It'$ My Money Workshops - Trinidad 2019

My name is Patrina Dixon. I am a Certified Financial Education Instructor, international speaker, and award winning author. I am also known as the It’$ My Money Lady. I am truly grateful for the opportunity afforded to me to facilitate four workshops to the young ladies of St Jude’s All Girls School in Trinidad. This was the second consecutive year that my team and I was able to create meaningful financial workshops for the school. 

The workshops were on: banking, savings, budgeting, credit, and entrepreneurship. The young ladies were able to learn the differences between banks, credit unions, the various ways to save their money, and how compound interest works. They gained knowledge about the credit process in Trinidad, which is different from what we are used to in the United States. 

Furthermore, the students learned about online saving options, the pro and cons of becoming an entrepreneur, and the steps they must take to properly set up a business. On the last day, they received program completion certificates and a custom autographed copy my book -  It’$ My Money, which includes the logos of all of the Silver Sponsor and collaborators. 

The St. Jude School For Girls Administration stated that “the It’$ My Money workshops were much needed life skills for the girls which are not of their current curriculum” and that remark lead to their decision to have the It’$ My Money workshop at St Jude’s on an annual basis.  

Some of the verbal highlights from the girls included:
“Miss - These sessions were Lit” 
“Thank you for coming to teach us this important stuff” 
“I learned the difference between wants and needs” 
“Now I know what a budget is” 
“ Now I see how I am spending my money, I can stop spending on hair stuff and save more”. 
 “We need longer sessions” 

Students from last year’s session dropped in and another attended the sessions. I noticed the amount of material she remembered and it was fantastic to witness! She had such a confidence about her when I asked questions. She knew the answers about this year’s topics that she didn’t know before attending the sessions year prior. 

Each year, I was fortunate to bring one of my interns with me to Trinidad. In addition to their support during the workshops, the girls were able to see someone close to their own age: working hard, travel for their job, and realize how that can be possible for themselves as well. It helped the intern see a different school setting while having a  hands on experience of learning how the same topics differ depending on where you are teaching and how you may have to pivot on a dime as you gain more knowledge about your audience. 

We successfully collaborated with PylarrTT this year, who provided the snacks for the girls and contributed to the credit session. We were supported by our Silver Sponsors: Howard K Hill Funeral Services, Traveling Gentleman’s Boutique, KB Development, Attorney King-Wade, Mr. Floyd Green of Aetna, and many others who donated. 

Last but certainly not least, none this would be possible if it was not for the efforts of Taniqua Huguley, Former U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Trinidad and Tobago. She and I connected, emailed, texted and spoke numerous times prior to the first year’s trip. I was there while she was still doing her research in Trinidad. Once she returned to the states, her kind efforts didn’t cease! As we secured the dates for our second visit, she was right on board. Our team work made the dream work. I am forever grateful to her.  
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Taniqua and I have been successful at helping St Jude’s School for Girls in Trinidad to see the value and benefit of the It’$ My Money financial workshops. We are proud to announce that the students will receive the workshops on an annual basis. It is truly humbling when something you love to teach is received so well.  

Additional information about It'$ My Money workshops can be found at www.itsmymoneyjournal.info or on Instagram and Twitter:@itsmymoney_ and FB@itsmymoneyjournal and her podcast “The Money Exchange”.

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