My Interests Michelle Anna Brier

For as long as I can remember, the concept of currency and the exchange of goods and services has always fascinated me. Growing up, I observed cashiers nonchalantly letting people walk away with goods in exchange for nothing more than a swipe of a plastic card. I saw how only a few pieces of green paper could be exchanged for tangible, useful products. Being intrinsically a part of the economy myself, I found it natural to wonder at systems of production, distribution, and consumption -- how did this whole system work? What I found particularly fascinating about economics was the breadth of the field: economics may be applied to finance but also to business, government, politics, and social institutions. When I interned for an investment banker over the summer at Blaylock Beal Van, LLC, I observed firsthand the impact of the economy on the financial world.

Growing up in a politically involved and opinionated family, I also developed an appreciation for politics early on. I often found myself debating political issues eagerly with friends and family, sharing links to interesting articles, and laughing at political satire shows. My participation in Irvington High School’s “We the People” team solidified this appreciation of...