A common issue among college students is balancing classes and a job. This makes it a task to manage your finances because you may not have a steady income. There are typically many opportunities on campus where work-study jobs are available. Additionally, while on break, one can also work during their time off from school to put money away. While this may be difficult, you will benefit greatly in the future. The importance of managing your finances as a student grows the longer you are in school. The cost of books and materials needed for class is a growing expense as you further your education, for classes get more challenging as you approach your graduation date. Saving money is also vital to successfully paying off student debt once you graduate. Another reason to manage your finances as a student is it will reflect your habits in your adult life. The age of a college student is a perfect candidate for developing habits, especially how you spend money and how you save money. Perfect this in your student life, and it can greatly benefit you in the future. When one starts off being meticulous with their money rather than being careless, they can pay off student debt faster, prepare themselves for life out of school and hopefully live a debt-free life through adulthood. We know the importance of managing these finances, but how should you do this? For starters, I put a portion of my money in my savings account as soon as I receive any type of income. I make sure to leave enough spending for necessities like groceries, personal hygiene, and tithing for my local church. I also always try to put more money away than what I am spending, that way I can save more than spend to maximize my savings account. This brings me to the next way I manage my money well, I have a savings account that I put money into so I don't spend it. This makes it easier to have self-control in spending money because you must go through the process of transferring money into your checking account to spend it on something you may not need. Lastly, I downloaded an app onto my mobile device that helps me manage my money. This app is called "Mint," and it links your bank accounts and any other mobile app that you use to send or receive money to calculate how much money you have. Additionally, it allows you to set up weekly and monthly budgets for certain items that you spend money on. It helps you visualize how much money you're spending, how you're spending money, and how much you are saving. With these tools and knowledge, I try to perfect my tactics in managing my finances well to better set myself up for future expenses.

Many people at home might think, "the world is so big and I am so small, how can I even make a dent in combating climate change?" The answer is simple. When you start trying to combat climate change, the people around you will as well, and then the chain reaction begins. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to help climate change is by minimizing the amount of plastic you use daily. Instead of buying a case of water, buy a reusable water bottle and use a filtered water system to get your water. Instead of buying crafted-coffee drinks, purchase a reusable cup and make coffee at home. The same goes for plastic silverware and straws, and the list goes on and on. These are only the first steps someone can take to combat climate change. Once these steps have been taken and become a routine, it is easy to continue to do so and encourage those around you to do the same. The most impactful way is to take action for yourself but also help others. Another way one can combat climate change is to exercise their rights as citizens of the United States and participation in elections. Voting for those in office that want to and have the power to combat climate change is also vital to this battle. When people who support this get elected into executive positions, they can make the changes on a larger scale. They can use press opportunities, make law changes, and make supporters' voices heard. When there is a more immense amount of people publicly supporting this idea of combating climate change, then there is a more significant chance of it making a difference in our environment. I strive to fight climate change in my everyday life by trying to save energy in my house. I turn off lights as much as possible and let natural light in through the windows. I also am cautious of how much water I am using through the faucet as well as in the shower. In addition to this, I monitor my thermostat and ensure that I am using heat and air conditioning only when it is necessary. Reducing energy use in my own home is one of the things that has become vital and chronic in my life making it the most impactful. I also encourage my family members to do the same as I am and remind them to be mindful of what energy they are spending in the house and where. Additionally, I help my family in reducing the use of plastic silverware and plastic water bottles in my home. It makes the most difference for me when I can help those around me to advocate for this climate change battle because I feel it is one of the most impactful ways to combat it.