If you could add a subject to the American high school curriculum, which would you choose and why? by Tameria

If you could add a subject to the American high school curriculum, which would you choose and why? by Tameria - August 2015 Scholarship Essay

There are some pretty awesome classes available to students in high school. So many different languages to choose from, unique science classes, speech, art; the list goes on and on. However, where is the class that teaches you about the importance of your credit score and how to use your money wisely? A class like this (we’ll call it Financial Responsibility (Fin. Res.)) is needed desperately in our society.

In a perfect world every child would have responsible parents who teach them to budget, save and invest there money wisely. However, his euphoria does not exist. In fact, most people I know do not graduate high school knowing how to budget at all. At age 28, I still struggle with this! Why? I was never taught how, like many other americans. The ignorance of how to use/spend your money wisely in the country is huge! The sad thing is that banks know this and try to take advantage of whomever they can. It’s why you receive tons of “pre-approved” credit cards in the mail once you graduate high school. They know you’re vulnerable and most likely you need the money.

Becoming an adult you need to know how to be financially stable. The following topics will be covered in the Fin. Res. classrooms.

Taking control of your money
creating a budget
how to keep track of your spending
getting organized
how to be wise when using credit
to buy used when possible
how to protect themselves of people borrowing
how to find ways to spend less
how to have fun on a budget
and more.

I believe it should be mandatory to take a Fin. Res. class in high school. Not just one. Students should have to take one each year in high school; from freshman to senior year. Every class will progressively become more detailed. By the time a student graduates they will be prepared mentally and intellectually for their financial futures. I believe this innovative class will bring a new confidence to the student body and the future leaders of our great nation.