04/23/2026
When you are worried about "kids these days" - Read these paragraphs:
"The area that made me think about the most was food, especially eating out. I could not remember a single one of those purchases as being worth it. No meal stood out. No moment felt special. It was all just convenience and habit, and I spent real money and real hours of my life on things that left no impression on me at all.
Donations was the category that made me feel proud. It was a small amount, but it was there, and I chose it on purpose. Giving, even a little, reflects something I truly believe in. That felt good to see.
When I compare my actual spending to what I say I value, there is a gap, and it is hard to ignore. I say I value my faith, my family, my relationships, and living with purpose. But most of my spending went toward gas, forgettable food, and things that did not reflect any of that. My wallet told a different story than my words did. That disconnect does bother me. It does not make me feel hopeless, but it feels like a wake-up call. I am at a point in my life where my habits are still forming. The way I handle money now will shape how I handle it in college, in my career, and later when I am fully on my own. If I do not get intentional now, the gap between what I value and what I actually do will only get wider."
This is a current student reflecting on a money assignment in my Ethics class. She is a dual enrollment student - which means she is 17. She reflects more and writes better than most of my peers.
