As has been done for a number of years, the Dallas CPA Society again awarded scholarships to several bright and deserving students attending colleges and universities in the Chapter’s geographic area.  The students (there are six this year) are either graduate accounting students or seniors majoring in accounting at one of the following schools: University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Arlington, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, and Texas A&M – Commerce.  The recipients are chosen by the Scholarship committee based on an extensive application that is submitted and due diligence that is subsequently performed by the committee members.

Thanks to each of you who have contributed to the scholarship fund either directly or as part of the dues check-off.  Your contribution enables the Chapter to continue to recognize and support some very qualified and deserving future CPAs!

We will spotlight one student in each newsletter and give you a little background information about each of them.  If you happen to know one of them, please congratulate them for their accomplishments; they, and others like them, are the future of our profession!

Daniela DeAnda

My name is Daniela DeAnda.  I was born in Laredo, TX.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (with a concentration in Finance) in 2005 from Texas A&M International University.  I graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors and was the valedictorian for the graduation ceremony.  I worked as a commercial credit analyst for approximately three years where I analyzed corporate and personal tax returns, and audited financial statements to determine the eligibility of the applicant for a loan. 

Currently, I’m pursuing a Masters in Professional Accounting at the University of Texas at Arlington and I’m expecting to graduate in December 2009.  I chose the accounting profession because I would like to become a CPA and because this profession demands high ethical and professional standards for their members.  Also, I decided to become an accountant because my experience as a commercial credit analyst made me discover my enthusiasm and interest in this profession.  I would like to work as either an auditor or tax consultant for a CPA firm or for a company.  I enjoy taking classes of taxes and audit because they are challenging and interesting. 

Two of my biggest challenges that have helped me get to where I am now are Spanish being my first language and having worked full time while taking two graduate classes.  I had to overcome Spanish as my initial language and transform it into a benefit; being bilingual has opened opportunities not only at school but also at my places of employment.  Working full time and taking two graduate classes helped me focus my efforts and dedicate myself to prove that I can be successful managing my time between school, job, and family.