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May 2018
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A LESSON IN FAILURE WHAT I LEARNED FROM J.K. ROWLING
Hello, readers, Andrea here. May is my birthday month, so Brannon gave me the lead article of this edition as a gift! Turning another year older has me reflecting on the milestones I’ve hit in my life and the advice that has helped me along the way. Many of our seniors are approaching an exciting new chapter in their lives this month, so I’d like to share a bit of wisdom I wish I’d been told when I was their age. As the director of financial aid here at The College Money Guys, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of these students over the years. My job is to ensure they and their families are financially prepared for higher education. But today, I’d like to share some advice that’s a little more personal: Don’t fear failure. I didn’t receive this advice until after I earned my bachelor’s degree. I was at a crossroads. My whole life, all I knew was the structure of being a student. As long as I woke up, went to class, and did my homework, I’d succeed. But adulthood doesn’t come with a syllabus. When I graduated, I could see the endless possibilities of my future stretched out before me, and I was terrified . I was paralyzed with indecision. After spending so many years at school to come to this point, I was suddenly faced with the fear that I had to make it all “mean something” right after graduation. If I didn’t get my dream job right out of the gate, then what was it all for? Feeling lost, I did a Google search to see if I was the only one facing this problem. That’s when I found J.K. Rowling’s commencement speech.
failure is an inevitable part of life we have to deal with. Instead, she argued that it is as valuable, if not more valuable, than success.
We are so driven by success in our modern world that we spend very little time discussing failure and never view it as a virtue in itself. That’s why Rowling’s speech is so empowering. Here’s this powerful, successful woman telling the world, in no uncertain terms, that her failures were essential to getting her where she is. In her own words, “Failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me.” Shortly after hearing this speech, I shook off my paralysis and took a leap of faith. I accepted a job working for an oil company in Mexico — a far more adventurous step than my younger self would ever imagine. Before, I was too afraid to try something new for fear of failing. But with Rowling’s help, I came to realize that even if it was a disaster, I would learn and grow from the experience. I’m so glad I took that opportunity. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. To all the seniors about to graduate, don’t worry. You got this. I know it feels like the world is weighing down on your shoulders right now, and it’s only natural that you feel nervous or afraid. But don’t let those fears keep you from trying new things or pursuing your dreams. As my grandma used to say, “Don’t take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive.”
“That’s why Rowling’s speech is so empowering. Here’s this powerful, successful woman telling the world, in no uncertain terms, that her failures were essential in getting her where she is.”
Congratulations, and have an amazing summer!
Delivered at Harvard University in 2008, the enormously successful author of “Harry Potter” turned heads by praising the virtues of failure. Rowling’s powerful speech was not meant to assure graduates that
–Andrea Robayo
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FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
Trying New Cuisine Has Never Been Easier
GRAZE If you like variety, exciting flavor combinations, and wholesome snacks approved by a nutritionist, you’ll love Graze. With this food box subscription, customers create a personalized snacking experience, something that many food subscription services don’t offer! Once you set your preferences, Graze hand-picks eight snacks for your box. After you’ve tried your snacks, you can tell Graze how well they know your taste buds. Unfortunately, Graze is not suitable for people with allergies. Their snacks are packed in a facility that also processes nuts, wheat, milk, soy, and egg, and cross-contamination is a strong possibility.
Eating the same foods over and over gets old, but it’s often hard to be adventurous when you don’t want to waste money on unappetizing food. Enter the food subscription box. When you sign up for a food subscription box, you’ll have the opportunity to sample new foods without committing much money — or time at the grocery store — to the cause. Here are two tasty food subscription boxes that’ll make your mouth water. TRY THE WORLD Try the World believes that the most authentic way to discover a new culture from the comfort of your own home is through food. With two price points to choose from, Try the World sends you artisanal and gourmet foods from different cultures each month. Each box comes with a “culture guide” that includes the story behind each food, recipes that incorporate the products, and tips to enhance your food-tasting experience.
Graze prices depend on the services and products you select, but a standard subscription starts at $13.99 per box. Like Try the World, you
can purchase snacks separately from their online shop. Customers can pause their subscription for up to 12 weeks or cancel their deliveries at any time. Trying new food should be a fun, stress-free experience. Food subscription boxes allow you to sample new snacks and create foreign meals cheaply and from the comfort of your own home. Try a box the next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen.
Like most subscription boxes, you can’t choose which country’s foods you’ll sample. However, you can purchase individual items at Try the World’s online shop. Customers can pause or cancel their subscription any time, and pricing depends on the length of your subscription.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
“These guys really helped my parents and me come to grips with the college education system here in the United States. The advice we received from them has really helped save us money and open doors that we didn’t even know existed.”
“I have been working with The College Money Guys for a couple months now, and so far, they have really helped me look into schools I’ve never thought about before, as well as telling me how to prepare for testing, etc. I am excited to see what else they have to offer as time goes on.”
–Stanley M.
–Hunter M.
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THE EARLIER, THE BETTER ADVANTAGES OF PLANNING FOR COLLEGE ASAP
REASON NO. 2: You want your child to pick a college based on the school’s ability to give you money. Most families pick schools without considering which school best meets their financial needs. Students start picking schools near the end of their junior year, visit the campuses during the summer, and then apply during their senior year of high school. The entire process, from travel to application expenses, is very costly. Most families are stunned when they find out there is no way they can afford most of the schools their children applied to. Avoid this by researching which schools have the best histories of giving good financial aid packages during your child’s junior or senior year. REASON NO. 3: You must start one year in advance if you want to apply for private scholarships. Although private scholarships make up 1 percent of all college funding,
HAVE A LAUGH The first day of college will be here before you know it. How prepared are you right now? If you are like most families, chances are your answer is “not very.” For parents of high school sophomores and juniors, time is definitely on your side, but if you start planning now, you can put your college-bound child in the best position possible. Here’s why. REASON NO. 1: You must know how much your family is expected to contribute toward college costs. The government expects you to pay your fair share toward the cost of college. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the minimum amount of money schools expect you to pay toward your child’s education. If you wait until your child’s senior year of high school to find out your EFC, you will have no time to save, and you may be forced to borrow more money to cover the cost of your child’s college education.
they can be worth looking into. Private scholarships are sources of free money that never have to be repaid. Private foundations and organizations offer scholarships based on ethnic background, religious affiliation, talents, hobbies, athletic abilities, and so on. You can only get these sources of funding if you apply for them. Start looking and applying as soon as possible! If you wait until senior year, you reduce the chances of landing a scholarship, regardless of eligibility.
GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH ASPARAGUS
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 1 pound asparagus
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper • Salt and pepper to taste • Grated pecorino Romano cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat grill to high. Season room-temperature steak with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Any oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, will work. 2. Trim bottom inch of asparagus. Season with salt, pepper, and remainder of oil. 3. Cut steak into four portions and grill for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. Skirt steak is thin and will cook quickly. 4. Let steak rest for 10 minutes. While it’s resting, grill asparagus for 6 minutes, turning once. 5. Sprinkle cheese and crushed red pepper on asparagus. Serve alongside steak.
Inspired by Food Network
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INSIDE
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Graduates: Don’t Fear Failure! Explore New CuisineWith Food Subscription Boxes Our Clients Say it Best! 3 Reasons to Plan for College ASAP! Buy Local When You’re Abroad
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BONUS MONEY-SAVING CONTENT INSIDE!
The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all-inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. FOOD Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business! ART Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It ENRICH YOUR VACATION
can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region!
PEOPLE While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. MEMORIES Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!
Thank you for your referrals!
Antona Family
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