We are excited to announce the September 2024 Financial Goals Scholarship winner is Victoria! Congratulations!
"I am truly honored and thankful to be a recipient of the 1st Financial Bank USA scholarship. This award will be so helpful as I continue my college education. Thank you for supporting me as I work towards my future aspirations." - Victoria W.
Whether you grew up in a wealthy household, below the poverty line, or somewhere in between, your education and experiences may have sparked thoughts about the relationship between money and happiness. Financial wealth may lead directly to a fulfilling life, but other factors may play a more crucial role. In her essay, Victoria shares her perspective on the relationship between money and happiness.
"Throughout my life, I’ve always been concerned about money. When I was eight, my sister left for college and everything revolved around loans and tuition. I’ve always frequently heard the name “Sallie Mae” and I would wonder who this "Sally" was and why she was causing my parents so much stress. In second grade, we were given a prompt asking what we would do with $5,000. To me, $5,000 felt like $5,000,000, and I eagerly wrote about how I would give my parents everything they couldn't afford—and, of course, buy myself an iPad.
Money has always been on my mind. When I entered high school, my sister advised me to maintain straight As to secure scholarships, and that's exactly what I did. I never truly processed how expensive college was until I explored the Cost of Attendance during my senior year. There were schools I was wary of applying to because I was worried I wouldn’t get enough aid. Fortunately, my guidance counselors introduced me to local scholarships, which helped—but still, it wasn't enough. To make up the difference, I worked at Starbucks after school and throughout the summer. That was when I found joy in making my own money—I loved to see the money in my account grow. I eagerly picked up extra shifts and worked full days, driven by the need to save as much as possible to cover the financial gaps that scholarships couldn't fill.
In college, I became acutely aware of the disparities in socio-economic status. I knew I couldn't afford to dine out or explore as freely as some of my peers. I often envied those who could tap their cards without a second thought or attend college purely for the experience. When I would go shopping with friends, I found myself being the only one who ever looked at the price tag first. I realized that while I loved working and earning money, the pursuit of it was also a source of stress.
I’ve realized that money does buy happiness. For lower and middle-class people, they constantly need and crave more money. Receiving money brings elation, yet the desire for more remains to cover expenses and fulfill wants. The wealthy of course are driven by the need for more, striving for stability, growth, and the ability to claim everything they want. As humans we love stuff. Whether through food, gifts, or paychecks, it all increases our dopamine levels, all of which are tied to money. But as humans we are also never truly satisfied. The cost of living rises every day and we have to work to sustain what we have and pay for more. While money is a source of happiness, it’s also the root of our problems. In the end, money is both a blessing and a curse. It can bring joy but also fuels our endless desires and anxieties.”
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.
