At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path, but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. My husband was now disabled and not working, and my oldest son was disabled. With that loss of income and the increased pressure I was under; I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, caring for two people that are disabled and needed my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me, and I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I had to do. Now here I am, 15 years later, and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. So much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I can do those things for myself. I have had to learn a lot of patience to take care of my family and to wait on putting myself first. So I am working on my degree now, and I will push through anything to obtain it. I have learned that nothing comes easy and doesn't come fast. My life's experience motivates me to do this for myself and my family.

Back in my younger days, I remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day, eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case today. It seems easier to point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much simpler process, causing a substantial financial burden to many Americans as they get older. That ease in which you get approved for a credit line and the ability to make immediate purchases through online merchants. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. I truly believe that simple banking should be required a subject in early education classrooms today. Most people say that "your parents should have taught you to balance your checkbook." That statement may be accurate, but many people do not have parents to teach them these essential life lessons. So learn as much as you can about finance early on. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!

Back in my younger days, I remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day, eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case in today's world. It seems more accessible and easier to point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much simpler process. Unfortunately, it is causing a substantial financial burden to many Americans as they get older. The ease of getting approved for credit and making immediate purchases through online merchants is at an all-time high. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. Children are not born with "money sense." Children learn by example and experience, beginning at a very young age. The first thing children learn is to negotiate. I myself have made deals with my own children when they were growing up. For example: If you take out the trash, you can play 15 minutes longer on your video game. If you stop crying then I will buy you something. Start early in teaching sound money management skills. Begin teaching basic principles of money as soon as children understand that money is needed to buy the things they enjoy. I truly believe that simple banking should be required in early education classrooms today. I know most people say that "your parents should have taught you how to balance your checkbook." That statement may be accurate, but many people do not have parents to teach them these essential life lessons. Children need to have learned some of the basics of personal finance by the time they start middle school. Early on is when they develop their financial habits that will shape their future. So, learn as much as you can about finance early on. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!

Hi, I am a 42-year-old mom with two sons, and one is disabled. My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers in 2001, and then in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my son disabled, but my husband was now disabled as well. When I look back on my life, I feel like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and had everything going against me. With that loss of income and the increased pressure I was under; I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, and caring for two people that are disabled. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I didn't have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I needed to do. It is what you do for your loved ones. Many years have passed, and unfortunately, my boy's dad is now in assisted living due to his declining health. So here I am 15 years later, and at the age of 42, I am going back to school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. So much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I can do those things for myself. So I am working on my associated degree in accounting, and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. Completing my degree would mean the world to me! It would help give me the upper hand in getting my foot in the door of the perfect company to grow with and call home. I recently started a new job in the accounting field, and I am hopeful that I will move further up the ladder with my new company by obtaining this degree. Unfortunately, not being financially stable these past years has been why I have not continued pursuing my education. But I promised myself I would finish my degree no matter what and that I would be able to own my own home again one day when I made enough money. I will not stop, and I will not give up. But, I need some extra help to accomplish my goal. So that is why winning this scholarship would be a fantastic thing to happen to me.

Hi, I am a 42-year-old mom with two sons, and one is disabled. My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers in 2001, and then in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my son disabled, but my husband was now disabled as well. When I look back on my life, I feel like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and had everything going against me. With that loss of income and the increased pressure I was under; I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, and caring for two people that are disabled. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I didn't have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I needed to do. It is what you do for your loved ones. Many years have passed, and unfortunately, my boy's dad is now in assisted living due to his declining health. So here I am 15 years later, and at the age of 42, I am going back to school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. So much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I can do those things for myself. So I am working on my associated degree in accounting, and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. Completing my degree would mean the world to me! It would help give me the upper hand in getting my foot in the door of the perfect company to grow with and call home. I recently started a new job in the accounting field, and I am hopeful that I will move further up the ladder with my new company by obtaining this degree. Unfortunately, not being financially stable these past years has been why I have not continued pursuing my education. But I promised myself I would finish my degree no matter what and that I would be able to own my own home again one day when I made enough money. I will not stop, and I will not give up. But, I need some extra help to accomplish my goal. So that is why winning this scholarship would be a fantastic thing to happen to me.

Hi, I am a 42-year-old mom with two sons, and one is disabled. My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers in 2001, and then in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my son disabled, but my husband was now disabled as well. When I look back on my life, I feel like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and had everything going against me. With that loss of income and the increased pressure I was under; I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, and caring for two people that are disabled. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I didn't have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I needed to do. It is what you do for your loved ones. Many years have passed, and unfortunately, my boy's dad is now in assisted living due to his declining health. So here I am 15 years later, and at the age of 42, I am going back to school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. So much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I can do those things for myself. So I am working on my associated degree in accounting, and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. Completing my degree would mean the world to me! It would help give me the upper hand in getting my foot in the door of the perfect company to grow with and call home. I recently started a new job in the accounting field, and I am hopeful that I will move further up the ladder with my new company by obtaining this degree. Unfortunately, not being financially stable these past years has been why I have not continued pursuing my education. But I promised myself I would finish my degree no matter what and that I would be able to own my own home again one day when I made enough money. I will not stop, and I will not give up. But, I need some extra help to accomplish my goal. So that is why winning this scholarship would be a fantastic thing to happen to me.

My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 5, and my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that I put my life on hold because I cared for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. Here I am today, over ten years later, re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I owe this to myself, and I will not stop nor give up this time. This one thing in my life is just for me. Finally, I will be independent and provide for my family. I have already been doing so for the last fifteen years. It has all been on my shoulders: the finances, the care, the housekeeping, the cleaning, and the caretaking. I can do all this, and I will.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. I am hoping that with a successful career, I will be able to afford my own home someday.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth

Due to life experiences, I had to put my dream on hold. But, at 42 years old, I was finally able to pursue my education. I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping that I would be seen as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. You could say that is the only thing I have wanted for so long. So it is with much hope that I pursue my dream of a successful career to be financially stable enough to purchase my first home.

My life has not always been easy. I married young; I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son has Aspergers, and my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are significant events in my life that I have had to overcome. Yet, here I am today, over ten years later, re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop, and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. Getting my degree would mean the world to me. I hope that I can be financially stable enough to provide for my family and buy my first home with a promising career.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path, but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I needed to do. My family gives me joy. Everything that I do and will continue to do will be for not just myself but them as well. I get my pleasure from seeing them happy. Their health may not be that great, but they are so glad, and that is all that matters.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. I am hoping that with a successful career, I will be able to afford my own home someday.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. I am hoping that with a successful career, I will be able to afford my own home someday.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth.

Let me tell you about my mother. She quit school at age 15 to get married and have her first child. Two divorces later and a third husband who passed away at a very young age of 35, my mom had 5 children to care for on her own. We struggled and she did everything she could to support us. She worked for a sewing company for minimum wage for over ten years. At the age of 33, my mother applied for a job that was much better but she needed more qualifications. This new company required that she have a high school diploma or a GED. My mama wanted that job. She wanted a better-paying position and decent benefits. So she studied and took the exam for her GED. She passed that exam and went back to the company and re-applied. My mother was hired and given the batter pay and benefits that she had never had with her previous employer at the sewing company. My mother worked for this new company for over 25 years. She never missed days other than the ones she requested off herself or the paid company holidays. She always told me that if you ain't dying then you can go to work. My mama was the most important person in my life and she worked hard every day. Just shy of her 62 birthday and her retirement, my mother passed away in 2016. It was the hardest time of my life. I struggled with her loss, my job, and my own family issues. It wasn't until I lost the job that I realized, my mother would be so mad at me. She taught me better and was my lifelong example of how a hardworking woman was supposed to be responsible. So, I got myself together. I found another job and started putting my responsibilities first. I still grieve my mother every day. My mama was my go-to person for advice or just needing to talk with her. I can think of doing something and still hear her voice in my head. She would always give me her opinion, but it didn't mean I would always take it. It has been nearly 6 years now that she has passed away, but my mother is still with me every day.

Due to life experiences, I had to put my dream on hold. But, at 42 years old, I was finally able to pursue my education. I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. But as a female, I have found that I will never move further up the ladder. I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping that I would be seen as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. You could say that is the only thing I have wanted for so long. So it is with much hope that I pursue my dream of a successful career to be financially stable enough to purchase my first home.

Hi, I am a 42-year-old mom with two sons, and one is disabled. I was attending college in 2007, but my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Due to his disability and losing his job, I had to stop my classes. We were struggling financially. It was very hard for me as I worked full-time and cared for two disabled family members in the same home. Many years have passed, and unfortunately, my boy's dad is now in assisted living due to his declining health. I have decided to enroll back into school to complete my degree. I recently started a new job in the accounting field, and I am hopeful that I will move further up the ladder with my new company by obtaining this degree. Unfortunately, not being financially stable these past years has been why I have not continued pursuing my education. But I promised myself I would finish my degree no matter what and that I would be able to own my own home again one day when I made enough money. So, here I am today, over ten years later, re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop, and I will not give up. But, I need some extra help to accomplish my goal. So that is why winning this scholarship would be a fantastic thing to happen to me.

Due to life experiences, I had to put my dream on hold. But, at 42 years old, I was finally able to pursue my education. I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping that I would be seen as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. You could say that is the only thing I have wanted for so long. So it is with much hope that I pursue my dream of a successful career to be financially stable enough to purchase my first home.

Due to life experiences, I had to put my dream on hold. But, at 42 years old, I was finally able to pursue my education. I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys work together and play together. They are called the upper management, and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females are respected, but we weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. It was a struggle for me these past years. I had no support system from the upper management, and many employees, including the team I was leading, did not respect me. They saw how I was being treated and disregarded as a female in a leadership role. Inventory Line Lead, how can you have a lead title without the support of the people who gave it to you? I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping that I would be seen as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. But, unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. I am now confident enough to pursue my dream of having a successful career and to be financially stable enough to purchase my first home.

Due to life experiences, I had to put my dream on hold. But, at 42 years old, I was finally able to pursue my education. I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys work together and play together. They are called the upper management, and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females are respected, but we weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. It was a struggle for me these past years. I had no support system from the upper management, and many employees, including the team I was leading, did not respect me. They saw how I was being treated and disregarded as a female in a leadership role. Inventory Line Lead, how can you have a lead title without the support of the people who gave it to you? I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping that I would be seen as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth. So it is with much hope that I pursue my dream of a successful career to be financially stable enough to purchase my first home.

“It’s not how many friends you can count; it’s how many of those you can count on.” This quote rings true for me as, over the years, I have lost more friends than I have gained. I used to think that I was well-liked and respected because I had a lot of friends. But, unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You see, what I have come to realize as I got older, is that it doesn’t matter how many people you can say you are friends with; What matters is who you can say is a real friend. A real friend respects and values me, and I can count on them when I need them the most. The quality of one friendship surpasses a whole lot of people on your “friends list.” For instance, I have a list of friends on Facebook that I know. Only a select few of these people know the real me and have spent quality time with my family and me. These select few are in my inner circle. I don’t do well with lots of friends as I am an introvert, so I don’t go out of my way to make meaningless friendships. I value the few people that I can count on, and I would do anything for them and they for me in return. To me, that is the meaning of friendship.

My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers in 2001, and then in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my son disabled, but my husband was now disabled as well. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that I put my life on hold because I cared for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. When I look back on my life, I feel like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and had everything going against me. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, and caring for two people that are disabled and need care. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I didn't have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that was what I needed to do. It is what you do for your loved ones. Now here I am 15 years later, and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. So much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I can do those things for myself. So I am working on my degree, and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it.

When I was in my early twenties, my mother gave me a pair of earrings. They had belonged to my grandmother, and she wore them all the time. They are just a simple, cheap pair of pearl earrings with black accents. They weren't my style, but for sentimental reasons, I put them away for safekeeping. I hadn't put much thought into them for years, but I always knew where they were. I was 38 years old when my mother suddenly passed away in 2016. She was just 14 days shy of her 62nd birthday. I am the baby of five siblings and was very close to my mama. She was my go-to person to confide in, and she had no problem giving me her "motherly advice" on my life choices. On the day of her funeral, I found the earrings and put them in my ears. I cried so hard because they were the only real things I had left of my mother, other fond memories. Although I never wore the earrings more than a few times in all these years, more and more, I keep finding myself putting them in on days that I feel down and need to feel closer to her. So, it is true that not every gift needs to be expensive or extravagant. A simple pair of old pearl earrings can hold more value and meaning than the most brilliant costly diamonds.

When I think of my favorite things to do, I think of sitting on my porch swing while reading a book with the music playing, watching a Georgia football game (GO DAWGS!!), watching my favorite tv shows such as Street Outlaws, Yellowstone, 1183, and the Food Network channel. As some would say, I live out in the country where the cars are few, and the animals thrive. Every day after work and on the weekends, most anyone could find me doing any of these things. I guess some would say I am an introvert. However, this is how I relax, and it soothes me. Sitting on my porch, I have had some deep thoughts and made some life-changing decisions. Twenty years ago, I was a different person, always on the go and never had the time to stop and do something just for myself. However, as I have gotten older and dealt with health concerns, I have learned the importance of self-care. As a result, I make sure I take time for myself every day, even with a busy schedule of work, family, and school.

I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. There has always been the same boys club at my location. They are called the upper management, and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Generally, females were treated with respect, but we weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. I had no support system from the upper management, and many employees, including the team I was leading, did not respect me. They saw how I was being treated and disregarded as a female in a leadership role. I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping they would recognize me as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth.

I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last six years. I have found that I will never move further up that ladder. There has always been the same boys club at my location. They are called the upper management, and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Generally, females were treated with respect, but we weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. I had no support system from the upper management, and many employees, including the team I was leading, did not respect me. They saw how I was being treated and disregarded as a female in a leadership role. I hung onto that job for nearly six years, hoping they would recognize me as an equal to other leaders who carried the same title as I did. Unfortunately, that day never came, so I had to make a hard decision. Do I stay and keep giving my all only to be the hamster running in circles on the wheel, never getting anywhere? Or do I take a leap of faith and pursue more important things. Leave the comfort of the known, a stable paycheck, for the unknown? A quote from Sallie rang in my mind, and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” So I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then I decided to take my chances to further my education to find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One who will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, and I had children young. My husband was older than me and diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers at a very young age. I felt like I had everything going against me. So I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that I had to put my goal on the back burner because I had to care for them, but I won't. My family means the world to me. They are my heart, soul, and the joy I feel every day. These are significant events in my life that I have had to overcome. The events in my life have shaped me as a person and now give me the fuel I need to follow my dreams today. Yet, here I am today, over ten years later, re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I felt like I would not stop, and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. This goal is one thing in my life that is just for me.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, and I had children young. My husband was older than me and diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. My firstborn son was diagnosed with Aspergers at a very young age. I felt like I had everything going against me. So I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that I had to put my goal on the back burner because I had to care for them, but I won't. My family means the world to me. They are my heart, soul, and the joy I feel every day. These are significant events in my life that I have had to overcome. The events in my life have shaped me as a person and now give me the fuel I need to follow my dreams today. Yet, here I am today, over ten years later, re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I felt like I would not stop, and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. This goal is one thing in my life that is just for me.

When I think of taking it easy, I think of sitting on my porch swing while reading a book with the music playing. As some would say, I live out in the country where the cars are few, and the animals thrive. Every day after work and on the weekends, most anyone could find me here. I guess some would say I am an introvert. However, this is how I relax, and it soothes me. Sitting on my porch, I have had some deep thoughts and made some life-changing decisions. Twenty years ago, I was a different person, always on the go and never had the time to take care of myself. However, as I have gotten older and dealt with health concerns, I have learned the importance of self-care. As a result, I make sure I take time for myself every day, even with a busy schedule of work, family, and school.

When I think of taking it easy, I think of sitting on my porch swing while reading a book with the music playing. As some would say, I live out in the country where the cars are few, and the animals thrive. Every day after work and on the weekends, most anyone could find me here. I guess some would say I am an introvert. However, this is how I relax, and it soothes me. Sitting on my porch, I have had some deep thoughts and made some life-changing decisions. Twenty years ago, I was a different person, always on the go and never had the time to take care of myself. However, as I have gotten older and dealt with health concerns, I have learned the importance of self-care. As a result, I make sure I take time for myself every day, even with a busy schedule of work, family, and school.

Sometimes the best solution is to listen. For example, my 25-year-old son has Aspergers and suffers greatly from anxiety and other mental health issues. I have had to do a lot of research to communicate effectively with him over the years. He would refuse to take the medication because he hated taking so many pills. You see, my son was taking over 14 medications a day at one point in his life. Not just for the Aspergers, but his heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, and anxiety. It was too much. I was trying to be the protective mother, insisting he takes all his medications because the doctors said it was what I was supposed to do for his well-being. I was not listening to my son, and he shut down. After sitting down one day, I asked my son, what do you want to do? I listened to him as he spoke of his feelings which is an infrequent occurrence. But that was the best thing I had ever done. We have cut down on medications, and my son is now actively involved in his own health decisions. And it was his choice, his voice, I just listened

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path, but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. My life's experience gives me all the motivation to do this for myself and my family. My boys, as well as my husband, know how much I love them. Everything I have done all these years has been for them.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path, but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked; it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down, caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. My life's experience gives me all the motivation to do this for myself and my family. My boys, as well as my husband, know how much I love them. Everything I have done all these years has been for them.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. This one thing in my life is just for me. I will be independent and I will be able able to provide for my family, I have already been doing so for the last fifteen years. It has all been on my shoulders. the finances, the care, the housekeeping, the cleaning, and the caretaking. I can do this and I will. This is me giving back to me. I know this essay is supposed to be about giving back to your community. But I have given so much to everyone for so long. This one time I will be giving back to me. I will earn my education so that I can continue to support my family.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. This one thing in my life is just for me. I will be independent and I will be able able to provide for my family, I have already been doing so for the last fifteen years. It has all been on my shoulders. the finances, the care, the housekeeping, the cleaning, and the caretaking. I can do this and I will.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. This one thing in my life is just for me. I will be independent and I will be able able to provide for my family, I have already been doing so for the last fifteen years. It has all been on my shoulders. the finances, the care, the housekeeping, the cleaning, and the caretaking. I can do this and I will.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. this one thing in my life that is just for me.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. this one thing in my life that is just for me.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. this one thing in my life that is just for me.

My life has not always been easy. I married young, I had children young. My husband was much older than I was. These are the things that I look back on today. My firstborn son was diagnosed with delayed milestones. He is on the autism spectrum and has Aspergers. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 35. I had everything going against me. I dropped out of college to care for my family. I could complain that my life was put on hold because I had to care for them, but I won't. These are the things, the events in my life that have shaped me as a person. These are important events in my life that I have had to overcome. Here I am today, over ten years later re-enrolling back into school to complete the degree that I had assumed forgotten. I will not stop and I will not give up. I owe this to myself. this one thing in my life that is just for me.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. Caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. Now here I am 15 years later and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. Much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I have the ability to do those things for myself. I have had to learn a lot of patience to take care of my family and to wait on putting myself first. So I am working on my degree now and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. I have learned that nothing comes easy and it doesn't come fast. My life's experience gives me all the motivation that I need to do this for myself and my family.

Let me tell you about my mother. She quit school at age 15 to get married and have her first child. Two divorces later and a third husband who passed away at a very young age of 35, my mom had 5 children to care for on her own. We struggled and she did everything she could to support us. She worked for a sewing company for minimum wage for over ten years. At the age of 33, my mother applied for a job that was much better but she needed more qualifications. This new company required that she have a high school diploma or a GED. My mama wanted that job. She wanted a better-paying position and decent benefits. So she studied and took the exam for her GED. She passed that exam and went back to the company and re-applied. My mother was hired and given the batter pay and benefits that she had never had with her previous employer at the sewing company. My mother worked for this new company for over 25 years. She never missed days other than the ones she requested off herself or the paid company holidays. She always told me that if you ain't dying then you can go to work. My mama was the most important person in my life and she worked hard every day. Just shy of her 62 birthday and her retirement, my mother passed away in 2016. It was the hardest time of my life. I struggled with her loss, my job, and my own family issues. It wasn't until I lost the job that I realized, my mother would be so mad at me. She taught me better and was my lifelong example of how a hardworking woman was supposed to be responsible. So, I got myself together. I found another job and started putting my responsibilities first. I still grieve my mother every day. My mama was my go-to person for advice or just needing to talk with her. I can think of doing something and still hear her voice in my head. She would always give me her opinion, but it didn't mean I would always take it. It has been nearly 6 years now that she has passed away, but my mother is still with me every day. She is in my heart, she is in my mind, and she is all around me. My mama is the reason I am doing what I am doing now.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. Caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. My family gives me joy. Everything that I do and will continue to do will be for not just myself, but for them as well. I get my joy from seeing them happy. Their health may not be that great but they are happy and that is all that matters.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. Caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. My life's experience gives me all the motivation that I need to do this for myself and my family. My boys as well as my husband know how much I love them. Everything I have done all these years has been for them.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. Caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. Now here I am 15 years later and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. Much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I have the ability to do those things for myself. I have had to learn a lot of patience to take care of my family and to wait on putting myself first. So I am working on my degree now and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. I have learned that nothing comes easy and it doesn't come fast. My life's experience gives me all the motivation that I need to do this for myself and my family.

At 42 years old, I may not have overcome all obstacles put in my path but I did survive them. Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. Caring for two people that are disabled and need my support. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. Now here I am 15 years later and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. Much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I have the ability to do those things for myself. I have had to learn a lot of patience to take care of my family and to wait on putting myself first. So I am working on my degree now and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it. I have learned that nothing comes easy and it doesn't come fast.

Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. caring for two people that are disabled and need care. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. Now here I am 15 years later and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. Much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I have the ability to do those things for myself. So I am working on my degree and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it.

Back in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I had just started classes online to complete a degree in banking and finance. Not only was my husband now disabled and not working, but my oldest son is also disabled as well. With that loss of income and the increased pressure that I was under, I had to start working as many hours as possible to be able to maintain our household. But it didn't matter how much or how hard I worked, it was never enough. I was struggling with a job and trying to hold my family down. caring for two people that are disabled and need care. I eventually stopped working on my degree as I was stretched so thin that I just did not have the time to focus on myself. My family needed me. I would not change my decisions because, at that time, that is what I was called to do. Now here I am 15 years later and at the age of 42, I am going back to school. Much time has passed, but I can do this. I am at a point in my life where I have the ability to do those things for myself. So I am working on my degree and I will push through anything thrown my way to obtain it.

Here goes nothing...I deserve this scholarship because I don't need it. You know a 42-year-old single mom of 2 boys has tons of money these days. This is just more money in my nonexistent bank account that I really don't need. That just seems so horribly wrong to say when applying for a scholarship but that is what's required. At least I think I am doing this right, right? Lord, if I wasn't nervous before when writing an essay, I am now. Well, I am hoping to complete my degree so that I can find a decent job and make tons of cash so that I can blow that as well. Just kidding, my true plan is to establish a career and become financially stable so that I can buy my first home. So, I am gonna be real on this final question. My oldest son is disabled and his dad has stage 4 Parkinsons. I have had to put off furthering my education to care for them all these years. I would never call caring for my family an obstacle, but it did delay things I wanted to do for myself. Truth is, I am not getting any younger and my bank account hasn't gotten any larger.

“I hope we women give ourselves permission to act like women (not contort ourselves to act like men) in the workplace; that we all begin to have the “courageous conversations” in the workplace about the gender biases that still exist and that women will be inspired to use their financial power to work for companies, buy from companies and invest in companies that treat women well.” Quoted by Sallie Krawcheck If I had to choose one female leader to look up to, then it would be Sallie Krawcheck. Sallie is known as one of the most powerful women on Wall Street. She has climbed her way up the corporate ladder and fought hard to surpass the “old boys club” of investment firms. She struggled to be a woman working in a man’s industry. Yet, she did not let that hinder her goals. She is a former recipient of CNBC’s “Business Leader of the Future” Award. Sallie is a CEO as well as the Co-Founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisor for women launched in 2016. She released her first book in 2017 titled Own It: The Power of Women at Work detailing the hardships of inequality of males vs females in the same job roles. I for one can attest to the same hardships as I have worked in a lower-level managerial role for the last 6 years. I have found that I will never be able to move further up the ladder within the company I had dedicated so many tears, sweat, and hours to. There has always been the same boys club at my location. The same guys who work together and play together. They are called the upper management and no female has ever made it into that circle of boys, much less paid the same wages. Females were treated with respect, but we just weren’t good enough to be a part of that upper-level team. A quote from Sallie rang in my mind and it clicked for me. “If it comes down to your ethics vs. a job, choose ethics. You can always find another job.” I left my job at the beginning of this year. Then decide to take my chances in furthering my education with hopes that I can find a great career. One that respects women as equally as the men they employ. One that will acknowledge the hard work that I put into my job and get paid my worth.

When I was in my very early twenties, my mother gave me a pair of earrings. They had belonged to my grandmother, and she wore them all the time. They are just a simple cheap pair of pearl earrings with black accents on them. They weren't my style but for sentimental reasons, I put them away for safekeeping. I hadn't put much thought into them for years, but I always knew where they were. I was 38 years old when my mother suddenly passed away in 2016. She was just 14 days shy of her 62nd birthday. I am the baby of five siblings and was very close to my mama. She was my go-to person to confide in and she had no problem giving me her "motherly advice" on my life choices. On the day of her funeral, I found the earrings and put them in my ears. I cried so hard because they were the only real things I had left of my mother, other fond memories. Although I never wore the earrings more than a few times in all these years, more and more, I keep finding myself putting them in on days that I feel down and need to feel closer to her. So, it is true that not every gift needs to be expensive or extravagant. A simple pair of old pearl earrings can hold more value and meaning than the most brilliant expensive diamonds.

When I was in my very early twenties, my mother gave me a pair of earrings. They had belonged to my grandmother, and she wore them all the time. They are just a simple cheap pair of pearl earrings with black accents on them. They weren't my style but for sentimental reasons, I put them away for safekeeping. I hadn't put much thought into them for years, but I always knew where they were. I was 38 years old when my mother suddenly passed away in 2016. She was just 14 days shy of her 62nd birthday. I am the baby of five siblings and was very close to my mama. She was my go-to person to confide in and she had no problem giving me her "motherly advice" on my life choices. On the day of her funeral, I found the earrings and put them in my ears. I cried so hard because they were the only real things I had left of my mother, other fond memories. Although I never wore the earrings more than a few times in all these years, more and more, I keep finding myself putting them in on days that I feel down and need to feel closer to her. So, it is true that not every gift needs to be expensive or extravagant. A simple pair of old pearl earrings can hold more value and meaning than the most brilliant expensive diamonds.

Start investing in yourself and learn as much as you can about finances early on. I can remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case in today's world. It seems like it gets easier and easier to just point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much simpler process. This is causing a huge financial burden to many Americans as they get older. That ease in which you get approved for a credit line and the ability to make immediate purchases through online merchants. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their own credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. I truly believe that simple banking should be required a subject in early education classrooms today. I know most people say that "your parents should have taught you to balance your checkbook." That statement may be true, but many people do not have parents to teach them these important life lessons. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!

I can remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case in today's world. It seems like it gets easier and easier to just point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much simpler process. This is causing a huge financial burden to many Americans as they get older. That ease in which you get approved for a credit line and the ability to make immediate purchases through online merchants. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their own credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. I truly believe that simple banking should be required a subject in early education classrooms today. I know most people say that "your parents should have taught you to balance your checkbook." That statement may be true, but many people do not have parents to teach them these important life lessons. Learn as much as you can about finance early on. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!

Back in my younger days, I can remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case in today's world. It seems like it gets easier and easier to just point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much simpler process. This is causing a huge financial burden to many Americans as they get older. That ease in which you get approved for a credit line and the ability to make immediate purchases through online merchants. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their own credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. I truly believe that simple banking should be required a subject in early education classrooms today. I know most people say that "your parents should have taught you to balance your checkbook." That statement may be true, but many people do not have parents to teach them these important life lessons. Learn as much as you can about finance early on. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!

Back in my younger days, I can remember that the only way to get a credit card was to apply by a written application and put it in the mail. It would take several weeks of you checking the mailbox every day eager to see if you were "approved." While some believe it is harder for 18-year-olds to get approved for credit cards, that is not the case in today's world. It seems like it gets easier and easier to just point, click, and get approved. Technology these days is making it a much more simpler process. This is causing a huge financial burden to many Americans as they get older. That ease in which you get approved for a credit line and the ability to make immediate purchases through online merchants. It can have even the most financially aware consumer in debt quicker than usual. One pre-approval can lead to up to ten or more website purchases in just a short time. Not only that, many of these online merchants have their own credit cards or the ability to get you financing through their other credit partners. Thus, you end up with a lot of cool stuff you needed or just had to have as soon as possible. Yet, you still owe a monthly minimum payment to each of the creditors that you accepted their pre-approval offer. I truly believe that simple banking should be required a subject in early education classrooms today. I know most people say that "your parents should have taught you to balance your checkbook." That statement may be true, but many people do not have parents to teach them these important life lessons. Learn as much as you can about finance early on. The more you know, hopefully, the less you will owe!