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

My relationship with money was one of necessity because I saw my parents working hard to provide us with the basic things we needed.

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?

Being an SFEPD Student Ambassador taught me the power of education and in empowering others to take control of their financial futures. It reinforced my belief in the value of financial literacy and the importance of spreading awareness among young people. It has also been eye-opening, especially in understanding the intricacies of the American system around credit scores and financial management.

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

Financial literacy as they prepare for life after college, And also empowerment to make better informed financial decisions now and in the future.

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

Students should learn in elementary school, because we carry a lot of habits that we develop in our childhood into adulthood.

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

Get in the habit of budgeting your money and setting financial goals now!

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?

I’ve learned crucial lessons in managing money better, including budgeting, tracking expenses, building credit, and investing for the future. These experiences have underscored the importance of planning for my financial future after college, with goals including saving for emergencies, retirement, and long-term investments to achieve financial security and independence.

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

Being part of SFEPD has been instrumental in preparing me for my career goal of becoming a certified public accountant. I gained practical experience in financial education and peer-to-peer coaching, honing essential skills for effectively communicating financial concepts and understanding diverse financial needs with clients.