We are excited to announce the February 2021 winner of the 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship is Jordan! Congratulations!
“Thank you so much to 1st Financial Bank USA for selecting me as the winner of the Financial Goals Scholarship! I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity and am honored to share advice and words of encouragement to other students. This means so much to me, and I look forward to using the funds to help alleviate costs associated with my pharmacy internship at Cleveland Clinic as well as invest. One of the best pieces of advice I learned is to take advantage every day to improve yourself academically, professionally, and financially while continuing a lifelong mission of service. Thank you!" - Jordan F.
2020 has caused many students to adapt from in-person classes to virtual learning. Jordan shares his experience with the transition and offers advice to others in the same situation.
“As students, we are always adapting, learning, and growing in this ever-changing society. No matter our course of study, it is paramount that we stay ahead of the game, ready to embrace any challenges that come our way. Recently, this pandemic has troubled our society, economy, and relationships, as the uncertainty of the future caused much concern over how we will beat this virus and recover as a country. As schools transferred to virtual learning, many students and teachers struggled to support a high-quality education, whether it was due to technical issues, lack of in-person aid, or sudden change in personal responsibility. Personally, I have coped with this transition by not isolating myself mentally, but by actively engaging support from others. I collaborated with fellow students over GroupMe & FaceTime to work through problems together and keep each of us on track to receive good grades. Additionally, I took more control over keeping a consistent schedule and setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals for myself. When I completed a task or goal, the physical satisfaction of crossing it out on my calendar served as a personal accomplishment, motivating me to keep going. The most important thing that I have learned that has helped me the most is to stay active as much as possible. Even though we may be physically isolated or quarantined, I transitioned to more at-home body workouts, picked up new hobbies like reading and investing, and took the extra time to learn how to cook more and learn other healthy habits that I put off previously during school. The overall goal was to take more control over my life during the pandemic and not let it negatively affect me.
Advice for others in my situation is to stay active as much as possible, whatever that means for you. Take advantage of the time saved from walking to and from classes to start an interesting hobby or improve yourself physically, mentally, or socially. Academically speaking, the best piece of advice that I have is to take advantage of online tutoring, especially since travel time and travel costs are significantly reduced. In other words, more teachers, tutors, and mentors are available to meet online without the worry of scheduling a room or time in person. Do not be afraid to reach out to other students, join group chats, or ask for help. School, no matter if in person or online, is a place for learning. Having a dedicated support system, especially during these tough times, is critical for improving yourself in many unique ways. The most common feeling, especially during virtual learning, is the feeling of loneliness and not knowing where to turn for help. It is important to not be afraid to speak up and reach out to others and grow together. At the end of the day, no matter what happens in society, it ultimately comes down to a personal decision to improve and not let external factors negatively impact your future.”
Even though it has been almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, many schools are still having to learn virtually. This type of learning has been a struggle for students in every state. Although it hasn't became any easier, students have adjusted to a new routine. To learn more about adjusting to virtual learning, read 7 Tips For College Students To Excel in Online Courses.
Established in the year 1910, 1st Financial Bank USA (1FBUSA) provides quality community banking services in South Dakota, credit card and other financial services to college students and college graduates, and construction lending to builders, developers and investors from coast to coast. 1FBUSA will award a $2,000 scholarship to a new winner each month. View full rules and eligibility at 1fbusascholarship.com.
