Mamekhady is a Junior in high school from Harlem, New York City who recently participated in FGI. We sat down with Mamekhady to learn more about her story and her experience with the program in this interview.
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I want to start off saying that my name is Mamekhady, or Khady for short, and I'm currently a Junior in high school from Harlem. I love being in Harlem for one because of its rich history and liveliness, and I feel like that it has introduced me to so many opportunities like First Generation Investors. I really appreciate growing up here. In my free time I really like researching topics I'm interested in. For example, last week I was researching the different methods people use to pay for college because I'll be applying soon since I’m a junior in high school. I came across things I had never heard of before, like 529 plans and how they're used. Even though I'm not able to use these, I feel like it’s still useful information to know especially for the future.
How did you discover FGI?
I was enrolled in a residential summer program at Columbia University. And in this program, we took classes for academic enrichment, of course, but there were also classes that focused more on us gaining skills that will be crucial for the future. For example, there were classes like Public Speaking and Financial Literacy, which FGI hosted. I remember looking at my schedule at the time and financial literacy really stood out to me because I had never had a course where I was given financial advisory. I was just really excited about that.
What was your favorite part of FGI?
What I really liked about our teacher for FGI during the summer program was that he didn't just lecture the entirety of the class, but he got us to engage. For example, I remember this one time after learning a topic– I think it was about bonds and stocks and the differences between them– he assigned us into groups. There was a stocks group and a bonds group, and each group had to defend which was better using our reasoning and what we had learned in the previous lesson. And I really liked that about the class. They really got us to engage and wasn't just a lecture, you know?
How did the program change the way that you had traditionally thought about finance and investing? How did it change your habits?
I kind of already established this a little, but since I had not taken a course on the subject before, I wasn't well versed in it overall. I didn't have a set way of thinking about finance and investing and I didn't think that anything that I would be taught would apply to me now, and taking this course really changed that. Not only would it apply to me in the future, but it applies now. For example, taking FGI taught me about making better money choices and to stop spending so impulsively. It really allowed me to start budgeting more and keeping track of my money.
FGI is an organization supported by donors and almost all volunteers. What message would you send to those who have supported, or are considering supporting a program like this?
To those who have supported and continue to support FGI, I want to thank you guys so much for giving first-generation and low-income students like myself the ability to be more well versed when it comes to finance and investment. You all are helping not just me but all of us invest in our future, not just with money, but with knowledge. I know for me, personally, the donors have indirectly helped change my perspective on life even if they weren't in the classroom. To those who are considering supporting or participating in the program, you should 100%. Supporting the program really would allow it to expand, and even more people from underrepresented backgrounds can get involved in FGI.
What are your plans, goals, or dreams?
As for my family, nobody has ever completed college and I hope to change that. I've hoped to change that for as long as I can remember. I really hope to make them proud by investing in my future. Programs like this have really helped me make such investments in my future, not only with money, but with knowledge. And as far as long term career goals, I'm not really sure yet and I do not know what I want to major in. I just know that I want to have a STEM-based major and a minor in humanities.
What else would you like to share?
For one, I want to send a message to those who are about to enter the FGI program or are currently doing one. Don't be afraid to ask any questions. No question is a dumb question. Your teacher or advisor is here to clear up any misunderstandings you may have. And all in all, they're here to increase your financial literacy, so never be embarrassed to not know something.
