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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!

6 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

A Crash Course in Finance for College Students

Whether you’re just starting college or about to finish up, it’s good to know how your finances work and how to make the most of your banking experience. With all of the options out there, it can be tough to decide which financial institution
to choose and which one will best fit your needs as a student. Here are some tips to help you thrive financially during college.

Bank Different
Many young adults will open an account at the same credit union or bank their parents use. But what happens when you move away from home? Be sure to check if there is a branch, credit union service center, or surcharge-free ATM close to both your hometown and school. There will be plenty of times when you need cash and want to be close to a location that won’t charge extra fees when withdrawing money or making a deposit.

Research
Numerous websites compare brick-and-mortar credit unions and banks to online financial institutions. Research before opening an account with any establishment—there could be hidden fees or minimum balance requirements, and these minimums could be hard to meet as a college student. To get the best deals and best interest rates, consider opening a checking account in one place and a savings account in another. As long as you can keep up with your earnings
and pay your bills on time, separate accounts shouldn’t
be an issue.

Save Money Now
If you’re taking out student loans, don’t wait until you’re earning a real salary to pay them off. Open a savings account with high interest rates and no fees. There will be plenty of expenses throughout your college years, so there may not be a lot of money to save up. However, a little savings here and there will eventually add up and help pay off those pesky loans in the future. Or, better yet, start chipping away at your loans while in school—this can save you money in interest in the long run.

Get a Flexible Job
You may think there isn’t enough time in the day with classes, studying, activities, and sports, but there is always time to get a flexible job. Even if it doesn’t pay much, it’s better than having no income. Some schools offer student work programs or federal work study and have jobs that will work around your class schedule. Some schools will even give you free housing or cut down on housing costs if you become a resident assistant. If you feel comfortable sharing your car, you could become an Uber or Lyft driver and work for yourself whenever you have the time. There are also plenty of odd jobs worth considering. Ask your parents if they know anyone who needs house sitting, dog walking, or babysitting. These don’t take up much time and are relatively easy ways to make money without making a full-time commitment.

Create a Budget
Even if a job is out of reach, talk to your parents, guardians, or whoever is helping pay for school about setting a budget and sticking to it. College is about new experiences, so make sure to factor in a percentage for entertainment and spending money. Make a list of expenses like books, supplies, groceries, bills, etc., along with other things you may need money for, like events, shopping, and eating out. Although, if you do have a job, put a percentage of your paycheck aside into a savings account—you’ll thank yourself later.

Get to know our 2018 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners

What are your passions? What’s next after college? I major in Education at Georgia State University and am a proud color guard member in the Georgia State Marching Band. My goals are to become a high school teacher and also continue my passion for color guard as an instructor. Participating in the band was a major part of my high school experience and a deciding factor in pursuing my education degree.

How did you overcome the fear of performing? The most valuable advice I ever received was to simply breathe. Focusing on breathing allows you to relax your muscles, quiet your mind, and tune out anxiety. Breathing exercises and meditation routines are as important as body warm-ups before each performance. Having the support of other performers who have your back every moment of the
show gives you the confidence to focus on being your
best for the team. 

What’s your favorite part of color guard? The people! I think what makes color guard great is the emotional connection and support of the performers and instructors in the activity. You are not only a part of your team, but you become a member of the bigger guard family. In fact, it is a guard tradition to wish other competitors good luck before the show. Everyone cheers for every team. It’s a community like no other.

Being a performer, what aspect do you find the most challenging when working with a team and learning new tricks? What is the most rewarding aspect? The most challenging part when learning a new skill is overcoming the mental blocks and fear. Tossing heavy and sharp objects while moving is incredibly dangerous and can result in serious lacerations and injuries if not done correctly. Knowing the risk makes it very scary to the point where you mentally can’t do it. However, once you push through it and master any new skill, it is the most gratifying feeling ever. You practice for days and fail, but there comes a time when you get it right and it feels incredible. 

What does it mean to you to receive the $8,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship? It means the absolute world to me and brings me a big step closer to achieving my educational goals. I was so appreciative to learn you chose me out of many students who worked hard to submit scholarship entries. I wish them all the best! This scholarship is a great help in paying for my school tuition and will limit the number of student loans I have to take out in order to graduate. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of Georgia’s Own students!

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you? This scholarship is helping me achieve What’s Ne[x]t by allowing me to do what I love by helping with much-needed funds for my education. I applied for the scholarship because I feel a part of the Georgia’s Own community, both as a member and as a Georgia State student. I am happy to say that now my tuition is covered for this year. I look forward to the next year at Georgia State in the Honors College and the upcoming Panther band season at the new Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta.

What makes you one of Georgia’s Own? I have been a member of Georgia’s Own Credit Union since I was a kid. I learned about money here. It was fun to empty my piggy bank into the noisy cash machine there and watch my savings grow. Now, I am a pro at managing my checking and savings accounts. Being a member and a GSU student gives me extra access to amazing events being held on campus, which are always so much fun.

How do you manage the cost of college during school and after you graduate? I have always loved to save money. Every time I earn a paycheck or extra money, I deposit 30-50% into my savings account. I keep a budget for each month and monitor my spending. I earn money teaching guard and also apply for scholarships to help with college expenses and reduce my debt after graduation. Maintaining good grades allows for more scholarship opportunities.

My advice to other students is learn how to spend money in moderation and plan activities with money in mind. I know that Starbucks before class every day seems like a great idea, but it makes my wallet cry. However, visiting Starbucks occasionally with friends makes it a special treat. Frequently checking your account balance will also help you stay on track with your budget. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. When I was in preschool, I changed my name to Lucy. After watching I Love Lucy, I decided I just HAD to be Lucy. I wouldn’t respond to Anna and signed my artwork with my new name. I’m back to Anna these days, but my family still calls me Lucy when I’m being stubborn, which makes me laugh!

What are your passions? What’s next after college? What’s next is completing my undergraduate degree in Finance, then pursuing graduate studies in Policymaking and Management. For as long as I can remember, business and finance have been my passions. I love entrepreneurship, banking, finance, accounting, and every other aspect of business. Now, I’m also interested in exploring how business and policymaking intersect. After graduating with my B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration) next spring, I’ll be excited to gain exposure to policymaking and learn how those two worlds collide!

Being from Michigan, what made you choose Georgia State University? I love the GSU campus. It’s surrounded by big corporate headquarters, rich historical sites, and tons of employers for a finance student such as myself. I also admire the diversity at GSU. There are so many students who have different interests—art, tech, filmmaking, history, apologetics, gaming—I’ve seen it all! I am proud to be a
GSU Panther!

What inspired you to write the book 100 Reasons 4 College? I was inspired to write 100 Reasons 4 College after mentoring my cousins and introducing them to campus life. They are 14- and 15-year-old girls and moved to Atlanta for high school. They hadn’t had much exposure to campus life, so I wanted to impress them with how fun college can be. They were impressed, so I packaged all that I’d shared with them into a book and called it 100 Reasons 4 College: Why College is the Next Step for You! Since publishing my book in February, I’ve left that impression with over 1,000 students in metro Atlanta.

What was your favorite part of being the FBLA president? What was the most challenging? I loved the idea that I was becoming a Future Business Leader of America (FBLA). Being President of FBLA gave me the confidence that I would need to become an American business leader. Before I knew anything about ROI or a CAP rate, FBLA instilled in me the business principles that would become essential to my career. The most challenging part of being the FBLA President was rehearsing for competitions. It took months and months for our members and me to prepare for our business pitches. In the end, it made us sharper competitors.

At 13, you began discussing your father’s career. Do you plan on following in his footsteps and becoming a banker? Banking certainly interests me. To this day, I still ask my dad about the deals that his bank is closing and about any big news in the industry. I believe that banking is the crux of our economy and creates opportunities for so many people. If you want to start a business, go to college, or buy a house, typically, you go to your credit union or bank to get a loan.

What does it mean to you to receive the $5,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship? When I found out that I’d received the $5,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship, I was ecstatic! It means a lot to belong to a credit union that invests in the futures of its members. It says a lot about the character of the organization and makes me proud to be a Georgia’s Own member. Earning this scholarship means that I am one step closer to achieving my financial goal of graduating from college debt-free!

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you? Like many students, I work part-time, work during the summer, and apply for scholarships/loans to pay for college. I am big on budgeting and personal finance and made a plan to pay off my student loans by the time I graduate from college. It has required some extra hours working and applying for scholarships, but a decision that I am committed to achieving. Earning this scholarship will help me reach that goal and allow me to focus more on serving students and sharing my book! 

What makes you one of Georgia’s Own? There is no place like Georgia or Georgia’s Own Credit Union! I bank at the downtown location close to Georgia State’s campus. I can always count on stopping by to get the services that I need. I’m always greeted by familiar faces who are happy to serve the Atlanta community. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I play acoustic guitar at my church, Atlanta Revival Center. Sunday is the day of the week that I most look forward to because I can jam out with our worship band and make sweet, aromatic music. Playing the guitar is very therapeutic for me.

What are your passions? What’s next after college? For the past year, I worked hard preparing to apply to a competitive program at Gwinnett Technical College. I am excited to say that I’ve been accepted and will be studying Radiologic Technology. I love helping and serving others and am excited to start on a career path that will allow me to do that. After completing my program, I plan on continuing my education and specializing in MRI Technology.

What made you choose Gwinnett Technical College? After I graduated high school, I attended a college that was two hours away. I quickly realized that I preferred to be close to my family. I came back to Lilburn and started looking at colleges. Gwinnett Tech was more affordable than other colleges nearby, which was very appealing because I didn’t want to be in debt when I graduated. Also, since it’s a two-year program, I could start working and building my career
a lot sooner.

How did you become interested in the medical field, and what lead you to focus on Radiologic Technology? The medical field was not my “Plan A” – I was originally on track to become an accountant. I worked a couple of desk jobs, and through those I was able to identify the part I liked the most about all of my jobs: helping others. I decided that I wanted a hands-on job working directly with people. After I knew what I was looking for, it was clear that I needed to be in the medical field. I zoned in on Radiologic Technology because of how many doors it can open. There are several different specialties you can go into, such as MRI Technology, Mammography, Radiation Therapy, and Nuclear Medicine Technology.

How does it feel to make the Dean’s List after dedicating all of your time to earning a degree? Making the Dean’s List was an amazing accomplishment for me and an important indicator that I was on the right track! I was so invested in my classes that I devoted a large portion of my time to school, and my grades reflected that. I had been working hard to get the highest grades possible, and this award validated all my hard work; it felt great to be recognized by my school for all my achievements. 

What does it mean to you to receive the $2,000 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship? I am beyond honored that Georgia’s Own has chosen me as a recipient. You don’t make a big career change like the one I made without having some doubts. The fact that an institution like Georgia’s Own recognizes my hard work as something worthy of investing in reiterates that I’ve made the best choice for my future, and I am extremely grateful for that.

How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you? The $2,000 will go directly to buying necessary supplies like my scrubs, books, and equipment. By having this extra financial help, I can worry less about working during the school year and focus on spending my time studying and becoming the best radiologic technologist I
can be. 

What makes you one of Georgia’s Own? Ever since I first stepped into Georgia’s Own, I was greeted with kindness and compassion. That’s how I try to live my life every day – making sure I’m always open to helping and serving others. I feel a strong sense of community at my credit union, and I know that Georgia’s Own will always be a great resource whenever I need guidance surrounding my financial health.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I love to paddleboard. Nearly every day during the summer, I go to Stone Mountain Park and spend at least three hours on the lake. I am also an avid hiker. Any given weekend, you can find me climbing mountains or chasing waterfalls.

The 411 on 529 Plans: When and how to start savings for your kid’s college

If you have a newborn or a toddler, you’re probably more concerned with getting a solid 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep than saving for your child’s college education. After all, college is 18 years away, so you’ve got time.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “the days are long, but the years are short,” take heed. It’s the truth. Blink and your child is throwing their graduation cap in the air and packing the car with dorm room essentials.

Now that we’ve established the fact that you don’t have as much time as you think, what can you do about it? With the skyrocketing cost of tuition, some parents are wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford their child’s college education.

What is a 529 College Savings Plan?

The key to building a solid financial foundation to help support your child’s academic future is to start early and save regularly. A 529 plan is one of the most popular, hassle-free, college savings vehicles available in the market today.

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged, education savings plan that is designed with features and benefits that encourage early investing for your child’s future education. It’s offered to help families establish a stronger financial strategy that will ultimately help their children—or another named beneficiary—continue their education. Any citizen or taxpayer can open an account, and almost anyone can help by contributing funds, including grandparents, other family members, and friends. It’s the perfect place for monetary gifts for birthdays, graduations, and holidays to grow with purpose.

Tax benefits

While contributing to a higher education savings plan can help make education more affordable, it also provides valuable tax benefits. The majority of states offer at least one 529 plan and the majority of states also offer full or partial state income tax deductions or other credits for contributions. Plan features and investment options can differ by plan and by state, and residents are not required to invest in their home state’s plan, nor attend an in-state school.

The IRS doesn’t specify a maximum dollar amount for annual contributions to a 529 college savings plan. However, contributions to the plan are considered gifts for tax purposes and can be included in the 2018 annual exclusion of up to $15,000 per beneficiary. Any earnings accumulated in a 529 plan are exempt from federal income and capital gain taxes.

529 plan balances cannot exceed the total cost of the beneficiary’s higher education. Plan balance limits, which vary by state and range from $235,000 to $520,000, represent each state’s best and highest estimate of the cost of attending college and graduate school.

Qualified and non-qualified withdrawals

Tax-free withdrawals from the plan can be used to satisfy tuition for most accredited universities, colleges, technical and vocational schools in the U.S. as well as many abroad. The benefit also allows up to $10,000 per year and per beneficiary for private, public, or religious elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, account funds can be used to pay for some room and board costs, supplies, books, computers, printers, and internet access. Other fees and necessary equipment may also qualify under the plan.

Any withdrawals used for non-qualified expenses, like transportation, student loan costs, or sports and activities, will result in a taxable event. These non-qualified withdrawals will be subject to federal and state taxes and an additional 10% penalty tax, but only on the earnings in the account. If, however, your student beneficiary receives a scholarship, dies, or enrolls in a U.S. service academy, the 10% penalty is waived. Unless you’re able to change the beneficiary to another student, you will, however, be taxed on the earnings in the account.

Take your first step

Saving for college is an important step in your overall financial plan. Start early with a 529 Plan and you can earn years of compounding, tax-free growth, and annual tax credits. If your children are headed for college—or you’re looking to go back to school—talk with your local investment advisor.