Future financial advisor Business Bronco builds community at WMU
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Peer financial coach Adysen Straw, from Valparaiso, Indiana, is getting to the bottom line of her future career as she educates students across campus about how to make responsible financial decisions at the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness. “Helping other students learn financial literacy with real-world situations has helped me apply and build on the knowledge from courses at the Haworth College of Business,” says Straw.
Pursuing a degree in personal financial planning, Straw is learning the fundamentals within her career before graduation with one-on-one student advising. “I am a teacher at heart, so I have always enjoyed helping others reach their goals.”
The Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness offers free resources for all WMU students from workshops to seminars to one-on-one consultations.
Connecting with faculty and students through this mentorship has allowed Straw to not only support others but also to find her passion for personal guidance and assistance. Straw says she enjoys helping others reach their goals and breaking down complex topics into easier to understand concepts.
“My involvement has given me the opportunities to develop my communication, networking and financial planning skills while simultaneously helping me feel connected to the WMU Haworth community.” Straw also creates a sense of community and belonging as the founder of Women in Finance, Accounting, and Economics Network. This newly established registered student organization provides support and guidance to make meaningful connections while at WMU.
“I wanted to build a network where women could develop confidence, form meaningful connections and see new possibilities in their future careers," she says. "Being able to provide this safe space for other students is what motivated me to get involved and take on a leadership role.”
Straw is excited about entering the personal financial planning field and confident that the course work provided in the program will give her an advantage as she takes the next step in her career by taking the Certified Financial Planner exam. WMU Haworth provides the opportunity for eligible graduating students to sit for the exam while completing the program, with courses closely aligned to exam topics.
“Taking this exam allows me to get a strong jumpstart in my career as I enter the workforce," she says. "The Haworth College of Business has played a huge role in opening doors for me. I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement and networking events that helped me build lasting relationships and connections.”
Straw will graduate from WMU Haworth having made a difference.
“Adysen is the epitome of a Business Bronco: personable, creative, energetic and resolute,” Todd Mora, program manager at the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness says. “She continually finds ways to contribute to the success of the Sanford Center through promotional material, meeting with students or conducting workshops for students. She is a leadership example for all students at WMU.”
Learn more about personal financial planning at WMU Haworth.
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