SIA Financial Planning Scholarship

Everyone asks if I’ve ever seen a polar bear, or what it is like to still see the sun at one in the morning, but rarely does anyone ask about the culture of growing up in a state no one knows anything about. I grew up in Southcentral Alaska, a beautiful and sacred land that, unfortunately, lacks educational resources and personal opportunities. In my most formative years, I witnessed my community struggle with domestic violence, suicide, and poverty. I was fortunate to be raised by two parents who worked hard and gave generously to our neighbors and schools, instilling in me compassion and a dedicated work ethic. My dad, generous with money and resources, made sure that my brother and I were able to fully pursue our interests and support the causes we were most attuned to, and my mom, generous with her time and effort, volunteered in our schools and community unwaveringly. I didn’t understand how impactful their actions were until much later in life. Once I entered the University of Nevada, Reno as a first-year student, I arrived with the same ambition as many wide-eyed young adults: I wanted to change the world and make a positive impact. Originally, I pursued Kinesiology, with hopes set on becoming an athletic trainer and opening my own studio. During my first semester of school, I innocently applied to be a financial ambassador intern for my university’s financial literacy program, Nevada Money Mentors. Immediately, I was thrust into a whole new world, and my job became my entire focus. I found myself in the exact same position I was in as a child, witnessing financial struggle and confusion among my peers, but this time, I was in a position to make a difference. Upon educating myself, and through training, I became the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the program, developing social media strategies, planning events, developing financial literacy resources and curriculum for university courses, mentoring students one-on-one, and partnering with first generation programs. The more I worked with students and learned their stories, the more dedicated I became to improving access to financial education on my campus and beyond. In my second year of college, I switched my major to finance, and became more confident and focused than ever. It was through this work that I found purpose, not only in helping others navigate their financial lives, but in sharing the kind of guidance and resources I wish had been available to me and my peers growing up. Since I am entering my final year of undergraduate, I have high hopes for what this program will turn out to be, and plan to pour my all into ensuring it grows and reaches more students. In this next year, we are planning to expand mentorship and establish pop-up coaching in the dormitories, as well as tutor high school students on investing. I wholeheartedly believe that even the smallest exposure to financial education can help someone feel more equipped to handle life’s challenges, and that a safe place to share their fears and develop a plan can completely alter the course of someone’s life. Money may not buy happiness, but financial security can empower individuals to live with conviction and seize new opportunities fearlessly. Post graduation, I hope to pursue my CFP certification, and hope to partner with non-profit organizations to bring financial education and safe financial counseling and planning to marginalized communities.