Difference Maker by Ryan

Difference Maker by Ryan - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my time at UC Berkeley, I have realized how few students have basic financial literacy knowledge. From wasting money by eating out every meal to not understanding how taxes work, being financially illiterate as you live on your own for the first time in your life is a serious problem. This is why I would like to use the education and professional skills I have garnered at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business to teach personal finance to youth after I graduate.
Through taking courses and doing my own research, I have come to understand that a few small investments early on can pay huge dividends later. I wish I would have invested in a few major public companies back when I was in Kindergarten because I would have a lot more wealth at the moment. I would like to share this knowledge with current elementary school-aged children and their parents to help them get an early start on their financial careers. I believe if I design a non-profit program that caters education both to students and their parents this will make for a more engaging and inclusive learning experience as families will continue to bounce investing ideas off each other while their kids mature.
Through my time volunteering at Youth Tennis Advantage I have also learned what importance investing and financial literacy can bring these bright scholars. I tutor inner-city youth in tennis and academics at Youth Tennis Advantage. I believe providing these kids with financial knowledge could help bring their families out of hardship and also set them up for future success by providing them with a breadth of baseline knowledge.
All in all, I am excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge while also learning from my past experiences to pave the way for a better future for all. The more information I share, the more of a difference I can make in the life of others.