Chloe Zabrek
B.S., magna cum laude, Business Administration and Accounting, 2020
M.P.Acc., University of California Davis, 2021
Senior Tax Associate, State & Local Government, CliftonLarsonAllen
Education: Highline College, Associate of Business, June 2018
Service:
Ambassador, Seattle University Gala, 2018
Ambassador, Albers Crab Feed, 2019
Operations and Events Assistant, Seattle University Alumni Association 2018 – 2019
Member, Internal Audit Club and Toastmasters, 2018
Small Capital Investment Club, Vice-President, Highline College, 2016 – 2017
Services & Activities Committee, Member/Chair, Highline College, 2017 – 2018
Capital Projects Committee, Highline College, 2017 – 2018
Community Budget Coordinator, Highline College, 2017 – 2018
Enrollment Taskforce, Student Representative, State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, 2017–2018
Awards/Honors:
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society, Seattle University
Messina Scholarship, Seattle University
Dean’s List, Seattle University Albers School, 2018 – 2019
Vice President’s Honor Roll, Highline College, 2017 – 2018
President’s Honor Roll, Highline College, 2018
Student Employee of the Year, Highline College, 2018
Phi Theta Kappa, Highline College, 2017
Business Technology Completion Award, Highline College, 2018
Goals:
My professional goal consists of earning my Certified Public Accountant certificate to eventually become a forensic accountant or serve in a position to utilize my skills to hold companies to the highest level of ethical standards.
Civility:
Civility, which is simply the golden rule and was the core of my upbringing, became the main influence in my career choice to look out for the individuals that too often become victims of financial fraud. After many years of learning about people being taken advantage of through the TV show American Greed and a research project on Enron, I saw the lack of conscience that stemmed from greed. I felt a calling to bring civility and compassion into accounting.
Autobiography:
I was born in Southern China where my biological parents made the ultimate sacrifice to give me a better life and put me up for adoption. At 9 months old I was adopted into a loving family where I have been supported my whole life. As a deep thinker I have always felt the need to honor and appreciate what both sets of parents have done for me. Living to my fullest potential and being the best I can be is what I expect of myself as a way of thanking my parents for the opportunities they gave me.
Overcoming the challenges of Auditory Processing Disorder in the 5th grade changed my life. I went from hiding my low math test scores in the bottom of my backpack to graduating high school and college with honors. The diagnosis was helpful because it answered what was wrong, but the hard part was retraining how I learned. My most gratifying accomplishment was learning the skills I needed to become a successful student. I, like everyone, am proud of high grades, but it is knowing the amount of hard work I put into overcoming my disorder that brings a sense of satisfaction.
Being admitted to Seattle University and accepted into the Alfie Scholars Program is one of the highest achievements of my life. In a university that focuses on students as a whole, I feel I am in the right place. Just as I have wanted to show my gratitude for all that my parents have done for me, I feel the need to be the best representative I can be. I am honored and privileged to be part of the Seattle University family and will take all that I will learn with me into my future.
Advice:
The most important factor in solving problems is taking ownership. Once that point is reached, take a step back to look at the problem, accept it and do the needed research; then you can create a game plan. Rather than avoiding problems, it is important to learn to deal with them head-on.
What it means to be an Alfie:
Being an Alfie Scholar is a big honor because it means the directors saw something in me I have worked hard to create. I believe the program will help shape me into an even more civil, empathetic, and compassionate adult. I am excited to be part of an outstanding group of people that will be with me on this journey.
