Hannah Leibman
06/26/2023
Scottsdale Financial Planning Scholarship Essay
At age 12, my induction to the “real-world” of economics began with a small allowance for doing chores. I still recall the thrill of holding those crisp bills in my hands, feeling a sense of newfound independence and possibilities. Little did I know then that this humble allowance would be my entryway into the world of financial planning. Although it sounds intimidating at first, taking economical responsibility for my money has changed my life for the better. To this day, I find financial planning as a young adult to have many benefits, especially related to my career path.
In university, I chose to be an Environmental Engineering major because of my passion for nature and sustainable living. I found later that my financial choices also had a role to play in my career. I could harness the benefits of financial planning to support professional and personal aspirations while making a positive impact on the environment.
From the beginning, I found that financial planning helped me develop enhanced decision-making skills, which is particularly useful as an engineer. As I evaluated financial options and prioritized resources, I cultivated critical thinking strategies. I found these skills transferable to my ability to make informed choices when designing sustainable solutions, evaluating eco-friendly technologies, or assessing the environmental impact of different projects.
I also discovered that financial planning improved my mental well-being, a crucial aspect of being a healthy university student. By managing my finances and gaining a sense of control, I reduced the financial stress that might have distracted from my studies and professional goals. This clarity of mind enabled me to focus on my coursework, research, and projects dedicated to solving environmental challenges.
Financial planning has also opened doors for me beyond the traditional university experience. By preparing for unexpected financial events and building a financial safety net, I became flexible to pursue opportunities that align with my passion for sustainability, such as participating in fieldwork, internships, or research projects that promote environmental stewardship. Recently, financial planning has allowed me to pursue an eight-month research internship abroad in Germany. I was only able to go on this life-changing adventure due to meticulous saving and planned investments.
Finally, financial planning also empowered me to incorporate generosity and philanthropy into my financial journey. By allocating resources towards environmentally focused initiatives or supporting organizations dedicated to sustainability, I can actively contribute to positive environmental change beyond my professional endeavors.
In conclusion, as a university student studying environmental engineering, engaging in financial planning offers unique benefits that enhance my life. By developing decision-making skills, improving mental well-being, and creating space for new experiences, financial planning elevated my career journey and enabled me to make a positive impact on the environment.