Looking Back At My Journey

Last night was the appreciation dinner for the contestants, their parents, coaches, and judges. It made me realize that this journey is almost over. And on that realization I began to reflect on the journey itself.

I have learned so many things that are so incredibly vital to life, I don’t know how anyone could go without this knowledge and be able to make it in the world. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to participate in this savings challenge.

The scholarship money will definitely be beneficial and will help me to afford attending Baylor University in the fall. But the knowledge I gained about saving, loans, credit, etc are going to help me so much more.

Being informed about finances is the best present I could have received my senior year, and I am forever grateful to A+ for this gift. I had not realized how naïve I was until after the fact; I was under the impression I had it all together. But thanks to both of the Kelseys, the A+ website, and all of the other resources that were provided to me, I feel like I am ready to be on my own physically and financially.

I was always financially independent, but was never quite comfortable with the idea of having to be completely on my own managing my own money. With this new found confidence and knowledge I know that I will be nothing less than successful. And I also know that if I ever need to, my coach, Kelsey, is just an email away.

I loved working with her and know that I can go to her with questions, concerns, or just to talk even after the savings challenge is over. There is not a moment or experience that I regret or would change in the least. Every memory I have of the challenge is a fond one.

I will miss my meetings with Kelsey, where half the time we wouldn’t even talk about the challenge. I will miss the lunch meetings with the other Kelsey, and all of the wisdom she had to share through her fun power points. And I will miss the constant guidance that I received while partaking in the challenge, even though I know that I will be just fine on my own.

I have no idea how to repay A+ for all they have done for me and my future, but I think I have an idea. I will continue to utilize all that I have learned and all of the resources that have been provided to me. And the best thing of all, I will pass on what I have learned to someone else…which is the goal of the A+ Savings Challenge.

Once again, thank you so very much.

- Katelyn S.