During a recent gathering at Morehouse College, students shared their personal journeys and experiences related to financial literacy and education. Charles Winfrey, a freshman business finance major, introduced himself alongside fellow students Capricia Samson and Alyssa Cabezas, who highlighted their diverse backgrounds and career aspirations.

Capricia Samson, 27, from Patterson, New Jersey, recounted her early career as a business value consultant in the tech industry. She emphasized the importance of financial literacy instilled in her by her parents, who encouraged her to understand the value of money from a young age. This foundation was further reinforced through practical experiences, such as receiving an allowance for chores, which taught her financial responsibility.

Alyssa Cabezas, 23, originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi, currently works in commercial banking at JPMorgan. She reflected on her upbringing in a two-parent household with four siblings, where discussions about finance were commonplace. As a first-generation college and high school graduate, Alyssa noted the stark contrast she felt when entering the Swamin program at Morehouse, where many peers spoke of trust funds and financial support systems that were unfamiliar to her.

The students' narratives underscore the critical role of financial education in shaping their academic and professional paths, highlighting the disparities in financial literacy and resources among peers. Their stories resonate with the broader conversation about the need for accessible financial education, particularly for first-generation college students navigating the complexities of higher education and career planning.