We are here for you!

 Tell us about yourself:
I am originally from Placitas, New Mexico which is slightly north of Albuquerque. I have one younger brother who currently attends OSU as well. I graduated from OSU with my bachelor’s degree in accounting in May of 2020. During the summer before my senior year of undergraduate, I completed my first accounting internship. I was very lucky to find a great local firm in Albuquerque that hired me as an auditing intern. Based on my personal preferences and personal goals, I was looking to work at a smaller-sized firm close to my hometown, and I had a great experience during my internship. I completed another internship at that firm during the summer of 2020, and my current plan is to work there full-time as an auditor upon graduation from the master’s program in July of 2021.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue an associate position with ACE for a few key reasons. First, because I believe it will be a very beneficial experience for me, personally. I believe that I will learn and grow as a person while working in ACE through experiencing things that I have never experienced before. Secondly, I believe in the mission of ACE. I know that accounting does not come easily to every student, and I am very glad that there is a resource for those students who are facing a challenge. I am happy to be a part of a program that is so beneficial to students!

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I have always had very high expectations for myself when it comes to schoolwork. I am really proud of the GPA that I was able to maintain during undergraduate, and I hope to keep it up in graduate school! I am also very proud of the fact that I went on a study abroad trip. During the spring break of my junior year, I went on the trip to Iceland through CAGLE. I did not know anyone who was going on the trip previous to signing up, and that was a bit scary. However, I went anyways and it was absolutely one of the best weeks of my life! I would highly encourage study abroad trips if you are able to go (and once COVID allows it).

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
I think that time management and the ability to stay organized are two of the most important skills that I learned during undergraduate. My planner is absolutely my best friend, it is extremely helpful! Being able to juggle multiple things at once without someone reminding you is a very beneficial life skill to have. I would advise current OSU students to try to stay organized as much as possible and learn how to manage your time best. Especially in this mostly-online environment, self-discipline and self-learning will be more important than ever.

 Tell us about yourself:
I am a M.S in Accounting student from Olathe, Colorado. I came to Oklahoma State to be involved in the Collegiate Bass Fishing Team. I have been member of the OSU team since 2016 and President since 2018. In this time I have represented OSU all across the country in Collegiate Bass Fishing tournaments.

I graduated in December of 2019 with a B.S in Finance from OSU and will be finishing my Master’s in Accounting in May of 2021. After graduation I plan to pursue becoming a licensed CPA. I plan to stay in Oklahoma and start my career in public accounting as an auditor.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I have always enjoyed helping others with class work. I have found that is a great way for me to learn is to explain something to someone else. I have done other tutoring positions in the past and really enjoyed it. For me, applying to be an ACE tutor was a no brainer!

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
• 4-time Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship Qualifier
• 2020 Top 5 Finance Senior
• Qualified for Presidents Honor Roll and Deans List all 7 semesters as an undergraduate

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Get involved! Find a club or organization that you are passionate about and be an active member.

 

Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in Nowata, which is a small town in the northeastern part of Oklahoma. Graduating with only 76 people, OSU was an adjustment, but a good adjustment. I started out by majoring in accounting, and never changed my pathway. My involvement included the National Society of Leadership and Success, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Beta Alpha Psi, and the OSCPA as a student member. I became interested in the graduate program during my freshman year and decided that was something I wanted to pursue. I graduated from Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor's in accounting.

Next summer, I will finish my master's in accounting and begin taking the CPA exams. In August of 2021, I will begin a career with HoganTaylor in the Tulsa office. Hopefully, I will pass all four parts of the CPA exam by the end of that year.

Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I started college having no idea what I wanted to pursue, and went with a suggestion from my high school math teacher. She had mentioned doing accounting and how it would fit my personality. Having no knowledge of accounting or even really what it was, I declared my major. As each class came and went, I began to realize how correct she had been. Accounting meshed with my personality in a way no other field would have. I chose OSU because I had grown up going to football games and loved everything about Stillwater and OSU. As a third generation OSU legacy, there was no other place I wanted to be. OSU had been a part of me since the day I was born. It has been two of the best decisions I have made.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
Starting my freshman year, I set a few goals for myself for the next four years. One was that I would make the honor roll, every semester, even if it was the Dean's list, and to never make a C. Another goal I had set for myself was to graduate with honors as one of the cum laude distinctions. The last goal I set for myself was to join a new club every year so I could meet new people and experience new things. I am proud to say I accomplished every goal I had set for myself. The largest accomplishment, personally, was being accepted into the graduate program here at OSU. Starting out, I never knew I would stay longer than four years, let alone get a second degree. When I found out about the accounting graduate program, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I am very proud to continue my education here at Oklahoma State.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current undergraduate students would be to make sure to join a club or student organization of some sort, especially one that pertains to your major. I joined Beta Alpha Psi my sophomore year, and it led to the job I have after graduation. I got to know many people I would not have met otherwise and meet with companies I never knew existed. Had I not joined, I probably wouldn't have my job lined out. Also, always attend class. You never know what might happen that day. It could be as simple as hearing one thing during lecture that saves you on the test. Last but not least, have fun! You might think graduation is a long way away, but trust me, it is not. Those four years fly by faster than you think, and you don't want to look back and wish you had more time (you probably will either way, but cherish the moments).

Tell us about yourself:
I graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor's in Accounting. Currently, I am completing my Master's in Accounting. I hope to sit for the CPA exam this summer. In August, I will move to a new location to begin a two-year rotational program with Textron, Inc. Some of my favorite hobbies include running and drinking coffee!

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
In undergrad the ACE tutors and TAs were very helpful to me. I would love to help others!

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
My biggest accomplishment here is that I am part of the 2019 Women's Cross Country Big 12 Championship team!

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Never be afraid to reach out to those around you!

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Avery Hassen and I graduated Spring 2020 with a degree in accounting. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Accounting with a focus in financial reporting in auditing. After graduating with my master's in spring 2021, I will be working at EY in Oklahoma City in the audit practice.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I chose to pursue an associate position with ACE because I utilized ACE so much during my undergrad years, and I am looking forward to helping students like the associates used to help me!

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I am most proud of graduating a year early and maintaining a high GPA!

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
The harder you work the luckier you get!

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Brooke Johnson and I am currently pursing my Masters of Accountancy at Oklahoma State University. I am originally from Kingwood, Texas where I grew up with my twin brother and older sister who are pursuing a career in accounting as well.

I plan to graduate with my Master’s Degree in May of 2021 and start work full-time for PricewaterhouseCoopers in September of 2021. In between graduation and starting full-time I plan to study for and pass my CPA Exam.

During my free time, I enjoy runs around boomer lake, coffee chats with friends, and spending time with friends and family.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue an associate position with ACE because I have a passion for helping students succeed. My entire educational experience, I have been surrounded by and built relationships with teachers and professors who fully supported me and my plan for the future. The relationships I built have encouraged me to share the knowledge I gained with students who are following a similar path.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is earning a spot on the Academic All Big 12 Team for the 2017-2018 softball season.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
I would advise current students to learn as much as possible. I would encourage students to focus on expanding their knowledge of accounting rather than focusing on the numerical grade. If students focus on learning as much as possible in every class, the desired grade will follow.

Tell us about yourself:
I am Julia DuBois, and I am from Poteau, OK. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in accounting in December of 2019, and I am currently in the MS program with a focus in tax. After graduating with my degree and CPA in Spring of 2021, I will start work with Grant Thornton as a Tax associate.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I wanted to help students with sharpening their accounting skills especially in a more individualized setting.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree a semester early with a 4.0. I was a President’s distinguished scholar, and a top five accounting senior.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
If I were to give any advice, it would be get involved, and do it early! It might feel awkward at first, but the friends and connections made will be extremely valuable both during your time at OSU, and long after.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Andrew Morris and I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduated from Oklahoma State with undergraduate degrees in finance and accounting in December of 2019. Both of my parents graduated from Oklahoma State so it felt like a natural fit from the start. After completing my master’s degree, I will be moving to Chicago and working in JP Morgan's private bank as a wealth management analyst.

Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
No matter what discipline of business you are pursuing, accounting will be at the foundation of your understanding of that discipline. If that foundation is strong, you stand a better chance of providing value and innovation in the workplace from a more extensive knowledge of the financial underpinnings of a company or industry. I grew up going to events on campus so the university has always been a natural fit for me. This paired with a strong accounting program made for an easy decision in universities.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
• 4.00 undergraduate GPA in finance and accounting
• Vice President of my fraternity
• Treasurer of the Interfraternity Council
• ACE Scholar
• Financial Executives International Outstanding Student Award
• Full-time employment opportunities

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
It's okay to try really hard at something and fail. It's cliche, but every disappointing situation has at the very least a silver lining of lessons that can be learned from the process. Never use a negative outcome as an excuse to not keep trying, that will only serve to ensure you never reach your goals. 

Tell us about yourself:
I graduated from Oklahoma State in May 2020 with my bachelors in accounting and am now pursuing my masters. I plan to graduate with my masters in May 2021 and hopefully pass CPA in the summer following. I have accepted a full-time position with Ernst and Young starting in the fall as part of the assurance staff.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
ACE was a great resource for me as an undergrad student and I wanted to now be the help students needed. I also pursued a position with ACE to help review for the CPA exam and build better connections with professors and staff at Oklahoma State.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I had the amazing opportunities to serve in leadership positions through my greek chapter, which provided me great skills to use in both my personal life and career. Through my undergraduate education, I was a part of PLC and numerous honor societies where I met great people. I was also able to study abroad and had the time of life. I graduated Cum Laude and made the President's and Dean's honor rolls multiple semesters.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
One piece of advice I would give current students is to always have an open mind and to try something once. You never know what organizations or people you will meet that change your life for the better. Once you find your niche as OSU, don't spread yourself too thin and take care of yourself.

Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in a small town, Cleveland, OK. I graduated from Cleveland in 2017 and started OSU in the Fall of 2017. While at OSU I was a student-athlete, involved in several business organizations, and loved hanging out with my friends that I met in that process. I graduated with my Undergraduate degree in Accounting in 3 years in Spring 2020. Throughout my college career I interned with a gas/asphalt trucking company in Missouri, MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City, and BKD in Tulsa. I am starting the MS Accounting program in Summer 2020 and could not be more excited to share this experience with my classmates and learn and grow from this experience. Go pokes!

Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I started accounting at a young age and it seemed natural. I always knew I was coming to OSU because of the people and atmosphere. I would not have changed any of it for a second.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I finished my undergraduate degree in three years, while being a student-athlete. I maintained a high GPA, receiving several academic awards and scholarships throughout my time.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Make sure you have time to sleep, eat, and shower. Those things seem easy but college gets busy. Make the most of it because OSU has brought me some of my best friends and memories that will last a life time.

 

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Morgan Thomas and I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduate with my MS in accounting in the Spring of 2021 and plan to work for Grant Thornton following graduation.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
During my undergrad, I was a frequent visitor to ACE. So much so, I got to know a few of the tutors pretty well and they were crucial in my decision to continue to pursue accounting and not give up. I hope to pass that on to another upcoming student. I could not have done undergrad without ACE, so I wanted to be a part of keeping it alive and well.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
Some of my most proud accomplishments include the relationships I have built in my time at OSU. A resume or position in life is only temporary but the friendships I have built at OSU will last a lifetime. I look forward to continuing to build more relationships as a tutor in ACE.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
During my undergrad, I was a frequent visitor to ACE. So much so, I got to know a few of the tutors pretty well and they were crucial in my decision to continue to pursue accounting and not give up. I hope to pass that on to another upcoming student. I could not have done undergrad without ACE, so I wanted to be a part of keeping it alive and well.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Vanessa Velasco and I’m from Tulsa, OK. I graduated in May 2020 with majors in Accounting and Finance and I plan to graduate in May 2021 with my Master’s in Accounting. I’ve held a variety of jobs ranging from sales associate to server to dance coach. I’ve interned at ONEOK in Tulsa, OK in the summer of 2019 and PwC virtually this past summer. After graduating, I plan to sit for the CPA exam and begin my career in public accounting at PwC in Tulsa as an audit associate.

Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue a position with ACE because I personally benefited from it. I’ve been there several times when I needed help and I would like to help others the way I have been helped.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to complete two undergraduate degrees in just three years. In addition, I’m also proud that I was able to secure two internships, one at a Fortune 500 company and another at a Big 4 accounting firm.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current OSU students is to get involved. My biggest regret from my undergraduate career is not getting more involved and meeting more people. I’ve made great friendships through the jobs I held, but I wish I had been in more clubs.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Jordan Yee and I am a graduate student currently working on my master’s in accounting. I completed my bachelor’s degree in accounting at Oklahoma State University in May of 2020. I am originally from Stillwater, OK and I have loved being able to attend college in my hometown. In my free time, I enjoy going fishing and camping trips. I currently work in the front office for the Stillwater Area Sports Association handling enrollment into the various sports programs. I do not currently have a job lined up for after graduation. I plan on taking the CPA exam following the graduate accounting program. I am excited to finally finish up my academic career and graduate in the summer of 2021.

Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I was unsure of what I wanted to do after graduating high school. I entered the business school at OSU as a general business major. I really enjoyed my first two accounting classes and that lead me to switch majors.

What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I was able to graduate in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a 4.0 GPA. I was a member of Beta Alpha Psi for two years.

What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current undergraduate students would be to keep doing their best. It is really easy to get distracted from school work. Life gets in the way of going to class and studying. Keep up the hard work so that they will be able to graduate on time. Going to class and taking notes is the easiest and most effective way to stay on top of school work.