
SFEPD Student Ambassador
University of the District of Columbia
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Growing up, what kind of relationship did you have with money?
I had a very healthy relationship with money. My parents allowed me to earn my own doing chores and as a reward for good grades or academic improvement.
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?
Serving as an SFEPD Student Ambassador teaching my peers about personal finance was an enlightening experience that allowed me to share valuable knowledge and skills with my fellow students. Through this role, I learned the importance of effective communication and the satisfaction of empowering others to take control of their financial futures. What I enjoyed most was seeing the positive impact of our workshops on students’ financial literacy and witnessing their newfound confidence in managing their finances.
What are the major benefits of students learning personal finance skills through seminars and classes during their college years?
The major benefits of students learning personal finance skills during their college years include equipping them with essential life skills for managing their finances effectively after graduation, instilling responsible financial habits early on, and empowering them to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. These skills not only contribute to financial stability and independence but also enhance students’ overall well-being and future financial success.
When should students start learning basic concepts about personal finance (in elementary, middle school, high school, or college) and why?
Elementary, as early as possible.
If you could share one financial tip with college students, what would it be?
Saving is essential for a successful relationship with money. Watch your spending habits and invest towards a stable financial future.
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?
Through my experience as a Student Ambassador, I learned the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses to manage my money effectively. I also gained insights into the significance of saving and investing for long-term financial security. Planning for my financial future has become a top priority for me after college, and I am committed to setting financial goals, building an emergency fund, and investing wisely to achieve financial stability and independence.
How did serving as a Student Ambassador help you prepare for your future and your career goals?
My career goal is to become a successful accountant, leveraging my expertise in both Accounting and Finance. Serving as a Student Ambassador and an SFEPD Student Assistant provided me with invaluable experience in leadership, communication, and financial literacy education, which are essential skills for an accountant. These roles helped me develop my ability to explain complex financial concepts to others, improved my interpersonal skills, and deepened my understanding of personal finance, all of which are crucial for my future career in accounting.