When I was young, my parents taught me about how important it was to save money. They encouraged me to take most of the money I earned and put it in my bank savings account. And they said that if I saved my money now, I would be able to pay for most of my college. That really stuck with me, and I wanted to go to college without having to take out loans.
With a household of eight to care for, I knew my parents weren’t in the position to help me out with college, so whenever I received babysitting money or did extra jobs around the house, I would place my money in my savings rather than spend it. My attitude of saving for college continued through my teenage years. And when I graduated from high school, I had saved enough money to go to college for a few years.
While being enrolled full-time in college, I also worked part time. I was blessed to be able to live at home for many years during college, which helped me to save more money.
After three years of working toward a business management degree, I wasn’t admitted to the program. Frustrated and heartbroken, I looked at other degrees and decided upon a communications degree with an emphasis in public relations.
This unexpected change in programs added on two more years of college for me. I was doing fine paying for college, until the very last year, when I had completely drained my savings account. I began applying for grants. I also began looking into loans, even though I had hoped I wouldn’t have to.
I continued forward and signed up for a few classes during a summer semester. As I looked at my funds, I saw that I was short $150 to be able to pay my tuition. I wasn’t sure what to do. I prayed a lot to know how I was going to come up with that money, as well as how to pay for my last year of college. Then some very unexpected events occurred.
Click here to read Part 2 of My Financial Life Journey and the Lessons I Learned
Love this personal narrative. Great addition to your page. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story, though!!