Education should not be hindered by financial burdens. As a passionate and driven student, I am excited to apply for the Ruthie Brown Scholarship, which recognizes academic achievement and offers an opportunity to address the challenge of student loan debt. In this essay, I will detail my proactive approach to managing both current and future student loan debt. By showcasing my commitment to responsible financial planning and determination to achieve academic and career goals, I hope to demonstrate why I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. With a strong academic record, including a consistent 4.0 GPA, I am driven to excel academically while actively addressing my student loan debt burden. I firmly believe that a high GPA not only demonstrates my dedication to learning but also reflects my commitment to making the most of the educational opportunities provided to me. Currently, I am working part-time at Stone Mountain Park to cover my educational expenses. By dedicating a significant portion of my earnings towards tuition and living costs, I am actively reducing the amount I need to borrow. This employment opportunity not only provides income but also instills a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in managing my financial obligations. In addition to my part-time job, I am committed to exploring various scholarship opportunities to alleviate the weight of student loans. Through extensive research and meticulous applications, I am seeking financial support that will significantly reduce my debt burden. Scholarships not only provide essential funding but also validate my hard work and achievements.n addition to scholarships, I am actively seeking out grants and work-study opportunities available through my university and external organizations. By capitalizing on these resources, I can further reduce my reliance on loans. Through these avenues, I will be able to secure additional financial aid that will significantly lighten the burden of student debt. To ensure effective management of my student loan debt after graduation, I am developing a comprehensive financial plan. Through diligent research, I am educating myself about loan repayment options, interest rates, and effective debt management strategies. By understanding the terms and conditions of my loans, I will be equipped to make informed decisions that minimize the long-term impact of student debt. Beyond addressing my own student loan debt, I am passionate about empowering others through financial literacy education. By leveraging the knowledge and skills gained from my finance degree, I plan to educate individuals in my community about personal finance. Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, I aim to provide guidance on saving, budgeting, and debt management, enabling others to make informed financial decisions and break free from the cycle of financial instability. In conclusion, I am dedicated to overcoming student loan debt and ensuring a successful future. Through my current employment at Stone Mountain Park, pursuit of scholarship opportunities, strategic financial planning, exploration of grants and work-study options, and commitment to financial literacy and community impact, I am actively working towards minimizing the burden of student loans. The Ruthie Brown Scholarship would provide invaluable support in achieving my academic and career goals while significantly reducing my reliance on loans. With this assistance, I will continue my educational journey with determination, knowing that I am taking proactive steps to secure a bright and successful future, free from overwhelming student loan debt.

Growing up in a single-parent household was a constant challenge. My mother, raising my siblings and I on her own, faced financial struggles as she worked tirelessly in a part-time job. Despite the difficulties we faced, I firmly believe that this upbringing has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of education. Throughout my college experience, I have strived for excellence, maintaining a 4.0 GPA that reflects my dedication and passion for learning. This academic success has opened doors for me, as I have been invited to join esteemed organizations such as Lettie Pate Whitehead Honors, Phi Eta Sigma national honor society, and UGA Morehead Honors College, where I stand among the top 10% of UGA students. Additionally, my active participation in clubs like Women in Business and Women in Finance has allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in my chosen field. However, my journey has not been without its challenges. My first year of college, I struggled to adjust to the new environment, grappling with the workload and the separation from my family. Disappointed with my initial academic performance, I realized that I needed to make changes to excel in my studies. Drawing strength from the lessons I learned from my mother, who always encouraged me to seek help when needed, I sought support from the Academic Resource Center and attended my professors' office hours. Through these efforts, I gained clarity on challenging topics and improved my academic performance, ultimately earning all A's in both the fall and spring semesters. My teachers also recognized my continued engagement in class, further motivating me to persevere. One person who has been instrumental in my journey is my mother. Despite her own challenges, she instilled in me the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. While raising four children, she tirelessly pursued her own degree, recently achieving her doctorate and becoming the first person in our extended family to do so. Inspired by her resilience, my mother encouraged me not only to excel academically but also to use my education to make a positive impact on others. After obtaining my finance degree, I am committed to using my knowledge to address a pressing issue in our society: financial literacy. Research shows that a significant percentage of low-income individuals lack a fundamental understanding of personal finance, leading to struggles in saving and investing for their future economic success. By imparting financial literacy education, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one guidance, I will provide practical tools for budgeting, saving, and investing, enabling individuals to build a stronger financial foundation. The benefits of financial health extend far beyond monetary gains; they include reduced stress, increased financial security, and improved overall well-being. By equipping individuals with these vital skills, I hope to foster positive change and contribute to a future where everyone has access to financial stability and opportunities for growth. In conclusion, my personal journey, characterized by the challenges of a single-parent household, academic achievements, and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact, has shaped my aspirations and goals. By overcoming obstacles, maintaining academic excellence, and drawing inspiration from my mother's determination, I am committed to utilizing my education to address the critical issue of financial illiteracy. Through empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need, I aim to make a lasting and positive impact on the world, one person at a time.

As I reflect on my journey so far, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and a desire to give back. I am a firm believer that education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities, and I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact on my community and the world. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the struggles that come with financial instability. I often saw my parents living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet and unable to provide us with some basic necessities. However, their struggles only fueled my desire to make a difference and help those less fortunate than me. I knew that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and I worked tirelessly to excel in my studies. Throughout my college experience, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and have been actively involved in various extracurricular activities and community service projects. As a finance major, I am passionate about empowering individuals with financial knowledge and skills to achieve their financial goals and dreams. I plan to use my education and experience to teach financial literacy to individuals in my community, particularly those who come from low-income households like mine. Research has shown that many low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” This statistic is unacceptable, and I am committed to doing my part to change it. My passion for financial literacy has led me to complete various service projects aimed at improving the financial well-being of individuals in my community. As a Lettie Pate Whitehead scholar, I completed a school-wide food and clothing drive for four nonprofits. I also worked with Bike Walk Macon, a pedestrian and bicycle advocacy group, to increase the beauty and walkability of the neighborhood by painting a crosswalk. Moreover, I completed a school-wide cleanup at Joy Village School, a private k-8 school in Athens, where I cleaned bathrooms and classrooms, logged newly donated books in the library, and planted flowers in front of the school. After I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge and experience I have gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to manage their finances effectively. I believe that financial literacy is not only about managing money but also about empowering individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their dreams. I plan to work as a financial planner at a firm in Atlanta, where I can continue to learn and grow while helping clients achieve their financial goals. My ultimate goal is to start my financial education company focused on providing financial education, resources, and tools to individuals who are often underserved and underrepresented. In conclusion, I am committed to making a positive impact on my community and the world. I firmly believe that education is the key to empowering individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their dreams. I plan to use my education and passion for financial literacy to teach individuals in my community how to manage their finances effectively and achieve their financial goals. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and build a better world for all.

Addressing Homelessness: Empowering Lives through Service and Education Homelessness is a pervasive social issue that demands immediate attention and action. Recognizing the urgency, I have dedicated my time and efforts to address this problem through active involvement in various community service initiatives. Through my involvement with More Excellent Way Enterprises (MEWE), Alpha Kappa Alpha Forever Pink Foundation, Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillions, and the Beta Club, I have worked tirelessly to support individuals experiencing homelessness while also empowering them with essential life skills. As a volunteer with MEWE, I had the privilege of assisting at My Sister's House and the Atlanta Day Shelter, two homeless shelters catering specifically to women and children. During my time there, I actively engaged with the residents, collecting and distributing hair care products, providing hair care tips, and organizing games and activities. By equipping these women with the tools and knowledge to care for their appearance, we aimed to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Helping them make a positive first impression in job search activities was crucial to their potential employment opportunities and pathway towards stability. Moreover, my experiences within these shelters have been mutually transformative. The women I interacted with generously shared their wisdom, offering insights into the circumstances that led to their homelessness and the warning signs of toxic relationships. These valuable life lessons served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the potential for growth and resilience, even in the face of adversity. Additionally, as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Forever Pink Foundation and Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillions, I actively expressed my commitment to service by engaging in tangible acts of support. Alongside my fellow debutantes, I assisted in creating and decorating toiletry boxes for the homeless, while also assembling food bags filled with essential items like sandwiches, chips, fruits, and cookies. Adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we raised over $1,000 for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, ensuring that those in need had access to nourishing meals. Additionally, as a member of the Beta Club, I crafted toiletry bags for the homeless and brought joy to nursing home residents through handmade Christmas and Valentine's Day cards. Looking ahead, I am passionate about utilizing the knowledge and skills I will acquire in college to address the root causes of homelessness. Specifically, my focus will be on financial literacy education. Research has highlighted that a significant number of low-income individuals lack a foundational understanding of personal finance, leading to difficulties in saving and investing for their future economic success. With this in mind, I aspire to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy, providing them with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions. By empowering individuals with financial literacy, I aim to reduce financial insecurity, break the cycle of poverty, and foster economic independence. In conclusion, my commitment to addressing homelessness is evident through my active involvement in various community service initiatives. From volunteering at shelters, providing essential resources, and empowering individuals through education, I strive to make a meaningful impact. By working towards reducing homelessness and promoting financial literacy, I am dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of those affected by this social issue. Together, we can build a more compassionate and equitable society.

In my past high school experience, one person who has had a profound impact on my life is Dr. Martin, my debate coach at Arabia Mountain High School. Dr. Martin was not just a coach to me, but a mentor and a guide who helped me develop skills that would benefit me for a lifetime. Dr. Martin dedicated countless hours to coaching our team for the Atlanta Urban Debate League competitions. He inspired us to think critically and express our ideas with confidence. His commitment to his student's success was unwavering, and he always went above and beyond to ensure we were prepared for our debates. I still remember my first day on the debate team. I was nervous and unsure of myself, but Dr. Martin saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. He believed in my potential and encouraged me to participate in more debates. Under his guidance, I developed my public speaking and critical thinking skills. I learned how to research complex topics, organize my thoughts, and present persuasive arguments. Through Dr. Martin's coaching, I not only developed my debate skills but also gained confidence in myself. I won first-place team awards and speech awards, but more importantly, I learned how to communicate effectively with others. These skills have helped me succeed in various aspects of my life, from school projects to job interviews. Dr. Martin's dedication and passion for teaching inspired me to pursue further education. His commitment to helping his students succeed showed me the importance of having a mentor who believes in you and supports you. He instilled in me the value of education and the power of knowledge. As a result, I decided to pursue a college degree to further develop my skills and continue learning. In conclusion, Dr. Martin has been a role model and an inspiration to me. His dedication to his students and his passion for teaching have profoundly impacted my life. He taught me valuable skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thanks to his guidance, I have developed a passion for learning and a desire to continue my education. I am also eager to use my voice and newfound confidence to advocate for important issues and causes, such as educating low-income individuals on financial literacy. I am grateful for his guidance and inspiration, and I will always carry the lessons I learned from him with me as I embark on my future endeavors.

Les Brown, an American politician, once said, “You are bigger than your circumstances or life situation.” These words resonate with me deeply, as they remind me that I am more than just a low-income student. My upbringing and the challenges I faced along the way did not define me, but instead, they inspired me to help those who are less fortunate than myself. Receiving this scholarship means more to me than just financial assistance. It is a symbol of hope, a reminder that someone believes in me and my potential. With this support, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of making a positive impact on the world around me. Throughout my college experience, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, and I am honored to be a part of Lettie Pate Whitehead Honors, Phi Eta Sigma national honor society, and UGA Morehead Honors College. These accomplishments are a testament to my hard work and dedication to my studies. But academic success is only one aspect of my life. I am also committed to giving back to my community in any way that I can. My work at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter is just one example of this. I created and led a service project to help reduce the stress of homeless individuals at the shelter. This experience not only allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, but it also reminded me of the importance of compassion and empathy. My passion for helping others has led me to complete a school-wide food and clothing drive for four nonprofits as a Lettie Pate Whitehead scholar. I have also organized a school-wide book drive for local schools in Macon as a member of Phi Eta Sigma National honors society. These experiences have taught me the importance of giving back to my community and have instilled a sense of purpose and meaning in my life. As a part of the Women in Business and Women in Finance clubs, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that I hope to utilize in my future career as a financial planner in Atlanta. My ultimate goal is to use my education and expertise to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy. Research shows that many low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, leading to struggles in saving and investing for their future economic success. By teaching individuals how to manage their finances effectively, I hope to help reduce this statistic and empower others to take control of their financial futures. In conclusion, I am grateful for this scholarship opportunity and the chance it gives me to further my education and pursue my dreams. I am committed to making a positive impact on my local and global communities through my work, my values, and my actions. With hard work, determination, and a deep sense of purpose, I know that I can achieve anything I set my mind.

After graduating with a finance degree from the University of Georgia, there are many ways that I plan to create a positive environmental impact on my local and global communities through the lens of finance. One of the most impactful ways I plan to achieve this goal is by using my knowledge to educate people in my community about financial literacy. Research has shown that many low-income individuals struggle with understanding personal finance, which can make it difficult for them to save and invest in their future economic success. By teaching people about the importance of financial literacy, I believe that I can help empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their money and ultimately improve their quality of life. Financial literacy is a critical aspect of environmental sustainability. When people have the skills and knowledge they need to manage their finances effectively, they are better equipped to make environmentally conscious decisions. For example, they may be more likely to invest in green technologies or to support companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations. By educating people on how to efficiently manage their finances, I hope to help create a more environmentally conscious community. In addition to teaching financial literacy, I plan to use my finance knowledge to support environmentally friendly businesses and initiatives. One way I can achieve this is by investing in companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations. By investing in environmentally responsible companies, I can help support their efforts to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Another way I can create a positive environmental impact is by supporting initiatives that promote sustainability. For example, I could donate to organizations that work to protect endangered species or advocate for policies that support renewable energy. By using my financial resources to support these initiatives, I can help make a difference in the fight against climate change and other environmental issues. In the long term, I hope to use my finance knowledge to help create innovative solutions to environmental problems. As technology continues to advance, there are many opportunities to use finance and business strategies to support sustainability. For example, I could help develop financing mechanisms to support renewable energy projects or create investment vehicles that promote sustainable agriculture. By using my knowledge and skills in finance, I believe that I can help drive progress towards a more sustainable future. In conclusion, there are many ways that I plan to create a positive environmental impact on my local and global communities through the lens of finance. By teaching financial literacy, investing in environmentally responsible companies, supporting sustainability initiatives, and developing innovative solutions, I hope to make a difference in the fight against climate change and other environmental issues. Through these efforts, I believe that we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

As a low-income student, I am convinced I am more than circumstances or life situations. I've endured a number of difficulties in my life, but they haven't defined me. They have instead encouraged me to make a difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate than myself. One of my main objectives is to assist those less fortunate than me in my community. I have consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my academic career, and as a result, I have been invited to join several renowned organizations, including Lettie Pate Whitehead Honors, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and the UGA Morehead Honors academic. Being in the top 10% of UGA students academically has been an incredible honor for me. In addition, I am an active member of clubs such as Women in Business and Women in Finance. Regardless of my academic accomplishments, my main interest is giving back to my community. I had the opportunity to serve at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter, where I established and conducted my own service project to help reduce the stress of the homeless community. I was able to modify my service project to meet the specific requirements of the members of the shelter by researching their unmet needs and seeking advice from the director. I recorded and edited yoga videos that showcased sitting and standing yoga practices for those with restricted mobility. As someone who founded their high school's first yoga club, I am well aware of the benefits of yoga, which include stress reduction and anger management. Aside from my work at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter, I have completed a number of other community service projects aimed at improving the lives of those in my community. I participated in a school-wide food and clothing drive for four Non-profits. as a Lettie Pate Whitehead scholar. I also showed my devotion to the community by helping at Joy Village School, an Athens k-8 private school. I coordinated a school-wide cleanup that included cleaning classrooms and toilets, cataloging freshly donated books in the library, and planting flowers in front of the school. I arranged a school-wide book drive for local Macon schools as a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. I am a firm believer that every child deserves access to resources that make learning fun. In addition, I recently took part in a neighborhood cleaning with Bike Walk Macon, a pedestrian and bicycle advocacy group whose mission is to enhance mobility and build a community where active transportation is a choice for all Macon residents. I also painted a crosswalk to improve the neighborhood's aesthetics and walkability. This service project was especially meaningful to me since it allowed me to leave a lasting impression on the community. After graduating with my finance degree from the University of Georgia, I plan to use the knowledge I gained to teach people in my community about financial literacy. Research proves, most low-income individuals have a poor understanding of personal finance, which makes it difficult for them to save for and invest for their future economic success. I want to make a difference by educating people on how to efficiently manage their finances and ensure that everyone knows how to save and invest money. In conclusion, my characteristics and experiences distinguish me as a unique individual committed to making a difference in my community. My academic successes, enthusiasm for service, and desire to give back to my community have inspired me to work toward my objectives. I am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of people around me.

As a low-income student, I am convinced I am more than circumstances or life situations. I've endured a number of difficulties in my life, but they haven't defined me. They have instead encouraged me to make a difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate than myself. One of my main objectives is to assist those less fortunate than me in my community. I have consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my academic career, and as a result, I have been invited to join several renowned organizations, including Lettie Pate Whitehead Honors, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and the UGA Morehead Honors academic. Being in the top 10% of UGA students academically has been an incredible honor for me. In addition, I am an active member of clubs such as Women in Business and Women in Finance. Regardless of my academic accomplishments, my main interest is giving back to my community. I had the opportunity to serve at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter, where I established and conducted my own service project to help reduce the stress of the homeless community. I was able to modify my service project to meet the specific requirements of the members of the shelter by researching their unmet needs and seeking advice from the director. I recorded and edited yoga videos that showcased sitting and standing yoga practices for those with restricted mobility. As someone who founded their high school's first yoga club, I am well aware of the benefits of yoga, which include stress reduction and anger management. Aside from my work at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter, I have completed a number of other community service projects aimed at improving the lives of those in my community. I participated in a school-wide food and clothing drive for four Non-profits. as a Lettie Pate Whitehead scholar. I also showed my devotion to the community by helping at Joy Village School, an Athens k-8 private school. I coordinated a school-wide cleanup that included cleaning classrooms and toilets, cataloging freshly donated books in the library, and planting flowers in front of the school. I arranged a school-wide book drive for local Macon schools as a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. I am a firm believer that every child deserves access to resources that make learning fun. In addition, I recently took part in a neighborhood cleaning with Bike Walk Macon, a pedestrian and bicycle advocacy group whose mission is to enhance mobility and build a community where active transportation is a choice for all Macon residents. I also painted a crosswalk to improve the neighborhood's aesthetics and walkability. This service project was especially meaningful to me since it allowed me to leave a lasting impression on the community. After graduating with my finance degree from the University of Georgia, I plan to use the knowledge I gained to teach people in my community about financial literacy. Research proves, most low-income individuals have a poor understanding of personal finance, which makes it difficult for them to save for and invest for their future economic success. I want to make a difference by educating people on how to efficiently manage their finances and ensure that everyone knows how to save and invest money. In conclusion, my characteristics and experiences distinguish me as a unique individual committed to making a difference in my community. My academic successes, enthusiasm for service, and desire to give back to my community have inspired me to work toward my objectives. I am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of people around me.

Growing up in a single-parent household was a struggle. Most of the time money was very tight. My mother raised my siblings and I all on her own, with basically no help from my father. I witnessed how hard it was for her to take care of four children, while only working part-time. Even though our situation was tough I believe I benefited from it. I believe being raised in a single-parent home made me understand how to balance life struggles and the importance of an education. Futhermore, I watched my mom balance work, family, and my siblings and I activities while continuously keeping a smile on her face. From my mom, I learned how to properly balance my life. My first year of college was a hard adjustment. However, I remembered how my mom always reminded me that it is always ok to ask for help. When I went into my first semester of college, I struggled. It was difficult handling the workload and being away from my family. I was disappointed with my performance in my classes. I knew if I was going to excel in my academic life I had to make changes. I spent time in the Academic Resource Center and attended my professor's office hours. This extra help allowed me to receive clarity on strenuous topics and papers. I was able to get all A's in both my fall and spring semester and was recognized by my teachers for my continued engagement in class. Lastly, my mother always instilled in me the importance of an education. While raising four children she worked tirelessly to continue with her degree. She recently graduated with her doctorate degree, becoming the first person in our extended family to receive a doctorate. She encouraged me to not only do well in school, but to use my education to help others. After I receive my finance degree from Mercer University, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy, which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial decisions. Research has shown that the majority of low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” I want to help reduce this statistic by teaching individuals how to save and invest money. Being financially healthy has various benefits such as, reducing stress, being offered a lower interest rate, and so much more. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to effectively manage their finances. Even though I was raised in a single-parent home and my family and I lacked many things, one thing that my family did not lack was love. I am proud to be from a single-parent home because it was part of making me who I am.

If I received 1,000 dollars right now, I would use it to pay a portion of my remaining balance at Mercer University for the 2022-2023 school year. Mercer University is a very expensive private school. Even with university and federal scholarships, I still have a balance of 17,000 dollars. By obtaining scholarships like the one provided by Youssef Hasweh, I will be able to pay for school without relying on student loans. The weight of paying for college is all on my shoulders, which makes college very stressful. This scholarship will decrease my stress and allow me to focus on my classes, so I can continue to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Lastly, this scholarship will help me receive my finance degree and give back to my community. After I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy, which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial choices. I want to be the change I want to see in the world, ensuring everyone understands how to manage their finances effectively.

My name is Lauren Dudley. I am an African American, low-income student from Stone Mountain, Georgia. I am a rising sophomore currently enrolled at Mercer University with a 4.0 GPA. I am the parliamentarian of Minorities in Business. This club gives minority business majors access to people who currently excel in careers they are interested in. I was raised in a single-parent household. My mother worked part-time in order to provide for her four children. Even though we did not have everything we wanted growing up, we had everything we needed. Les Brown, an American politician, states, “You are bigger than your circumstances or life situation.” This quote instills in me that I am so much more than a low-income student. My situation growing up did not define me, instead it inspired me to have a desire to help those less fortunate than me. I believe the things I experienced growing up helped establish my greatest strength, my spirit of giving and service. I love using my passions to give back to the community. While enrolled at Mercer University, I planned and implemented a service project for Daybreak, which is a Homeless shelter in Macon Georgia. I filmed and edited yoga videos that attended to the needs of the residents of the shelter. I included yoga positions that people with limited mobility could participate in, such as chair yoga. I was pushed toward the major of finance because of my childhood. We didn't understand how to properly manage our money, and we didn't keep enough money saved for unexpected events. I chose finance because I want to learn how to properly manage money. Also, I have a love for mathematics and understanding numbers. Lastly, after I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy, which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial decisions. Research has shown that the majority of low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” I want to help reduce this statistic by teaching individuals how to save and invest money. Being financially healthy has various benefits such as, reducing stress, being offered a lower interest rate, and so much more. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to effectively manage their finances.

When I went into my first semester at Mercer University, I struggled. It was difficult handling the workload and being away from my family. I was disappointed with my performance in my classes. I knew if I was going to excel in my academic life, I had to make changes. The first change that I made was to my behavior in class. I moved to the front of the class and became more engaged. Next, I spent time in the Academic Resource Center and attended my professor's office hours. This extra help allowed me to receive clarity on strenuous topics and papers. Lastly, when I studied for exams I would study outside of my room and with my phone on do not disturb. The change in my studying and behavior in class impacted my performance in my class. I was able to get all A's in both my fall and spring semester. Additionally, I was recognized by my teachers for my continued engagement in class. To handle my homesickness, I planned weekly family meetings where all my siblings and mom could talk about our weeks. I am happy to say I preserved and had a successful/memorable first year.

The wisest words that I have ever heard are “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” This quote is written by Maimonides, a medieval philosopher. Growing up my mom always encouraged me to not only do well in school, but to use my education to help others. After I receive my finance degree from Mercer University, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy, which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial decisions. Research has shown that the majority of low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” I want to help reduce this statistic by teaching individuals how to save and invest money. Being financially healthy has various benefits such as, reducing stress, being offered a lower interest rate, and being prepared for the unexpected. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to effectively manage their finances.

During my studies at Mercer, I hope to excel in class by remaining engaged and completing assignments on time in order to withhold my 4.0 gpa. Before my senior year at Mercer, I hope to receive an internship at an accounting firm. An internship will allow me to take the knowledge I acquired from the classroom and apply it to the real world. After I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy. which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial choices. Research has shown that the majority of low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” I want to help reduce this statistic by teaching individuals how to save and invest money. Being financially healthy has various benefits such as, reducing stress,being offered a lower interest rate, and being ready for the unexpected. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to effectively manage their finances. One day I hope to become the Chief Financial Officer of a major company, where I will be able to oversee and manage the financials and make cost-related decisions.

Growing up I believed that generosity meant giving tangible items to those in need. This could mean donating an old sweater or pair of shoes to your local Goodwill. After a while, I realized that this is not being generous instead it is being giving. You can be giving without caring about the person or their situation. Now I would define generosity as using your passions and values to help others. When you give an old sweater, you are helping someone but not giving them something you value. Growing up in a single-parent household, many people gave to my family in order to lessen the burden on my mom. I agree that free food and other things did help. However, I was able to feel the difference when people showed generosity and supported my family by being present in our lives. One of my examples of generosity is my work with the DayBreak Homeless shelter in Macon. I shared my passion and love for yoga by filming and editing yoga videos that attended to the needs of the residents of the shelter. I included yoga positions that people with limited mobility could participate in, such as chair yoga. My goal is to also be generous when it comes to my education. I want to use my passion for finance to help people. After I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial choices.

I believe the biggest problem facing the world right now is the financial crisis, which means people do not have enough money to live safely. This leads to other problems like homelessness and depression. I believe one way we can work on this problem is by helping people understand personal finance. Research has shown that the majority of low-income individuals lack a true understanding of personal finance, which leads to struggles in saving for and investing in their future economic success. CNBC reports, “63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since Covid hit.” However, an unexpected incident, such as a car accident can cause families to fall into debt. Being financially healthy has various benefits such as, reducing stress, being offered a lower interest rate, and being prepared for unexpected events. A well-known author of three best-selling financial books once said “It’s not how much money you make but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” It is possible to live comfortably if you manage your money correctly. I have decided to major in finance, so I can learn how to manage money and make sound decisions dealing with investments. After I graduate from college, I plan to utilize the knowledge I gained to teach individuals in my community about financial literacy which is the ability to understand how to make sound financial choices. I want to be the change that I would like to see in the world, making sure everyone understands how to effectively manage their finances.