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Welcome to Our Next Chapter!
Dedicated high school student with a passion for healthcare. I have a solid academic foundation, with a strong interest in chemistry and biology, and I actively seek hands-on experience through volunteer work. I also value financial literacy, understanding that smart money management is key to supporting a sustainable future in any field.
I want to be able to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of financial literacy.
I began by recalling my parents’ advice and mapping my childhood saving habit. Then I linked that habit to each WSB workshop, weaving in examples and ideas from the modules. I wrote, cut, and refined sentences to keep the story clear and engaging. The process felt focused and creative. I enjoyed turning abstract lessons into a personal story that feels honest and helpful.
Artist Statement:
This piece shares why financial literacy matters today by tracing my journey from a simple saving habit to real security. I kept the message focused on a real-life challenge, saving without purpose, and showed how clarity came from connecting that habit to World System Builder’s workshops. I wrote in an honest, personal voice to draw the readers into my story rather than lecture them. I aimed for educational value by offering clear, actionable steps anyone can follow. Finally, I integrated all six WSB workshops into my narrative to show how each lesson reshaped my mindset and sparked real change. My hope is that readers feel inspired to begin their own journey toward financial confidence and freedom.
EmpowerED 2025 Contest Entry
My Expression of Financial Literacy
I grew up hearing my parents say save your money. It was a rule in our house. Every dollar I gained was saved. Saving became a habit but I never understood why it mattered until I was old enough to really realize the struggle my parents were going through with their business.
They first forced me along with them to the Jimmy Carter Financial Center, even though I was reluctant at first, where I attended the first financial workshop, Building Savings & Wealth. In that session I learned that saving should be a habit but I really learned why; it’s the foundation for freedom. Suddenly, saving was not just a mindless habit but a tool to reach real goals. I set financial goals and tracked every dollar I came across. That clarity made saving feel meaningful.
Next, I tuned into the second workshop. Increase Cash Flow & Manage Debt. There I discovered how small insignificant expenses, such as forgotten subscriptions, can quickly add up and how to cut them. I immediately canceled a video game subscription I barely used and told my parents to change our family Netflix plan to something cheaper. Those steps freed up extra money each month, which I funneled into savings.
In a world filled with unexpected occurrences and unfortunate events, the Preparing with Proper Protection workshop instantly caught my attention. This workshop taught me the value of an emergency fund and basic insurance concepts. I realized that having a safety net means I Cai 2 won’t panic and I’ll be prepared when unexpected bills arrive. Building and understanding that cushion gave me a sense of security I'd never felt before.
As someone who wants to pursue a career in medicine, I was interested in how finance and healthcare went together so I attended the Your Health & Wealth workshop. It showed how medical costs can negatively affect my finances. I learned methods like long term care policies and Medicare that can help me take care of my health and finances in the future (Your Health & Wealth Workshop 4). Understanding that link has motivated me to make smarter choices.
As I grew more confident, I tackled Understanding Asset Accumulation Strategies. For the first time, I saw how investing small amounts regularly, through the dollar cost averaging strategy, could build real wealth over time (Understanding Asset Accumulation Strategies Workshop 5). The idea that a few dollars put into index funds today could grow into something significant by the time I'm older was eye-opening.
Finally, I attended the last and final workshop. Fulfilling Long-Term Goals, where I learned how to map out my near future plans, such as my college savings, and far future plans, such as my retirement. I learned about financial aid applications such as FAFSA that can help dramatically with my college savings, along with IRA’s, annuities, and other plans that will help with my future retirement (Fulfilling Long-Term Goals Workshop 6). Having a roadmap transformed my vague hopes into concrete steps.
Now, at sixteen, I feel in control of my money for the first time. I no longer dread unexpected expenses. Instead, I welcome new challenges knowing I have a plan.
If you’re sixteen, or any age, start where I did. Ask your parents, a mentor, or a friend about WSB's six workshops. Understanding why you save not only boosts your cash flow and shields you from risks but also ties your health to your finances, setting the stage for smart Cai 3 investing and lasting goals. Small steps today will lead to real security and lasting peace of mind in the future. Financial literacy isn't just an idea, it's your path to freedom.