Personal Finance and Credit

The talk given to us on personal finance and credit was a lecture that every young person should here. In fact a lecture of this nature should be introduced at a younger age like beginning of high school or younger, the typical an individual starts making their own money. I have had a bank account my whole life and have added money to it every now and then, only taking small amounts out at limited times. I did this just because I wanted to save money but from this lecture I learned that I have very low credit. I wasn't to sure what credit was all about but now I have learned that it is extremely important for your financial future. I learned that it is always important to spend what you have and not what you wish you had. If you owe money it is important to pay it all as soon as possible to maintain a better record. I'm not too worried about my future because I have started in the right direction without even knowing it. Now that I know the importance of credit I have even more incentive to be mindful of my expenditures. 

A valuable website for young people to control their credit is http://www.youngmoney.com/money_management

My Vision and Values

My vision is not really clear to me yet. I always thought I should study business but I'm not exactly sure what I intend to do with it. I hope to see myself as a successful person one day and I would like my evolvement in becoming successful happen as quickly as possible. I see myself working for an international company but no idea what it will be involved in. Writing a vision statement is greatly beneficial for planning your future. It helps you to see where your at dealing with your dreams and ambitions. Without a clear vision of where you are heading it would be difficult to plan your success. My main challenge in writing my vision statement is not knowing the future for sure. Also by me saying I want to become this or that I feel in some small way I am limiting my capabilities or dreams. I do believe it is a good way to enhance your development as a business student but I just don't know what will happen.

I believe values are very essential to working or operating your own business. I was labeled as the humanitarian set because of my desire to be successful and to make others around me successful and happy. I am not a selfish person but I do enjoy things for myself. As much as its great to be having fun, its much more fun when people are having fun with you. My two favorite values are strength and people. It is necessary to have strength to overcome any obstacle. Also I believe in people, people are what we are and we must respect them and understand them to reach our full potentials. I try to show my strength in the things I do every day by having patience with the obstacles and trying to do the best I can do. I am courteous to everyone I meet, I love to know people's stories and this exemplifies my value in people. 

I found that hospitals generally have the same idea as me when it comes to values. One hospital in particular is Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C. Its vision is " to provide quality health services and facilities for the community, to promote wellness, to relieve suffering, and to restore health as swiftly, safely, and humanely as it can be done, consistent with the best service we can give at the highest value for all concerned". This statement exemplifies my values in strength and people. To work in an environment such as this would be demanding but comfortable and enjoyable. 

My Mentor Frank Cestero

A mentor is someone that everyone needs. Whether its your parents or a good friend a mentor is there for advice and guidance in your life. I learned from the program that having a mentor is great for seeing what your life can become. Working with someone who is engaged in the work you are interested in gives you the chance of a lifetime. 

My mentor is a great guy named Frank Cestero, he has a good sense of the business world and gives some good good advice. He grew up in Palm Beach but coming from Puerto Rico he rocks a little latin heat. He got his International Business degree at Auburn University where he became and avid Tigers fan. After working a few jobs he returned to school at Loyola University New Orleans and received his MBA. He now works as the Financial Controller for one of the biggest construction companies in the Gulf Coast Region, Walton Construction. So far he seems like a fun guy that is interested in helping us all out. He taught us that the key to business is connections and what you do with them. I'm looking forward to more great advice and guidance. 

I'm glad I'm able to participate in this Executive Mentor Program, I really think it will be beneficial to my education in Business. I expect to learn from the experienced and gain knowledge that others can't. I expect that this program will set me up with opportunities that others only dream of. This program is great for bringing a class to the real world instead of just on paper. I think a program like this can make anyone successful by placing them with successful people. Of course most of the successfulness will come from my own ambition but I believe with a head start like this I can achieve anything.