It wasn’t unusual for me to find my mother hunched over the dinner table, worrying about bills that cannot be paid. My parents, born in San Juan, came to the mainland United States to achieve the American dream. A place full of opportunity and prosperity. However, their journey wasn’t an easy one. My parents faced immense challenges. Whether it be from financial instability to language barriers, they were constantly overcoming. Despite these obstacles, they remained resilient and accomplished the life they fought for. However, witnessing our struggles, left a lasting impression on me. Growing up in a household that constantly faced financial uncertainty, I saw firsthand the stress that came with not knowing how to navigate the complexity of money or balance life’s many challenges. Inspired by my background, I wanted to work towards understanding finances myself. In my junior year, I had the privilege of interning at VyStar Credit Union. This gave me hands-on experience of the banking field and an unique opportunity to teach my peers about financial literacy. However, during these presentations, I noticed a significant issue: the lack of awareness about financial management among young people. My presentations entailed that I asked questions, such as “What are good ways to save your money?” But, questions like this would leave students puzzled, uncertainty spread across their faces. Even when some would answer, they would joke, not recognizing the usefulness a question like this may have for their future. Because of my background, I had put a strong emphasis on my money management early-on to prepare myself for the future. It was disheartening to see that a lot of students were not equipped with these necessary financial skills. In our ever evolving world, understanding how your money works is one of the most important life lessons you can receive. So, I decided to take initiative and fight this issue. The VyStar internship showed me the impact of accessible financial education. These topics aren’t often taught in classrooms, and when they are, students often lack the focus to engage. To address this, I created “Lunch and Learns” as President of Future Business Leaders of America. These sessions, led by mentors or teachers, covered financial topics like budgeting and investments, paired with a warm lunch and an encouraging atmosphere. Afterward, students, especially seniors nearing adulthood, expressed their gratitude for the practical lessons. This initiative not only expanded my peers' financial knowledge but also inspired me to expand these programs nationwide. In the fall of 2025, I plan to pursue a degree in finance at the University of Central Florida. My goal is to leverage this education to later become a financial advisor. Because of my experiences with VyStar’s internship, I wish to work towards implementing finance internship programs. However, I aim to take this initiative further by incorporating more hands-on experience for the students. It would include shadowing opportunities, mentorships, and life-skill workshops. By doing so, I hope to empower students with the financial knowledge they need to make informed decisions and build stable futures. This passion for financial literacy has not only shaped my educational and professional goals but has also instilled in me a commitment to helping others. By addressing this critical issue, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the next generation, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools to succeed.