OSCPA student ambassador finds confidence in public speaking

Aunique Blackwell is hoping to inspire other accounting students to push boundaries and find success.   

Blackwell, a senior accounting major at Columbus State Community College, has learned a lot since beginning college. She credits her experience as an OSCPA student ambassador for helping her branch out and find her voice in public speaking.  

“Before I became a student ambassador, I was nervous about public speaking,” said Blackwell. “However, once you do it so many times, you get more comfortable. I received constructive criticism back from my peers, and they helped me become a better public speaker.” 

Last November, Blackwell attended the Accounting Careers Leadership Academy (ACLA) and received a scholarship from Schneider Downs. While there, she got the chance to network with other students and accounting professionals, something that she believes everyone should push themselves to do – even if they are scared.  

“Being scared holds you back and you're not the only person that is scared,” she said. “Everybody else in the profession, every other accounting student, voices their pain about being scared. It helps you build character and once you overcome something that you were nervous to do, it gives you excitement and joy.”    

Part of Blackwell’s desire and motivation to find success came from the inspiration of her support system and other influential figures in her life. Blackwell said that these individuals motivate her to one day do the same for other young individuals.  

“I have seen a lot of African American ladies accomplish goals that a lot of African American people were not able to accomplish prior to a lot of equality initiatives,” said Blackwell. “So, seeing what we can do pushes me forward and knowing how scared I was to do a lot of things motivates me. I want to  be an inspiration for another young person who was scared, nervous, who went through adversity, so they know that they can get through all of that.” 

Blackwell plans to graduate in December before returning to school to obtain her bachelor’s degree. In the future, Blackwell aspires to become a mentor for young women looking to enter the accounting field and ultimately, open her own accounting firm.