Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Liz Ziegler. I am a senior double majoring in accounting and finance at IUPUI's Kelley School of Business. I plan to graduate in May, sit for the CPA exam this summer, then start as a federal tax staff at a public accounting firm on the north side of Indianapolis this fall. I know, I know - it sounds like a snooze fest to you. But for me, I'd say it's a passion, something I enjoy and that I've been gifted at doing.

What else do I do? I work part-time. I play the piano. I try to read a lot. I do homework. I spend time friends and family. I have also tried to stay fairly active on campus through my time here, getting involved with numerous clubs, my favorite of which is the Accounting Association. I should probably stop before I take off on my pet project - trying to build momentum with the Association, transform it into a community of students supporting each other rather than a provider of lectures on the accounting profession.

I'm also traveling to India.

Why India? Over the past years, I have become very interested in the part of the globe that includes Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This section, which includes India, hosts 90% of the world’s poorest individuals, the seat of every major non-Christian religion, and 67% of the earth’s population. I know how easy it is to assume the world revolves around your own culture. The truth, however, is that we are only a fraction of the world and need to become understanding that cultural differences easily lead to misunderstandings. This particular course was offered by the Kelley school and emphasizes studying Indian business practices - how they differ from business practices in the United States - and how US citizens can better become a part of this emerging economy.