When AlayViona was 13, she didn’t see college being part of her future. “Being a naive teenager, I saw college as a waste of money,” she recalls. But her dad didn’t see it that way—he believed college was important. By high school, she recognized the opportunities college could provide and made the ambitious decision to graduate a full year early.
Now a finance major at Howard University, AlayViona is thriving in the very environment she once questioned. “I love the college experience so far. Howard has so many opportunities, especially for students in the School of Business. There’s always something to do, and it’s been amazing meeting people from all over the world.”
Finding passion through purpose
AlayViona’s interest in finance started early. At just 13 years old, she was inspired by someone she saw sharing their experience with trading on Instagram. That spark led her to start researching how investing works and eventually began investing on her own. “I’ve always been into business and finance,” she shares. “I love reading financial books and studying the stock market.”
Her long term goal is to build a career in financial planning or wealth management. “I want to help people understand their money and make smart decisions,” AlayViona says. “I’ve always loved volunteering and helping others. This is how I can continue doing that through something I’m passionate about.”
AlayViona recently completed the IRS VITA/TCE certification to become a volunteer tax preparer at the basic level—another way for her to use her financial knowledge to serve others.
She’s also laying the foundation for her career. In her first semester at Howard, AlayViona earned a fellowship with Goldman Sachs, where she’s gaining real-world exposure to the financial field.
Help navigating the next step
AlayViona first learned about College Possible through flyers at her school, then connected with a coach who helped guide her through the college application process.
Before joining College Possible, I felt somewhat comfortable with applying to college, but I didn’t really have anyone to ask questions. College Possible changed that,” she reflects. “My coach walked me through everything and has been a constant support system even now.”
As a first-year student juggling classes, a job, and several student organizations, time management has been one of her biggest challenges. “I was being pulled away from assignments because I wanted to be involved in everything. My coach helped me figure out how to balance it all while keeping my academics a priority,” she says.
That balance is especially important given her academic goals. She’s currently maintaining a 3.5 GPA required for her HU Opportunity Scholarship and a Nebraska-based NAIFA scholarship—both awarded for her strong academics and extracurricular involvement.
Building a community and a career
Outside of the classroom, AlayViona is staying connected to her culture and building her professional network. She’s active in the African Student Association, Nigerian Student Organization, and National Association of Black Accountants.
“It’s been really nice going to school out of state,” she shares. “I’m meeting people from all different backgrounds, and being part of these organizations helps me stay connected to my culture while preparing for my future.”
Eyes on the future
Despite only being in her first year, AlayViona’s goals are crystal clear. In the short term, she’s focused on maintaining her GPA, securing a summer internship, and earning enough scholarships to fund her second year. She’s also exploring a personal interest in modeling and hopes to pursue that alongside her finance career.
Through hard work, determination, and a growing network of support, AlayViona is charting a path that’s entirely her own. “If you put in the time for something you really want, it does pay off.”
