
Alia Nearpass
Staff Writer
Poets and Quants awarded two Florida Southern College students the title of 2024’s Best and Brightest Business Majors. Each year, this prestigious award honors one hundred accomplished college seniors majoring in business administration, marketing and finance. Poets and Quants reaches out to schools with the highest ranking undergraduate business programs, and asks them to nominate two seniors in the field of business.
This year, two of Florida Southern’s very own students, Allison Pascarella and Happyson Kaunda Jr., were graced with the title of Best and Brightest Majors by Poets & Qaunts. Both students are extremely involved and dedicated to the field of business in their own unique way.
Pascarella, from Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is a senior majoring in accounting. Her decision to attend FSC and major in accounting revolved around following in the footsteps of her older sister who graduated from FSC with a degree in business.
“I knew how amazing the business school was, and how it is so applicable to any career you choose,” Pascarella said.
While being an excellent student, Pascarella also dedicates herself to many organizations across campus.
“I became involved my freshman year and stepped out of my comfort zone, which was the best decision I made as it opened so many doors for me” Pascarella said.
She is involved with Kappa Delta Sorority, Delta Sigma Pi (business fraternity), Dean’s Advisory Council, Phi Eta Sigma, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the National Society of Leadership, and Success.
In addition, Pascarella holds several leadership positions within these organizations. Pascarella explains how each position has allowed for her to grow both as an individual and a professional.
And in all, Pascarella shared how she feels about being given this prestigious title.
“It means so much to me as it shows how far I’ve come within my four years at Florida Southern. It makes all the hard work so worth it and if someone would’ve told me I would be in this position my freshman year, there’s no way I would believe you,” Pascarella said.
She also shows gratitude for those who helped her achieve the title throughout her college years.
“The amazing faculty, organizations, and network have helped me tremendously in my college and career journey. I couldn’t have done it without their constant support and encouragement to do more than you think you can achieve and accomplish those goals you set for yourself,” Pascarella said.
Pascarella’s favorite part about being an accounting major is learning about all of the different aspects of business and understanding how it applies to everyday life.
“Even if you concentrate on a specific business major, you still gain those crucial skills that prepare you for your professional life and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Pascarella said.
Following graduation, Pascarella will be furthering her career by working for KPMG at their Nashville office doing state and local tax.
For those who desire to pursue a career in business or a related field, Pascarella gives this advice to get the best out of the experience: “I would always recommend to push yourself and do the things that may feel uncomfortable and that’s when you will see substantial growth,” Pascarella said. “Additionally, I highly recommend applying for jobs and internships way in advance as they fill up quickly and get as much experience as you can.”
(Editor’s note: Writers reached out to Happyson Kaunda Jr. to be a part of this article, but was unavailable by deadline.)