Since elementary school, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education and be able to hold a degree to my name. At least, that was the clear and attainable next step the Pasco County school system had set me up for. However, with time, the realities of achieving this goal began to settle in. I can remember sitting in the Cotee River Elementary cafeteria, eating lunch with all my friends and looking around at all the different college flags hanging on the walls. We would choose which college we wanted to attend solely based on the schools’ colors or mascots. At the time, college felt like something so far away that it was almost guaranteed. However, soon enough it became more than just a lunchroom conversation. It became a goal that required planning, research, and countless hours of work. Earning my degree was still attainable; it would just come with a few more challenges than my elementary-school self had expected. As I sat at my desk during my junior year at Gulf High School, I learned the true cost of going to college. Within the next hour, my list of prospective colleges was cut in half. This time, it wasn’t because I didn’t like the schools’ colors or mascot, but rather the financial truth had set in. Like many students, I discovered that while college provides countless opportunities, these opportunities come with a price tag. I’ve personally seen this cost have everlasting effects on some of my closest friends. Preventing some of them from being able to sign that last financial commitment document. A plan that once seemed so simple came to a halt because of circumstances beyond their control. Although I had to cross a few college names off my own list, I refused to let finances be the barrier that stood between me and a degree. During senior year, I did something I had hardly ever done before. I asked for help. I made myself vulnerable and sought the help of my school’s career counselor. With her help, I was able to find scholarships that aligned with my goals and accomplishments. These opportunities became the reason I am fortunate enough to pursue my education. This happy ending unfortunately wasn’t the case for some of my friends and classmates. Rather than placing the blame on them, these experiences opened my eyes to a much larger issue. Many students, particularly those in low-income communities, including New Port Richey, lack access to resources, guidance, and funding opportunities. Witnessing these challenges firsthand at Gulf High School has fueled my commitment to expanding educational and financial opportunities, that will allow students to reach their full potential. When I envision my future now, as a college student, I know things are never as clear and attainable as it may be made out to be. However, roadblocks such as finances should never be what stands between a student and their endless potential. In my future career I plan to give back to my local community by helping create opportunities that shed light on the importance of financial literacy and planning. Additionally, create easily accessible opportunities for students that may be put in the position to finance their own higher education. By taking these steps, I hope to not only change the financial perspective many families have on college, but also to leave generations of financial uncertainty behind.