Growing up, what kind of relationship did you have with money?

Growing up, my relationship with money was centered around using it to meet my family’s needs.

What was it like to serve as an SFEPD Student Ambassador teaching your peers about personal finance, and what did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Taking control of my financial situation and working to fix the mistakes I made by trusting others with my credit has been empowering. The most important lesson I’ve learned about myself is how much I misused money and the importance of staying connected to its flow. I’ve realized how essential it is to ensure that the money I earn is also working for me. Once I understood this process, I found it easier to explain to others the value of having a plan and sticking to it when money comes in.

What are the major benefits of students learning personal finance skills through seminars and classes during their college years?

Learning personal finance through these seminars has been life-changing, helping me secure my future as a business property owner. After making a poor investment as a young worker, I’ve gained the skills and knowledge needed to build financial wealth and make more informed decisions.

When should students start learning basic concepts about personal finance (in elementary, middle school, high school, or college) and why?

I believe young people should start learning basic concepts about personal finance in middle school. This is a pivotal time in their social lives when they begin going out more and using money. Understanding the value of money and the sacrifices made by those who provide it, is crucial at this stage.

If you could share one financial tip with college students, what would it be?

One college tip would be to learn how to use $40 to your advantage and use all resources provided that will help you save a dollar as much as possible.

As a result of your Student Ambassador experience, what key lessons did you learn to help you manage your money better and is planning for your financial future an important goal after college?

One college tip is to learn how to stretch $40 effectively and take full advantage of available resources to save money whenever possible.

How did serving as a Student Ambassador help you prepare for your future and your career goals?

My career goal is to own business properties and create job opportunities for my community. Being a student ambassador helps me prepare for real-world situations and gain valuable experience in the financial industry.