Hi everyone,

This is my first post on the Laidlaw Scholars network! Yay! (Though I’m a bit late to the party, since I’m already approaching week 9 of my research.) I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about the work I’m doing.

My name is Terrah, and my research focuses on this question: How do financial literacy programs shape college access for students from low-income urban households?

So far, this journey has been incredibly eye-opening and rewarding. I’ve had the chance to interview students from diverse backgrounds about their college experiences and how financial knowledge—or the lack thereof—has impacted their paths. Hearing their stories has been both inspiring and at times challenging, showing just how crucial understanding money management is for educational opportunities. 

Some early findings I’m excited to share:

• Many students credit financial literacy programs or their parents with helping them navigate complex college funding options.
• However, there are still gaps worldwide in providing support to students who need it most, as they often lack regular assistance.
• There is a strong correlation between financial confidence and the continuation of college enrollment.

One important takeaway from my research is the significance of humanizing data. Behind every statistic is a person with hopes, fears, and a unique story to share. Sometimes numbers don’t tell someone's story. As someone passionate about fair access to education, I want to make sure every person’s experience is heard and represented in my research.

By centering the voices of students, we not only gain a new understanding but also build empathy and better inform policies that can truly serve communities. Building solutions from the ground up means designing person-informed and community-approved policies, because the real experts are the people who have lived these experiences firsthand.

My work here is far from done. I'm still looking for students to interview. So, if anyone knows someone who fits this bill:

•  College students 18+
• Grew up in urban low-income or under-resourced communities
• Or come from other backgrounds and have perspectives related to financial literacy and higher education.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here, on LinkedIn, or via email at tdg2124@barnard.edu. All shares and comments are greatly appreciated!