Podcast 120: Project 2

Derrick Thatcher is a sophomore at DePaul University majoring in finance with a minor in accounting and data science. He comes from a family that values athletics and has been influenced by his balanced and successful father. Living in Chicago has taught him the importance of staying busy and being active. He appreciates the city's vibrant culture and rich history. Academically, Derrick is passionate about finance and accounting and hopes to make a meaningful impact in the realm of investing or financial analysis. He is also interested in technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. Derrick is an avid reader and believes in the power of stories to broaden horizons and foster empathy. He wants to give back to his community through volunteering and mentoring. He is excited about the adventures, challenges, and opportunities that the future holds. Hi class, my name is Derrick Thatcher. I'm a sophomore at DePaul, majoring in finance with a minor in accounting and data science. I was born in Chicago and raised in Northbury, Illinois. I have two siblings. One plays basketball and football and the other loves dance. I myself play football and basketball. My dad is a businessman and my mom is a DNP. My dad and my mom play badminton daily so you can call us a pretty athletic family. Back home, my grandparents live with us on my dad's side and my mom's parents live ten minutes away. Living in the city for the past two years have taught me a lot of things. It taught me to stay busy and be active. It taught me to balance school, work, gym, friends, and sports, and etc. One guy that was a significant influence on me was my dad. He was the most balanced man I know and highly successful and fit. My family shaped me as a person and I had started a lot of trouble as a kid, but they kept me back on my feet. From my sister to my brother and most of all my parents, I'm grateful to have a great supporting cast and I wouldn't trade them for the world. In addition to my family and sports, my time in Chicago has opened my eyes to the city's vibrant culture and rich history. From exploring museums like the Art Institute of Chicago to savoring deep-dish pizza at local pizzerias. Every experience has been a lesson. The city's hustle and bustle have taught me to appreciate the value of time and importance of seizing every moment. Academically, my finance and accounting and data science journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I find myself engrossed in financial markets and interests, fascinated by how numbers tell a story about the world. My professors at DePaul have been instrumental in shaping my passion for these fields, guiding me toward a future where I hope to make a meaningful impact, perhaps in the realm of investing, banking, or financial analysis. Out of the classroom, my sports involvement has honed my physical abilities and taught me the essence of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Whether it's the thrill of making a winning shot on the basketball court or the determination to improve my football skills, sports has installed me in a drive for excellence that extends beyond athletics. A part of my academic pursuits and sports, I am keenly interested in technology and its potential to transform lives. My minor in data science isn't just a part of my academic journey, it represents my fascination with how data can be harnessed to solve real-world problems. I aspire to contribute to innovation, shaping a better, more efficient future. I'm also an avid reader with a taste for fiction and nonfiction books. Books have been my companions during late-night study sessions and lazy weekends, offering me new perspectives and fueling my imagination. I believe in the power of stories to broaden our horizons and foster empathy, and I often find myself lost in the pages of a good book. As I move forward in my college years, I'm not just focused on my personal growth, but I also want to give back to my community that has shaped me. Whether volunteering at local shelters, mentoring younger students, or supporting community initiatives, I want to be a positive force in the lives of others, just as my family has been for me. My journey is just the beginning, and I'm excited about the adventures, challenges, and opportunities that the future holds. Thank you.