Working Towards a Brighter Tomorrow by Melissa

Working Towards a Brighter Tomorrow by Melissa - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my educational journey, I have been blessed with the support of various mentors who have consistently inspired me to pursue my passion for sustainability. Among them, one person stands out in particular: Mr. Rod Tolliver. Rod Tolliver has been my boss and mentor since my junior year of high school. Although he is not a traditional teacher, his role in my life has been no less significant. Mr. Tolliver has guided me both in the professional world and in my personal growth journey. He has offered invaluable insights into business, self-care, and the importance of continuous education.

My connection with Mr. Tolliver first began when I started working for him at Tolliver’s Financial Services about two years ago. Mr. Tolliver founded Tolliver’s Financial Services in 1984 after earning his Accounting degree from the Scadren College of Business in San Bernardino, California. Although I initially accepted the job to gain experience and learn about business, it quickly became clear that Mr. Tolliver was bound to play a major role in my aspirations. He often shared stories and gave me advice on the complexities of entrepreneurship and business management.

One of the most significant lessons Mr. Tolliver taught me was the importance of lifelong learning. He explained that in an industry like business, one had to consistently stay informed and adapt to new challenges. This was something I hadn’t put much thought into before, assuming that once I completed my formal education, I would have all of the knowledge I needed to succeed in business. Through conversations with Mr. Tolliver, I realized that education does not stop after graduation. In fact, I learned that it’s imperative to keep up with industry trends, regulations, and emerging innovations. This lesson has been particularly important as I continue to pursue a career in sustainable business. Because of this, I now better understand that in order to lead change, I need to stay informed and be proactive in my learning, whether through courses, mentorship, or real-world experiences.

Moreover, Mr. Tolliver has had a profound impact on my understanding of the financial aspects of business. It wasn’t uncommon for him to share stories about the early days of Tolliver’s Financial Services. During one story in particular, he shared that he was working at a grocery store during the day and going to school at night in order to sustain his business. He explained that he had struggled financially and had to rely on his savings until the company became profitable. It was stories like these that have given me a more realistic view of what it takes to open and sustain a business. From this, I learned that success in entrepreneurship requires far more than just a business plan–it requires financial literacy, patience, and resilience. This has shaped the way I approach my own aspirations, especially considering that my goal is to work in a field as niche as sustainable energy.

Furthermore, Mr. Tolliver emphasized the importance of a balanced life, particularly when it came to juggling financial freedom and personal health. Because of his experiences of being newly married while working full-time and attending night classes, maintaining a healthy work-life balance was something that came near and dear to his heart. This helped me realize that while ambition and dedication are important, it’s equally crucial to take good care of myself in order to maintain my emotional well-being and avoid burnout. His advice about putting my health first has influenced my approach to managing my academic and personal commitments as I continue my studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

In addition to these invaluable lessons, Mr. Tolliver has consistently supported me throughout my professional journey. He has given unwavering support, pushing me to pursue my goals and stay focused on the long-term picture. His mentorship has helped me believe in my ability to make a meaningful difference in the natural world through sustainable business. The knowledge and wisdom he provides have been instrumental in shaping my career path and motivating me to keep striving toward my goals.

While I have had many influential teachers and mentors throughout my life, none have had as lasting an impact as Mr. Tolliver. His guidance has given me the tools and mindset necessary to succeed in both my academic and professional endeavors. Through his mentorship, I have learned the importance of continuous education, financial literacy, work-life balance, resilience, and influence. I know that one day, I will be able to be someone else’s “Rod Tolliver”, influencing others to strive towards global sustainability so that, together, as a global village, we can move towards a bright and healthy future for this planet.