Grace Trujillo (Fin, Acct’26)
Faces of Leeds Snapshot
Commencement Reflections
The kind of impact I hope to make in my career is being someone people can rely on to follow through, put in the work, and take pride in doing things well. Even if my contributions start small, I want to consistently show up, add value, and earn trust through my effort and accountability.
Looking back, I didn't expect that being so numbers-focused would become one of my strengths. Over time, I realized I genuinely enjoy working through problems, analyzing details and finding clarity in data, which has helped me grow both academically and professionally.
College opened my eyes to how important it is to stay adaptable and keep learning, whether that is gaining insight across different areas or learning how to leverage new technology like AI. It showed me that hard work is essential, but combining that with curiosity and adaptability is really what sets you apart, and that's something I plan to carry with me in my career.
Post-It note with a guiding principle: Always show up, be the hardest worker in the room, and be a good person while doing it.Ìý
One aspect of the Leeds experience that made a real difference for me was the environment and all the super smart people around me, because it pushed me to hold myself to a higher standard. Being surrounded by motivated and driven individuals challenged me to work harder, stay disciplined, and recognize the importance of supporting others and building meaningful relationships.
ÌýA turning point for me in college happened when I realized that success isn't about having everything come naturally or perfectly. It's about showing up every day, being the hardest worker in the room, and being willing to learn as you grow. That shift in mindset helped me become more confident, more resilient, and more willing to take on challenges.Ìý