She Strengthens

The Value of Financial Honesty

As a high school English teacher, I’ve learned that some of the most valuable lessons aren’t found in textbooks. Recently, a student’s comment sparked a lively discussion about money, revealing a surprising lack of understanding about personal finance among my ninth-grade students.

A Ferrari’s Worth

The commotion began when a student held up his laptop, displaying a sleek Ferrari model worth over $100,000. The class erupted into oohs and ahhs, with one student loudly proclaiming that the car’s value exceeded my annual salary. Another student chimed in, accurately citing my salary and suggesting that even with a second job, I couldn’t afford such a luxury.

Breaking the Taboo

While some teachers might have shut down the conversation, I saw an opportunity to educate my students about the realities of money. I’ve always believed that openness about finances is essential for young people to make informed decisions about their futures. So, I closed the classroom door and began a candid discussion about money.

Privilege and Ignorance

I teach in a affluent community where students often receive cars on their 16th birthday and have parents who can afford expensive college tuition. However, this privilege comes with a price: many students are unaware of their parents’ income and are unprepared for their financial futures. I know this firsthand, having grown up in a similar environment where my parents kept their financial lives private.

Lessons Learned

It wasn’t until my 20s that my parents opened up about their finances, but by then, I had learned through trial and error how to manage my money. I want my students to avoid this same mistake. When we discuss money, I share my own experiences, including my teaching salary, second job, and student loans. I explain that a good life isn’t just about wealth, but about making conscious choices that align with one’s values.

Defining Real Wealth

The Ferrari may have sparked the conversation, but it soon became a distant memory as my students engaged in a heated debate about what constitutes real wealth. One student passionately exclaimed, “Who needs a Ferrari anyway? Ms. Hart works two jobs and she’s the happiest person I know! Money is important, but so is doing something you’re proud of!” In that moment, I knew I had made a difference.

Teaching Beyond the Curriculum

Facilitating financial discussions may not be part of the language arts curriculum, but it’s an essential life skill. By sharing my own financial struggles and successes, I hope to empower my students to make informed decisions about their futures. As they graduate and embark on their own journeys, I want them to understand that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in living a life that aligns with their values and passions.