The Mycenaean

In high school, there are few classes that are as practical and meaningful as economics and personal finance. The course equips students with essential skills to better understand adults which empowers them to make informed financial decisions and understand the world as an economy better.

The personal finance portion of the class focuses on real world situations and financial literacy. During the personal finance portion of the course, students learn what a mortgage is, how to build good credit, different types of bank accounts, loans, and car payments. 

For example, State Employees Credit Union held a Reality of Money event showcasing the actual amount of money that is put towards real things like clothes, childcare, housing, and food.

“The Reality of Money event was very eye opening to me. I felt like I was going to go into it and get everything done with most of my money left over. I ended up in the hole like $600. Childcare is crazy expensive and so are meal plans,” said Taft Brock, senior.

Many of the topics covered in this class are very interesting to students, sparking conversations at home and outside of school with both friends and family.

“I think that the personal finance section of this course has really affected some of my students because a lot of them have come to me and told me that they are talking with their parents more about financial matters. For example, I have this one student whose mom is moving, and she’s been talking a lot about mortgages, and they are talking with each other. I think they wouldn’t have had those conversations if it had not been for this class,” said Ms. Van Gorden.

Many students think this has been the best and most important class they’ve taken in their high school career. Learning about different things to help with their personal lives and future careers. 

“I think the personal finance section of the class has positively impacted my future and allowed me to gain more education on topics like credit cards and certificate of deposit accounts and money market accounts. It’s just allowed to to start thinking about where I want to be in the future and how I’m going to get there,” said Carson Thorne, senior. 

While Economics and Personal Finance has not always been a required course for Leesville seniors, from students perspectives it has been one of the most beneficial.