April 18, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

I really enjoyed today's class (April 13). There were a few things in Chapter 5 of Mr Hallam's book that I didn't quite understand. Today's class really helped me clear that up. I especially liked the idea of proportionally investing in bonds. It's easy to remember, and in the long run it will definitely help my financial security.

You might have noticed that I was on my computer during the reading session. That's because I've been reading a book on my computer called The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden. I can bring in a physical book next time, if you prefer. Speaking of books, I really liked your idea of asking the library to purchase books I'd like to read. It saves me so much money and other people can read the same books as well.

April 13, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

April 13th is technically a Friday, considering we don't have school on the 14th. Mock season is slowly catching up. I'm beginning to realize just how much there is for me to study. I'm glad I'm taking finance. While I learn valuable, applicable skills, it's also not a class that I have to tear my hair out over. I especially appreciate that.

Monday I have a Calculus Mock (MCQ). Tuesday I have a Chinese Mock (FRQ). Then again on Wednesday and Thursday it alternates. In all, I'm taking 5 APs - 4 have mocks. The fifth is AP Computer Science Principles, and I'm taking it as an Independent Study. I learn through Harvard's CS50x course online. I think online courses are a great resource because many of them are free -- all you have to have is discipline.

April 11, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

I'd like to try something new. Instead of a recap of my day, I've decided to open this blog post with a discussion question. This has been on my mind for quite some time. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on it! Without further ado, here is the question (it's quite a long one): I think money is money. Whether you've had it in your family for centuries, or you have amassed it entirely on your own, it remains just what it has always been: money. 

With this in mind, how come people in earlier days put so much focus on old versus new money? Is it a source of pride? What about inheriting money seemed better than earning it? This is quite an interesting question. I'm afraid I won't know until I construct myself a time machine and learn more about the world.

April 7, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

Today, I'm back in the US. I wonder what PF is doing today. At some points I'm worried about how much school I have been missing, but at others I'm grateful for the opportunities I have. Because the university that is interviewing me for a scholarship has paid for my ticket to the US, I will not be in the same position as I was in February. February was a very busy month and because of flight costs and the like I ended up spending a lot more than my budget.

I'm excited for college, but I'm also quite nervous. It will definitely be an experience, living away from home for four years. I got to experience a similar situation the summer before 9th grade. That summer, I was at a expository writing camp held at Stanford University. I spent two weeks in the dorms, only coming home for the weekends. College will most definitely be more stressful because I have to balance work and life. I'm looking forward to it, though. It's a chance for me to become more independent and stand up on my own two feet.

April 5, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

On this trip to the US, I will spend much less money than I did the last time I went. This is for two reasons. First, the university is paying for my flight (as I said in an earlier blog post). Second, I won't be staying in a hotel. Instead, I'll be staying with my uncle, who lives in San Jose.

My uncle's house is close to the university I'm interviewing at, about fifteen minutes by drive. In addition, it's about an hour's drive from UC Berkeley. I'm really excited about visiting Berkeley because I hope it will help me make my decision. I get to meet some professors, attend a couple classes, and also meet with current Berkeley students. It'll be fun! 

April 3, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

Well, here I am again. I feel like I can't catch a break! I'm going to the US on Wednesday morning for yet another scholarship interview. This time, instead of Southern California, I'll be heading up north to Santa Clara and Berkeley. I'm lucky that I don't have to add a whole bunch of flight costs to this month's budget. The university I'm interviewing for is paying for my flight!

For the interview, I have to read a book. When I'm there, I'll be having a discussion with other interviewees about the book and what I learned from it. I'm a little sad that I have to take a break from Name of the Rose to finish this book, but it's important that I finish this new one. It's actually quite interesting, so far. It's about a man named Gregory Boyle, who started Homeboy Industries to provide gang members with job opportunities and such.

I'll keep you updated on the interview! 

March 30, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

Name Of The Rose is slowly becoming easier to digest. The words are still difficult to understand, so I stop every fifteen minutes or so to understand everything. I use that break to look up the words I don't know, or to translate the Latin parts I have trouble comprehending. There's been a new development in the fifteen pages I read during class today. Another monk has been murdered, and now the main character Adso is on the case. 

Tonight, I research index funds. While I think I might wait a bit longer to start investing, it's definitely a good idea for me to research now. That way, when I go to the US for college, I will already have a diversified portfolio to invest in. I won't need to wait even longer researching then, too. I do want to wait until I go to the US, though. It would work better for me in the long term, as I plan to be there at least until I finish my Ph. D.

It's exciting, choosing where to go to college, but it's also a difficult decision. We'll see where I end up.