Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. Unfortunately, many other Women and students nationwide face the same realities. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From the Women and Gender Equity Center to the Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Going forward- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially to the Women in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From my Tabletop Games group to Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. In the future- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals. My journey isn't just about business or finance; it's about bringing dreams into everyday life. With integrity, understanding, and a hint of creativity, I want to empower others to navigate their financial paths confidently. This scholarship is about more than my dreams; it's about the dreams we can build together.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey and fascination for business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. Unfortunately, many other Women and students nationwide face the same realities. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From the Women and Gender Equity Center to the Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. From now on- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially to the Women in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. Unfortunately, many other Women and students nationwide face the same realities. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From the Women and Gender Equity Center to the Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Going forward- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially to the Women in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. Unfortunately, many other Women and students nationwide face the same realities. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From the Women and Gender Equity Center to the Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Going forward- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially to the Women in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From my Tabletop Games group to Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. In the future- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals. My journey isn't just about business or finance; it's about bringing dreams into everyday life. With integrity, understanding, and a hint of creativity, I want to empower others to navigate their financial paths confidently. This scholarship is about more than my dreams; it's about the dreams we can build together.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From my Tabletop Games group to Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. In the future- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals. My journey isn't just about business or finance; it's about bringing dreams into everyday life. With integrity, understanding, and a hint of creativity, I want to empower others to navigate their financial paths confidently. This scholarship is about more than my dreams; it's about the dreams we can build together.

Hi! I'm Reagan Hilgemann, a Freshman Pre-Business student pursuing finance at Cal State University San Marcos. I would love to share with you my journey- and the values that motivate me in business. Growing up, I wasn't your typical business enthusiast; my idea of fun was founding make-believe companies and “running” them with my friends. At the time, business was at the back of my mind. I had the typical expectations of who my future self would be: a princess, zookeeper…, scientist. Little did I know that those playful childhood moments would plant the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit. In the Summer of my Junior year at high school, doubts about my educational funding led me to follow the path of financial literacy. Now, as a Pre-Business student, I'm excited to turn that childhood creativity into a career as a financial analyst. My journey shaped my belief that finance isn't just about numbers – it's a tool for transforming lives. I've felt the pinch of financial uncertainties myself- wondering about my financial future as I become independent following graduation. Living on a fixed income is the only way for me to afford school without accumulating student debt and maintaining my Pell Grant eligibility. Living on a tight income limits my ability to save, leaving little to be prepared for the future’s uncertainties. These real-world concerns fuel my ambition to use finance as a force for good in my community. My values are grounded in honesty, understanding, and community connection. These values aren't just words; they're the backbone of my ambition to make a genuine impact. I've learned that empathy is the bridge to understanding others' struggles. In a world where financial stability seems elusive for many, I want to bring it within reach. Beyond my classes, my heart lies in the vibrant student organizations at CSU San Marcos. From my Tabletop Games group to Finance Society, each group is a clan of shared passions and struggles. My interactions in these groups taught me that community is where we find strength- and financial empowerment should be a community effort. In the future- my goal is to make finance relatable and accessible, especially in my community. I’m uplifted by the people around me, each with unique stories of resilience and dreams. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to bridge the financial literacy gap. Picture workshops where we break down financial jargon over coffee- creating a safe space for conversations about money. By winning the scholarship prize, I can put the money towards my campus housing expenses, allowing me to stay near the things that matter most to me. This financial support will help give me peace of mind to focus on my studies and goals. My journey isn't just about business or finance; it's about bringing dreams into everyday life. With integrity, understanding, and a hint of creativity, I want to empower others to navigate their financial paths confidently. This scholarship is about more than my dreams; it's about the dreams we can build together.

@reagaroni_05

Making healthy eating decisions in college can be challenging, especially with the high prices of nutritious foods. With limited access to the right foods, students can’t receive the proper nutrients to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. With everything on their plates, quick and cheap foods are ideal for busy students, as they save time and money. However, while these foods are good for your wallet, they aren’t for your health. Favorite college staples such as instant noodles or pizza provide little benefit to a student's physical and mental well-being. With a bit of effort, students can work toward healthy eating without breaking the bank. For those on a tight budget, grocery shopping and cooking at home is the best option when it’s time to eat. You can save money by buying fresh, in-season produce instead of out-of-season fruits and vegetables. Additionally, buying grains and legumes in bulk is a cheap way to include starch and protein into your diet. During the height of the covid 19 pandemic, I decided to switch to a whole food plant-based diet to improve my gut health. After years of experiencing frequent constipation and digestion issues, I quickly noticed a boost in my digestion. The variety of plants increased my vitamin and antioxidant intake and helped reduce my inflammation. A plant-based diet allowed me to discover different foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and complex grains. I also observed an improvement in my skin’s complexion; excluding animal products did wonders for my skin, making it softer and smoother. When I started my plant-based diet, I was unfamiliar with the science of macronutrients. Instead of balancing the meal, I focused more on fiber and calorie content. I had misconceived what made food healthy. The loss of my period and the development of other health complications made me aware of how my diet affected my hormones and mood. I consulted with a nutritionist who helped me develop a meal plan to create more balanced meals and include my proper macronutrients. Adding more balanced meals to your diet allows for the inclusion of more nutrients that promote a better mood, improve cognitive function and increase energy levels. Sugary and processed food diets irritate the brain, increase stress, and create mood disorders. Diets filled with fruits, vegetables, complex grains, and lean proteins have shown a reduced risk of depression and anxiety in their consumers. Keeping a balanced diet and cutting out artificial foods can reduce a person's risk of being overweight and developing illnesses. Artificial foods contain empty calories and addictive chemicals that keep you wanting more. The best way to beat chemical-fueled cravings is to switch to a more nutrient-focused diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Overall, college students should focus on eating more healthy and balanced diets. Despite the difficulty of preparing healthy meals for students, they'll be thankful for their health benefits and mood-boosting properties.

I dream of a future full of possibilities and opportunities; my confidence and skill land me a job at a top financial firm, where I learn and grow alongside industry experts; I am respected and admired in my field; for my work ethic and intelligence.

The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry is a timeless masterpiece that has touched the hearts of its audience for decades. This book has been an enormous source of inspiration and growth in my life, thanks to its profound messages about empathy, personal growth, and finding beauty in this world. While reading The Little Prince, I found its ability to foster empathy and compassion in its readers most compelling. With the inclusion of complex characters, such as the fox and the rose, The Little Prince illustrates the importance of seeing beyond surface-level preconceptions and connecting meaningfully with others. There are times when it feels like the world is bitter and disconnected. Nevertheless, The Little Prince provides us with a much-needed reminder of the beauty found in human connection. The Little Prince isn't just about empathy - it’s also about self-discovery and personal growth. Through his journey, the little prince learns valuable lessons about taking risks, confronting fears, and embracing metamorphosis. As someone who has struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty, I find the story’s message incredibly inspiring. It reminds me that growth and change are not easy; but essential to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Of course, it's not just the themes that make The Little Prince such a beloved classic - it's also the author’s beautiful writing style. Saint-Exupéry wrote The Little Prince back in 1943 as a way to detach himself from the ongoing world war. His lyrical and whimsical prose transports his readers to a land filled with adventure and new possibilities. As Saint-Exupéry describes this breathtaking world, he reminds his audience of the beauty and complexity they encounter daily. In summary, The Little Prince is a book that has positively impacted countless other admirers and me. The story’s timeless themes and alluring composition have the power to inspire us to be more empathetic, courageous, and open-minded. This charming story will captivate you from beginning to end, so I urge you to pick it up and let the magic of The Little Prince whisk you away.

I live with an unusual set of financial circumstances. My father is a disabled veteran, so I qualify for a reduced tuition rate at California state schools. This privilege does not come without its downsides, however. To maintain my eligibility, I am constrained to earn a minute income of under $13,000. With that being said, most of my income is not disposable and will be put toward my future living and education. As a college student, I likely won't have much time for part-time work and will need to rely heavily on my saved funds. It is essential for me to manage my finances well to get through school and have enough money left over for life after college. To do this, I've implemented a few money-saving strategies like "paying" myself first, which means I transfer a certain amount of money from each paycheck into a savings account. Additionally, I strive to live below my means, which means I aim to avoid unnecessary spending and save as much money as possible. By following these strategies, I hope to successfully manage my finances and make sure that I have enough money to get me through college and life afterward. I have a part-time job, and at the start of each month, I allocate most of my paycheck to a Roth IRA, a UTMA account, and various expenses. This way, I'm confident that all my expenses are taken care of and I'm left with a monthly spending budget. This strategy is known as "paying yourself first", which is very useful for students and graduates trying to pay off debts. By creating a budget and spending less than the amount of money I earn, living below one's means is a smart financial move that helps me allocate my funds after paying myself first. In addition to leaving me with money to spend on leisure activities, living below my means is advantageous in reducing my financial stress and providing me with a greater sense of financial security. Moreover, I can better plan for the future and save money for important life events and ventures by monitoring my budget and spending habits. Living below one's means can be a great way to save money and plan for the future. By receiving the Financial Literacy Importance Scholarship, I will be able to reduce the cost of educational materials needed for my future classes. I can’t wait to start my college experience next season, and I feel confident that my financial practices have prepared me to make financially responsible decisions.