Educating myself on personal finance has been crucial in my 20s, especially coming from a background where money management wasn't always discussed. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of understanding and building my credit score, paying off credit cards on time, and avoiding high-interest debt. I also discovered the power of investing early, whether through retirement accounts or the stock market, and the value of homeownership in building wealth. Most importantly, I’ve learned that financial success isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about making smart decisions, saving consistently, and investing in myself.

The oppression of one means the oppression of all. Throughout history, marginalized communities have faced discrimination, not because of who they are, but because of how society chooses to fear or misunderstand them. From the criminalization of same-sex marriage to the legal acceptance of slavery and the exclusion of women from voting, these struggles show us that oppression doesn’t just harm the affected—it weakens us all. As we continue to fight for equality, whether in the fight for medical rights or trans rights, we must remember that true progress can’t come at the expense of others. When one group suffers, it reverberates across society, reminding us that the struggle for freedom must be for everyone.