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

My first interaction with money that I remember would be my dad giving me a piggy bank to place all the money/coins that I received growing up. Ironically enough though, I don’t feel this was very helpful to my learning about money because there was no structure or premise given along with this bank. How much I saved, when I saved, and what I saved for was completely up to me. So I feel before I made the effort to learn more about money and the importance of saving, I treated bank accounts as just a revolving door to pick up on whenever I wanted, not really using it as a tool to aid me in the future.

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?

As a student ambassador, I love being able to connect with an array of students across my campus that I may not have otherwise seen. I also love teaching students about financial literacy. Serving as an SFEPD is a great opportunity to connect with others.

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

Learning new and previously unknown information is a key benefit of students studying personal finance. It empowers them to apply this knowledge to their lives as college students, helping them avoid ongoing financial struggles.

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

Students should start learning the basics in elementary school. It is never too early to start learning the fundamentals of financial literacy

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

My tip would be to save and prioritize delayed gratification!

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?

Some key lessons I’ve learned include utilizing all available resources, avoiding spending more than you earn, and always striving for a stable income. Planning my financial future is definitely a top priority for me after graduation.e.

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

As a nursing major, I recognize that disparities in healthcare often stem from low socioeconomic status and a lack of education. My goal is to continue expanding my knowledge of the financial services industry to help bridge that gap. Serving as a student ambassador has given me valuable insights into essential financial survival skills I previously didn’t know, helping me stay financially stable. Even my parents have complimented me, saying I’m surprisingly good with money!