Fall into Free Money: Student Edition

There is something slightly magical about the start of a new school year.  The air is crisp, making it easier to breath deep with the confidence that this may just be the best year yet.   The beginning means meeting new classmates with the potential of becoming life-long friends.  Perhaps this is the year you read the book that shapes the remainder of your academic career.  It’s a fresh start to get better grades, start a project you are interested in pursuing, or even meet that unique teacher who inspires you to conquer a challenge never thought possible. 

Maybe not everyone is quite as excited for fall classes, regardless; I know one aspect every student can get excited about- Free Money!  Even high school has ridiculous after school program expenses and study abroad opportunities that will cost more than a new wardrobe for your first job out of college.   Thankfully once upon a time someone created the brilliant concept for handing out free money to qualifying students- Scholarships.

I always appreciated the collegiate environment offered here in Indiana.  Schools and living arrangements are more affordable, with some of the best educational opportunities available.  No matter the path chosen for your enlightening adventure, the hassle of funding will be a continuous stressor.  There is something else almost all universities have in common, a scholarship portal on their website with access to thousands of options.  Every year millions $$ go unclaimed simply because no one applied!  I myself once received a scholarship because I was the ONLY applicant.  While I refuse to accept trophies because there is no one else in my weight class, I’ll happily accept free money under those terms. 

Some Myths about Scholarships:

Be an ‘A’ student	Many extracurricular activities	Be athletic
Must  volunteer	No disciplinary Action on record	Be a good writer

While some scholarships will have these traits as requirements, others may require you be an artist, or have a vision for an eco friendly future.  Some will ask what it’s like being left-handed, or how have you overcome a difficult time in your life.  With a bit of digging, everyone can find a scholarship opportunity that fits their profile and interests. 

How to be Awesome at Getting Scholarships:

1. Just Ask!  Plain and simple.  Ask your teachers, check your school website, and visit different campus offices.  There our thousands of Scholarships available everywhere!  Refer back to the Myths- know your strengths and weaknesses, and ask for scholarships that fit your strengths.
   **As an Alum of IUPUI- I greatly appreciated the undergraduate application process.  One application could be used to submit many scholarships.
    
2. ANSWER the Question.  I had the privilege of working part-time in the scholarship office during my time at IUPUI.  The number 1 lesson I learned- so many wonderful applicants were dismissed simply because the student did not follow directions and answer the question.  They would submit beautifully articulated stories about why their mother is their role model, when the question was “what kind of role model do you want to be”…. Not… who is yours… see there difference?
    
3. Be creative with your Essay- No, I don’t mean come up with the next Stephen King novel to frighten your audience into awarding you funds.  I mean, tweak the same essay to meet the requirements of more than one scholarship!  Use a theme you are familiar with to bring out confidence and eased writing.  Also, there is no rule that states you can’t re-use that 5 page English essay you received an A on last semester to earn you a new laptop. Recycling is encouraged. 
    
4. Less is NOT more.  Apply, Apply, Apply!  If you submit 20 applications, the odds will be in your favor.  If you stay organized, and practice recycling the actual time spent applying to more scholarships will be minimal. 
    
5. Spend Wisely J It can feel quite empowering when an extra $5,000 gets dumped into your bank account after your tuition is paid in full.  Use this to your advantage, work less, and focus more time on your studies.  Then get a head start on next year’s scholarship applications and save a little for that fancy wardrobe you’ll need for your future career. 

Oh, and yes- I speak entirely from experience on this topic!  I left undergraduate with absolutely no debt! (Except to my parents for my frivolous need to travel, thanks Mom!) 

What is Lifestyle Assurance?

I feel confident in my assumption that so many of us find it easier to dwell on everyday annoyances and roadblocks in life rather than simply appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.   How many of us have heard that we are more likely to share a bad review than a good one with friends?  I work in a very difficult industry- Insurance.  The word alone sends a chilling reminder of that large annoying bill you are forced to pay each and every month.  Everyone probably has at least one complaint regarding insurance; its expensive, agents are always trying to sell me stuff I don’t need, they make it difficult to get assistance during a claim, the law requires me to have it....  If I got a dime every time I had to endure the awkward smile that crosses a person’s face after I tell them I’m an agent, I could probably stop being one!!!

But actually, I love my job, because for me it’s a way of life.  I do not get up at 6 am everyday to make sure clients are compliant with state law.  I get up everyday to help families plan for their unknown and ever changing future.  I openly admit that I hope no one ever NEEDS to use their insurance, but nature doesn't work that way.  She doesn't let us know in advance that tomorrow lightning is going to set my roof aflame, or that my mother is going to have a stroke and require nursing care, or worst yet that I lose a game of chicken on the road with a deer never to return to my family again (leaving all my debt behind).  And with that thought, my role comes into perspective.  Though I cannot rely on my magic 8 ball as a source for answers, I can help make sure you are protected against the unknown, affordably, with some perks in your advantage.  My goal is to help my clients feel empowered and in control of their account.  Insurance is supposed to be a benefit, and every agent’s job should be helping identify those benefits.  It’s not just an intangible bill that we hope will turn into Santa Claus when the earth shakes beneath our feet, its an opportunity to become Santa Claus for all those we love whether something bad happens or everything goes exactly as planned!   

By the way, Santa is real, and an idol of mine.  He originally started his business by travelling his country via unique methods due to limited resources, with the goal of delivering smiles to those who came across harder times (hence the name Saint Nicolas).

I greatly enjoy travelling, and I have learned more about people and life on the road then any classroom/office/computer etc. could teach me.  I’ve learned about unique ways to get around and the many benefits that come when you help others (forget altruism, because Italian women can cook!... Santa loves cookies, right??)   I’ve found no matter your life goals, the experiences from exploration help you relate and adapt to the magnificent diversity our world has to offer.

To me, lifestyle assurance means having peace of mind as you step out into the unknown.  Though we cannot control the waves, we can float off to sea knowing our children won’t have to lose the comfort of their pillow and blanket just because the unpredictable happened.  I remember as a child having no fear as I climbed to highest branch of the maple tree by our red wood shed.  I’ve always known I could fall; the point was having the confidence to try reaching the top anyway.  I’m making a living by helping others have that confidence again.  Because when you’re at the top, leaving all those annoyances of the day below, the only thing left to do is appreciate the beauty.