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Congratulations to our 2020 Southwest Georgia scholarship winners

Congratulations to our Southwest Georgia scholarship winners! We awarded $1,000 to 23 students selected by a panel of judges who considered: academic record, financial need, school/community service, and an essay. Including the $23,000 committed to this year’s recipients, Georgia’s Own has awarded nearly $140,000 in scholarships to Albany students over the last 16 years. Meet this year’s winners:

Alexis Crimes | University of West Georgia

Alexis Danforth | Georgia Gwinnett College

Amiel Johnson | Wesleyan College

Amiraica Johnson | Albany State University

Annlyn Royal | Berry College

Ariana Drake | North Carolina A&T State University

Ashlynn Wright | Fort Valley State University

Ayanla Dudley | Florida A&M University

Ayanna Newberry | Valdosta State University

Bethany Phillips | Valdosta State University

Elijah Humphries | University of Georgia

Emily McClure | Georgia Southwestern State University

Gavin Baker | Kennesaw State University

Hayley Newberry | Georgia Southwestern State University

Jamia Lofton | Georgia Southern University

Katherine Smith | Truett McConnell University

Kirby Perry | Valdosta State University

Makayla Gay | Shorter College

Michael Harris | Middle Tennessee State University

Lindsey Creech | Georgia Southwestern State University

Rhiannon Belcher | Kennesaw State University

Sarah Mullins | University of Georgia

Tyler Coker | Valdosta State University

Student loans 101: how to set yourself up for success

Student loan debt is a pressing issue that has skyrocketed throughout the last several years, and it’s currently at an all-time high. Over 45 million borrowers collectively owe around $1.4 trillion—a figure that has increased by 33% since 2014.

The soaring cost of college certainly doesn’t help. According to Experian, average out-of-state tuition at a four-year public university is $26,290. Around 54% of college attendees secure student loans to pay for their education, and borrowers who don’t complete their degrees generally face more difficulty paying off their debt.

Taking out student loans is intimidating—after all, borrowing thousands of dollars without understanding precisely what you’re getting into is rather scary. It’s imperative to educate yourself on acquiring student loans, the variety of loans available, as well as the next steps after you graduate. We’re here to help make that process smoother for you.

How to Obtain a Loan

Acquiring student loans is easier than one may think. However, there are significant things to consider before applying. First, you need to decide whether you want a federal or private student loan. It’s best to seek federal loans first and use private loans as a last resort. The two are somewhat related, but there are some differences.

Federal student loans are more accessible because credit checks aren’t required, and the application process is simple. Just fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and it informs you of loans you’re suited for. FAFSA also notifies you of grants or scholarships, so you potentially avoid borrowing money altogether. 

Private student loans consist of a more complex application that frequently requires a credit check or a co-signer. Private loans should usually be considered a final option in the event you need a little more coverage that isn’t provided by scholarships, grants, or federal loans. Private lenders also expect you to begin payments while you’re in school, and they usually have higher interest rates.

What Loans are You Eligible for?

Borrowers are granted subsidized or  unsubsidized loans. What does that mean?

Subsidized loans are ordinarily offered to students who show strong financial need. With subsidized loans, the government pays the interest while the borrower is in school and six months after graduation. The loan limit is also lower. However, with unsubsidized loans, interest accumulates while the borrower is in school and added to the balance of the loan. There are several variations of available student loans, but these two are the most popular.

You’ve Graduated. Now What?

There is normally a six-month grace period following your graduation date. This is the best time to decide your repayment plan, see if you need to refinance or consolidate your loans, or determine if you qualify for student loan forgiveness.

It’s crucial to prioritize your budget based on repaying student loans. Avoid default, which indicates you didn’t make payments as outlined in your loan’s contract. When you default, your credit score is critically damaged, you could owe even more money, or your loan holder could collect additional money from you, like your tax refund. It’s helpful to set up automatic payments to avoid missing installments or attaining late fees. 

Most borrowers are automatically registered for a standard 10-year repayment plan. But, if you have difficulty making payments, you could be eligible for income-driven repayment plans. They decrease your monthly payment requirements and increase the period over which you pay off your loan, but don’t reduce your interest rate or overall payment. It’s free but only applies to federal student loans.

Likewise, you can refinance or consolidate your loans through a private lender. They’ll assess your credit score, income, and employment to determine if you’re capable of repaying your loans. There are numerous benefits to refinancing—it enables you to combine loans and lower your interest rate, which results in cheaper monthly payments. According to Zack Friedman, author of The Lemonade Life and contributor to Forbes, refinancing can save you more than $20,000 throughout your student loan. However, if you decide to refinance, there are some benefits of federal loans that you could potentially lose, like loan forgiveness programs.

A critical thing to remember: never pay a fee to refinance or consolidate. It’s free, and anyone who charges you most likely doesn’t have your best interest in mind.

Lastly, if you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, or if you teach full-time in a low-income school, you may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Teacher Loan Forgiveness. There are underlying stipulations, but these are viable options for anyone who is considering a profession in those industries.

Borrowing student loans can seem nerve-wracking with the mounting student debt crisis—but it doesn’t have to be. You can set yourself up for success by choosing the best loan for you, as well as selecting an ideal repayment plan. Now is the time to make repaying student loans the least of your worries. 

2020 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship Winners

The 2020 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners are in, and we were truly blown away by all of the applicants this year! We awarded a total of $15,000 to three deserving students. Congratulations to Sydney, Massiel, and Hanna! Each of these women demonstrated an exceptional commitment to others, a strong academic background, and a bright vision for their future. We are beyond proud to have them in the Georgia’s Own community.

$8,000 Scholarship Winner
Sydney Laws (Atlanta) – Cultural Anthropology, University of Southern California

$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Massiel Nunez (Lawrenceville) – Journalism & Emerging Media, Kennesaw State University

$2,000 Scholarship Winner
Hanna Paz (Roswell) – Finance Risk Management/Mathematics, University of Georgia

Get to know our 2019 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners

Back in June, we awarded a total of $16,000 to three deserving students as part of our 2019 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship contest. Now we’re giving you the chance to get to know Demi, Melanie, and Joy, and find out what’s next for each of these incredible women.

$8,500 Scholarship Winner: Demi Adeoye | Watch video

Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.

I’m a sophomore at the University of Georgia (UGA), majoring in economics with hopes of pursuing a career in medicine. These two subjects may appear to be unrelated, but my dream is to use my knowledge of economics as a tool to encourage public health funding to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability. Thus, increasing opportunities for economic improvement enables people to invest in their health. One passion of mine is playing music. I recently purchased a keyboard, which I’ve been playing nonstop. At age 12, I received a guitar that I also enjoy playing. Reading is another passion of mine. This summer, I set a goal to read ten books. I know it might seem insignificant to some, but it was a great feat for me, because in this digital age, I had forgotten how beneficial and fun reading was. In ten years, I see myself completing my medical residency and beginning my career in a level-one trauma center or working for a nonprofit abroad.

What does it mean to you to receive the $8,500 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?

It means that I can put all of my focus into being the best student without worrying about paying for school. It also means that my parents can rest knowing that I’m covered and that my brother has an example to look up to when applying to college. It means that I am reminded of how blessed I am every time I enter a classroom or walk on campus.

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?

I believe that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education because it will assist me with paying for my courses this coming school year. Secondly, this scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to attain a career where I can use my specialized medical skills, combined with my strong economics background to help restructure the healthcare system in the United States. As stated before, I want to encourage public health funding because economic opportunity motivates and enables people to invest in their health. As a result, worldwide stability, economic growth, and quality of life will be improved. Overall, this scholarship will help me accomplish my current goal, move on to the next, and eventually become a successful professional in the field of medicine.

Why did you decide to apply for our scholarship?

With the rising costs of education in the United States, I knew that it would be difficult for me and my family to pay the expenses on our own. I also recognized that the scholarship could help me with my short-term goal of graduating from college and my long-term goal of becoming a physician.

What made you choose the University of Georgia?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to tour UGA before attending the school. Therefore, my decision to attend was based on recommendations and online research. As a result, I chose UGA because of its location, quality of education, size, and spirit. I knew that whatever university I attended, it would have to be less than a 12-hour drive from home. I felt secure knowing I could drive home and arrive the same day. Furthermore, because UGA is a state school, I knew that the cost of attendance would be significantly lower than some of my other school options. Also, Athens is beautiful, historic, and lively—it looks like a town straight out of a college brochure. Moreover, UGA is essentially a public Ivy League school and has countless academic opportunities that challenge students and prepare them for life after college. Although UGA is a large school, once you find your niche, you immediately get the small-school feel. And because UGA is such a big school, there are a plethora of campus services, resources, and activities. I’m not a huge football fan, but there is nothing in this world that can compare to the experience of a Saturday in Athens, Georgia. There’s truly nothing like the atmosphere of an entire community joining together to cheer for the Dawgs and to celebrate—win or lose.

How much, if any, does your Nigerian background have to do with your choice to major in pre-med?

Quite frankly, my decision to major in pre-med has very little to do with my Nigerian background. Although I love my heritage and appreciate knowing where I come from, it has not significantly influenced my passions in life. It has more greatly influenced my personality, if anything. If there’s one thing I can say about us Nigerians, it’s that we are resilient and driven. No matter what life throws our way, we hold firm. I believe that those are both traits that my brother and I have inherited from our parents and our larger Nigerian community.  

What was one of the greatest things you learned while interning and shadowing doctors?

Doctors are people, too. This is a concept I still struggle with. I’ve always viewed doctors as superheroes, protecting the health of society while healing me of my sore throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, or even a more serious surgical procedure. Yet the more clinical experience I receive and the more exposure I have to doctors, the more I realize that they are humans, too. Doctors are not immune to boredom, fatigue, or sickness. Just like everyone else, doctors also pick up their kids from school, plan vacations, raise pets, and eat junk food. During the summer that I interned at Kennestone Wellstar Hospital, a surprise baby shower was thrown for one of the nurses. My favorite part about the baby shower was watching some of the doctors devour cupcakes and soda. It might sound absurd to confess this, but I then realized physicians are real people, just like me. 

What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?

Although I was born in New York, I moved to Georgia at the age of two. It may not be the only home I’ve ever had, but it is the only home I truly remember. My fondest memories were created here in Georgia. Even though I may not be Georgia born, I am certainly Georgia bred. 

Pursuing higher education is a wise investment in your future, but nonetheless a costly one. How do you (or how do you plan to) manage the cost of college during school and after you graduate?

I am blessed to have been able to win scholarships that helped me cover the majority of my school expenses for both my freshman and sophomore years. Moving forward, I plan on applying for more scholarships. I might sound idealistic, but I’m confident that I will graduate debt free, especially with the advice I’ve outlined here. My advice to other students is to first choose an affordable school. It is not wise to attend a school because of its notoriety, dorm size, or even the success of its football program. The factors that should matter the most are the quality of education and cost of attendance. Keep your expectations realistic. Secondly, apply for financial aid to see if you qualify for federal grants, work-study programs, state aid, or school aid. You may even qualify for loans, but those should be avoided at all costs unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) covers a variety of funding options for financial assistance. Be sure to complete the FAFSA form and submit as soon as applications are being accepted for the academic year that you plan to attend college. Thirdly, apply for as many scholarships as you can. There are a plethora of scholarships that are practically given away to qualified students. The internet will become your best friend because you should treat the scholarship search like a job. Also, don’t rule out working during school. Work-study programs, off-campus jobs, and side hustles can all help you earn money. Lastly, create a budget and stick to it. Be proactive and list your monthly income and expenses. This will significantly help you take ownership of your money and appreciate it that much more. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

My guilty pleasure is Skittles.

$5,000 Scholarship Winner: Melanie Kemp | Watch video

Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and working in auto finance for nearly two years, I’m excited to be pursuing a master’s degree in engineering management at Johns Hopkins University this fall. This opportunity will prepare me for my goals of being on the cutting edge of medical device development and leading others as we improve lives around the world. Along the way, I hope to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams and strive to become leaders in their respective fields, which is why I am competing for the title of Miss Georgia USA in November. The pageant will not only allow me to develop professional skills, but I will also have opportunities to serve our community on a broader scale.

What made you decide to make jewelry and contribute funds to the Cambodian Children’s Fund?

When I first learned about the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and its mission to put children through school, I was moved. I’ve seen firsthand on my visits to Cambodia how many children do not have the luxury to attend school. Many children in Cambodia end up working at a young age selling handmade trinkets along the streets or collecting bottles to recycle for change. I have cousins who weren’t able to finish primary school because they had to work on the family farm. I knew I wanted to help in some way and, around the same time, choker necklaces were trending. I enjoy projects that are hands on, so I initially made a few styles for myself. After receiving a lot of compliments from students in my classes, I decided to make, sell, and donate proceeds to CCF.

Why did you decide to attend Johns Hopkins University?

Aside from its prestigious reputation, I chose Johns Hopkins because of how welcoming the faculty and students are and for all that the school offers. I reached out to a few alumni to learn more about the program, and each one spoke so highly of their experiences with much enthusiasm; I really appreciated how faculty and students were able to meet with me and answer questions during my campus visit as well. The engineering management program gives its students the opportunity to refine both their technical and leadership skills by exposing them to a broad range of courses. Students are given real-world issues to solve, which aligns with my future career goals of leadership in the medical device field.

What does it mean to you to receive the $5,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?

It’s an honor! I’m proud of the hard work that I’ve put in thus far; having earned the scholarship encourages me to continue to strive to achieve greatness!

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?

The scholarship will definitely relieve some of the financial burden of attending graduate school, so that I can focus my time on my academics and gaining the full experience of what Johns Hopkins has to offer.

What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?

My love for the Dawgs, Chick-fil-A, and an ice-cold glass of sweet tea! Most importantly, though, the value I place on family, treating others with kindness, and giving back to our community are all what makes me Georgia’s Own.

What are some things you’ve learned from your family’s history that you feel will guide you throughout your college career and how you manage your day-to-day finances?

From hearing my parents’ stories about how their families fled the genocide in Cambodia and had to completely start their lives over in America, I learned how important it is to have perseverance and determination to achieve one’s goals and to be grateful for what I have. I gathered from a young age that money doesn’t come easy—it requires dedication and to save, save, save!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I’ve been playing the piano for 20 years and also minored in music during my undergrad! If that’s not fun enough, I’ve tasted grilled rat before while on vacation. I could only have one bite, though; the rest of it freaked me out.

$2,500 Scholarship Winner: Joy Nwoke | Watch video

Tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college. 

My next steps are to finish pharmacy school in 2021 and start a residency program that will better prepare me to become a pediatric pharmacist. I am passionate about children, and I look forward to being a part of their care. While practicing and gaining hands-on experience, I hope to go into academia and serve as a clinical associate professor for a pediatric pharmacy course. Additionally, I am passionate about learning Spanish and serving in underserved communities. After taking Spanish for Pharmacists in my spring semester, I began teaching myself Spanish through online resources and visited two Spanish-speaking countries. My recent participation on a medical mission in the Dominican Republic inspired me to serve on the mission field at least once a year and, if possible, help coordinate medical missions in the future. In regards to serving my local community, I will be conducting another health fair at my church and will continue volunteering in pediatric-centered opportunities such as Camp Kudzu.

What made you choose Mercer University?

As a follower of Jesus, I pray about everything I should do, and which pharmacy school I should apply to was a major prayer point. Mercer University was highlighted to me on several occasions, and I was confident this was the school for me after visiting the campus and encountering very personable faculty members. I knew any accredited pharmacy program would give me a PharmD, but the experience would be different depending on the environment of the program. The environment at Mercer provided a family of diverse individuals from all walks of life, which was the perfect setting to prepare myself for the patients I will see in the future. The opportunity to stay in Atlanta and take part in all the vast opportunities within this city were perks to my decision as well.

How did you become interested in the medical field, and what led you to major in pediatric pharmacy? 

I have always been a person with a lot of questions. My dad would always say, “Prevention is better than cure,” and I would ask, “What if prevention is too late? What is the cure?” Additionally, whenever I got sick, my mom would take me to my pediatrician who would write (what appeared to be) gibberish on a piece of paper. The paper, a prescription, was taken to a pharmacy, and I would receive a medication that made me feel better. I wanted to know how the drug made me feel better without affecting other parts of my well-being. Majoring in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration in undergrad provided some answers, but I knew attending pharmacy school would provide more understanding. In my first year of pharmacy school, I was introduced to different specialties within pharmacy, which is how I discovered pediatric pharmacy. I enjoy working with children and have done so in the children’s ministry at my church. Now I can combine my passion for pharmacy and helping children through pediatric pharmacy!

How does it make you feel to serve the underserved?

I love it. It is an opportunity to humble myself and quiet my needs and wants to tend to others. It’s always rewarding seeing the impact of smiling, providing food, time, a listening ear, and more to people who may not experience that often. A personal mission of mine is to live up to my name by spreading love, peace, and joy to everyone I encounter. In serving, I feel as though I am continually accomplishing this mission.

What was it like working with children at Camp Kudzu?

Honestly, words cannot describe it. My first time volunteering was during their Fall Family Camp, and I served again this summer at their Sprouts Day Camp. Every morning, the children would come ready for a day full of activities, and they remained eager the entire day! The camp is for children with Type 1 diabetes, and there were times the children felt low because their blood glucose dropped. I would check their blood sugar and administer glucose tablets to bring their blood sugar up. I am more aware of Type 1 diabetes because of this camp and in awe of the courage of each child when it came to pricking their finger several times throughout the day. However, it is sad leaving camp because I built a bond with my group of children every time I volunteered. On the bright side, I look forward to volunteering with them whenever my schedule permits!

What was the greatest value you learned from volunteering at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta?

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. I think of the value of kindness whenever I think about my experience at CHOA.

The majority of the time I visited a patient’s room with no knowledge of their diagnosis or prognosis. However, I could tell that their parents couldn’t be there 24/7 because they needed to work or rest. I could tell that the patients were missing school, so they weren’t able to play with their classmates, and more. I was able to exercise kindness throughout my experience. I am positive that the crafts I made with each patient, the conversations we held, and the laughs we shared encouraged them to continue fighting their
respective battles.

What does it mean to you to receive the $2,500 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship?

It means A LOT! Romans 13:8, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” My goal is to be debt free and be financially capable of being a blessing to others. This scholarship has blessed me, and I am forever grateful!

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?

In order to fulfill everything I desire to accomplish in the future, I must complete my pharmacy degree. This scholarship is helping fund this degree by reducing the financial burden that comes with a professional degree.

What do you think makes you one of “Georgia’s Own”?

Well for starters, I am happily a Georgia native! Secondly, Georgia’s Own Credit Union is my first and only credit union. The consistent financial resources available and #MemberAppreciationMonday opportunities keep me within the family, and I am grateful my mother introduced me to Georgia’s Own!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I love playing the guitar!

Six tips for managing money when you have roommates

Having a roommate isn’t always ideal, but for many people, it’s often a financial necessity. Managing money with roommates takes lots of communication and organization if you desire a friendly living arrangement—which I’m sure you do. While discussions of money and formal agreements can be an uncomfortable conversation, it’s also extremely important. Putting everything out on the table keeps everything clear and clarity keeps down the drama.

Here are a few tips on living with roommates and how to effectively manage money:

Create the house rules

Some say, “rules are meant to be broken,” but not having house rules can quickly create chaos and resentment in a living arrangement. The smell of dirty laundry lingering through the hallways or music blasting at 5:00am are definitely causes for concern. So before you bang on your roommate’s door, create rules and boundaries so expectations are clear. Rules about loud music, cleaning responsibilities, parties, privacy, etc., are just a few examples of things to outline in your rules. Once the rules are established, the house mates will have have a guide for what to do and not do. Take it a step further and print a copy for everyone to sign and place it on the refrigerator as a reminder. Because life can be unpredictable at times, always be open to discussing things you might have missed and be willing to create or modify rules as needed. While you don’t want your home to feel like Alcatraz, rules are necessary, and they help to prevent problems.

Split the bills you share

Discussions about which bills you’ll share and who will be responsible for ensuring they are paid on time each month will help lessen the drama and can keep you from becoming a star on the latest daytime court television show. In today’s technology-driven society, we rely on apps. To keep things simple, use apps like Splitwise to break down who owes what and make it easier to communicate about money. Free apps like Mint also help keep you on top of your finances. With Mint, you can easily link all your financial accounts, set up budgets, and receive alerts. Seeing all your bills in one location keeps you organized and aware of your finances. Plus, habits you develop early on about finance, credit, and budgeting will stick with you throughout life.

Make monthly payments easy

It’s difficult to do homework in the dark, and you can’t binge watch your favorite Netflix show without electricity. Forgetting to pay the power bill is not a mistake you want to experience. A simple way to track expenses is to post bills in a central location where all the roommates can see them and know when they are due. Another option is to create calendar alerts that will pop up on your phone—you can even invite your roommates to the calendar reminder. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp are great ways for roommates to pay their portion of the monthly bills.

Put it in writing

Yes, put it in writing because taking someone’s word isn’t what a lawyer would advise you to do. Once you’ve decided to move in with someone and share expenses, documenting that agreement is vital to protecting yourself should a conflict arise. Keep a copy of the rules, the bills, and anything that might be important to your living arrangement. Sometimes things don’t work out as planned, and in those moments, you want to be sure you have documentation to protect yourself in the case of legal action. Once it’s signed, scan a copy, save it on your computer, and email it to yourself. Because if you can’t prove what was agreed upon, a judge will not take your word. 

Have those awkward conversations

Keep the lines of communication open by having monthly meetings. Sitting down to discuss important (and not-so-important) matters is a great way to build healthy, long-lasting relationships. You don’t have to be best friends, but creating a bond can only help to make your home more pleasant. Ignoring problems won’t make them go away—in fact, it could make it worse. Because people’s moods can change from day to day depending on what they are dealing with, be open to healthy conversations that could lead to resolution. Work to create an inviting environment where you and your roommates can unwind and be at peace after a long day of school or work.

Don’t share food

If your roommates like frozen dinners and you like cooking, there’s going to be a huge problem. Consider the fact that a healthier lifestyle tends to be more expensive, while eating junk food or frozen food is relatively cheap and affordable for almost anyone. Personal frozen dinners tend to cost less than $5.00, while cooking a meal could cost about twice that, maybe triple. Simply put, eating styles vary from person to person, so save yourself the trouble of having to explain what you ate and who should pay more or less for groceries. Make it easy and just buy your own food.

2019 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship Winners

The What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners are in and what a class we have this year! In honor of our 85th Anniversary, we are awarding a new total of $16,000 to three deserving students in the amounts of $8,500, $5,000, and $2,500. Congratulations to Demi, Melanie, and Joy! Each of these ladies demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their community, a strong academic background, and a bright vision for their future. We are honored to have them each as one of Georgia’s Own and can’t wait to see their dreams take flight.

$8,500 Scholarship Winner
Demi Adeoye (Kennesaw) – Economics/Pre-Med, University of Georgia

$5,000 Scholarship Winner
Melanie Kemp (Lilburn) – Engineering Management, Johns Hopkins University

$2,500 Scholarship Winner
Joy Nwoke (Loganville) – Pediatric Pharmacy, Mercer University