Students are learning about life “beyond the tassel” as part of a workshop series of the same name occurring through the fall semester at SUNY Old Westbury.
Whether discussing food shopping on budget or credit card debt management, the workshops are designed to prepare future graduates for life beyond their studies and careers.
“For many of our students, graduation may be the first time they are fully managing their own meals, grocery shopping, and food budget, so we want to give them the information now so they can start getting comfortable with these responsibilities,” said Alexa Rinaudo-Zwibel, assistant director of the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement, which is hosting the series. “Our goal is to give them a low-stakes place to learn and practice these skills, so they feel more confident in their abilities when they eventually have to do it on their own.”
These events are important because they teach students real life skills that they can also teach members of their community. It sets people up for success.”
Nachurel-Destiny Mitchell '28
The first session in the series, “Cooking, Groceries, and Staying Healthy on a Budget,” covered the basics of nutrition tips and budgeting when food shopping. Led by Student Health Center Nurse Faylon Robinson, the session covered topics like healthy eating, nutrition, the differences between packaged and prepared food and frozen and canned food, and shopping and food preparation in relation to budgeting.
“Cook once, eat twice, even three times or more,” she told the students in attendance. “Do smart packaging before and after cooking. Based on what you're storing, then you'll know how to adjust the storing mechanism.”
Early Childhood Education student and event attendee, Nachurel-Destiny Mitchell ‘28, believes events aimed at educating students about proper budgeting, money management and financial literacy are valuable. “I think these events are important because they teach students real life skills that they can also teach members of their community,” she said. “It sets people up for success.”
The series will continue throughout the semester with “Credit Card Makeover” on Monday, October 26 and “Tax Time: Making Taxes Less Confusing” on Monday, November 9, both at 1:30 p.m. in New Academic Building, Room 1109.
“By focusing on practical, real-life skills, the series gives students resources they can actually use in their everyday lives after they leave campus,” Rinaudo-Zwibel said. “The goal is to continue supporting our students as they grow and help them feel more prepared for the day-to-day responsibilities they will take on as they become more independent.”
Web Banner Caption: Faylon Robinson (standing), a nurse in the SUNY Old Westbury Student Health Center, discussed food safety and other topics during the opening workshop in the "Beyond the Tassel" series.