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HU Student Teaches Peers about Being 'Credit Wise'
Rachel Ross speaks to a class about
being "credit wise."
It is the holiday season and some people including college students are racking up their purchases on credit cards. Because it is important for college students to be financially literate Rachel Ross, senior public relations major, has devoted her time to teaching her peers about good credit.
Ross is one of 10 interns from MasterCard Worldwide’s “Are You Credit Wise?” Financial Literacy Program. The Are you Credit Wise? program was developed with the support of national student leaders to educate students on money management skills at a critical point in their financial lives. Since college students are typically more receptive and inclined to act upon information if it comes from a peer, Are You Credit Wise? has proven effective because it uses a peer-to-peer teaching model. During the semester long campaign, Ross has done many presentations around campus. She has presented to 10 University 101 classes and also held a seminar for the Leadership Institute High School Summit. During the seminars, Ross educates the students on how to keep a good credit history as well as managing their finances.
Ross got involved with this campaign because she believes that everyone should be financially literate. After starting her internship with MasterCard she realized that this was a great opportunity for her to educate her peers on being “credit wise.”
“Being financially literate is apical to everyone’s lives. Being financially literate also is a part of being independent. When taking the step to building a budget and maintaining it, students will then learn how to live successfully on their own.” Ross said.
To read more about Ross’ experience educating her peers about financially responsibility, visit her blog www.rrossaycw.blogspot.com.
Just like Ross says, anyone can teach or become “credit wise.” All it takes is one step to financial success! Campuses represented in this year’s class included: Boston University, Central Michigan University, Feather River College, Hampton University, Miami University, Ohio University, Pennsylvania State University, Roxbury Community College, University of Kentucky and Utica College.
- Carla Gibson