Andrew Silva ‘26

Andrew Silva ‘26, a junior in the Isenberg School of Management and Commonwealth Honors College, believes it is important to demonstrate that he can take on new challenges.

Silva aims to complete his bachelor’s degree and eventually obtain a master’s degree in accounting, with the goal of becoming a CPA and workingfor an accounting firm. At the same time, he has won praise for his self-made engineering lesson plans for Boston middle school students and his outstanding achievement in the Boston Debate League. He has also volunteered in Somerville, MA, to clean up waste on its roads, tutored students who needed help with their calculus and pre-calculus, and volunteered at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), where he assisted in preparing taxes for people free of charge.

Silva credits his devotion to his religious beliefs with helping him calmly approach diverse situations. He cites a ripple effect where positivity and gratitude radiate for him on the UMass Amherst campus, keeping him grounded and focused on his goals.

This grounded focus allows Silva to succeed in various settings and communities, such as his internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He was recognized by company leadership for his presentation showcasing the benefits of prioritizing a rare disease in their study findings. This summer, he will tackle an internship at KPMG, a global organization of independent services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services.

Silva is deeply grateful for receiving the Robert L. Epstein Scholarship, and he reminds himself to give 100% in every venture he pursues. “It’s good for building character and can benefit me throughout my life.”