Denisha Stockdale

SFEPD Student Ambassador
Talladega College
Hometown: Talladega, AL

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

I had a decent relationship with money. I wouldn’t have considered my family rich, but we weren’t struggling to make ends meet.

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?

No combination of the 26 letters can help me express my gratitude for this program! I’ve learned how to be confident in my knowledge. I’ve also learned how to adapt to different environments to ensure information is relayed effectively and efficiently. This program has helped me understand that it’s not how well you know a subject but how well you can share your knowledge with someone else. My favorite part is seeing the audience I’m presenting to engage in the seminars and become eager to learn as much as they can.

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

It will give them a head start in life. Most people coming out of school are in debt and don’t know how to handle it. With the skills taught in this program, college kids can reduce their debt and increase their wealth through healthy consistent practices of budgeting and investing.

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

I think young people should start learning basic finance concepts in high school. These groups of kids have a more developed mind and will be more receptive to the information since some of them are getting their feet wet in the real world, having jobs and buying cars. This will enable them to excel at an older age as it gives them real-life experiences.

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

One tip I would share with college students is to save more than you think you should, and spend with caution.

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?

Key lessons I learned from the program primarily focus on investments. Relying solely on a job puts you one step away from financial instability, while the worst that can happen to your investment portfolio is simply returning to where you started.

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

I plan to become a Certified Public Accountant upon graduation. Serving as a student ambassador has enhanced my professionalism and my approach to serving others. It has also helped me develop effective communication skills, which will enable me to assist clients in navigating the financial world with greater ease.