Summer Preparation for College: Financial Aid Tips

Congratulations High School Graduate!  Summer has begun and this is the time to relax and enjoy your freedom from all those years of high school.  But wait!  Have you considered what you should be doing in preparation for college as a new freshman in the Fall?  Besides shopping for dorm room accessories, have you considered how your financial aid will help cover all your expenses throughout the semester?

Here are some financially smart tips to help ensure your financial aid refund monies last throughout your fall semester:

1.    Create an expense spreadsheet.  

• Sit down with your parents and prepare a budget for  the total cost of tuition, fees and room and board. 
• Consider your expected financial aid (scholarships, grants and any student loans needed) for the fall semester. 
• Determine the amount of your financial aid refund (financial aid minus fees).
• Calculate your fall semester textbooks and materials fees. Allow for funds such as gas, transportation costs, extracurricular costs for education (museum trips, honors program fees, etc.)
• If you will have a roommate, how much
• Allow money for food and extracurricular activities.  You may want to keep snacks in your room for late night study sessions.  And if you want to experience the total college life, you will need to have a bit of fun (i.e. movie tickets, college events, dinner off-campus with friends, etc.)

2.   Increase your "free money" options.

The cost of college textbooks ranges from $500 - $750 per semester. Therefore, receiving small and moderate scholarship dollars can be extremely helpful when covering costs versus directly out-of-pocket.

• Search for available scholarships and grants offered through local organizations and corporate offices (civic organizations, rotary clubs, credit unions, parents' employers, etc.)
• Contact your previous or current employers to inquire if there are any employee benefits which offer college scholarships.
• Continue to check your scholarship profile accounts (FASTWEB, Scholarships.com) for additional funding opportunities.
• ALWAYS have a generic essay/statement you can use to attach to any scholarship application. This will ensure that your application is promptly concerned.

3.  Contact your Financial Aid Office.

• Ensure your school's financial aid office has all the required documents from you in order to process your aid.
• Ask your counselor if there are any additional scholarships available.
• Select your preferred financial aid refund method before the semester begins.Most colleges offer check, ACH transfers or debit card refund methods through their bursars’ office for financial aid students. 

Being proactive now, before your first semester begins, will help eliminate increased anxiety and promote readiness to a great start to your freshmen year!  For additional tips on financial aid college preparedness, contact your financial aid office or e-mail questions to MissDCInternational@gmail.com.

Paying it Forward,

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

2015 Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk

The 25th Anniversary of the  DC Lawyers Have Heart 10K & Walk to benefit the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association was held on a beautiful morning on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown!  Despite the hot and humid 90 degree weather, the turnout numbered in the thousands with over 2600 pre-registered participants by the start of the race.

I was honored to be invited by Meredith May, Marketing Coordinator to present the awards to the participants at the Awards Ceremony.  I also had the opportunity to join in on the fun along the course and the Post-Race Party to capture the events of the day as a Social Media volunteer photographer.  Some of my photos have been featured on the Greater Washington Region's social media account at https://www.facebook.com/lawyershaveheart10k?ref=hl.

Several of those arriving for the event parked their boats near the dock and enjoyed a world-class brunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers located alongside the Washington Harbor.  Complimentary massages were also provided by Edge Salon & Spa.  In addition, participants had an opportunity to win a FREE, all inclusive trip to Las Vegas for every $100 raised or donated.  The event to-date has raised over $741,000.

Founded by two Washington lawyers: Richard Frank, Founder of OFW Law and Alan Raul, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP, the event brings together law firms and their vendors as well as attorneys from both the government and private sectors.  In addition to residents, parents, children and athletes of all levels of experience, to raise awareness and public consciousness regarding heart disease and stroke.  Lawyers Have Heart is now one of the largest annual philanthropic endeavors supported by D.C. metropolitan law firms and legal vendors and has grown to become the area's largest 10K race.

Since its founding in 1991, Lawyers Have Heart has raised over $10 million to benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, whose mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.  By participating, you not only strengthen your own heart through exercise, you also help to raise lifesaving funds. 

"Volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others!"

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

For additional information on the Lawyers Have Heart DC Run/Family Walk, please visit: http://www.lawyershaveheartdc.org/

S.M.A.R.T Girls Celebration - Boys & Girls Club of Harford County

This week I had the great honor of being invited back to the Boys & Girls Club of Harford County to be the guest speaker for the Smart Girls Graduation Celebration.  Upon arrival to the Aberdeen club, I was greeted with a burst of screams and excitement from the girls awaiting my arrival.  It was such a nice feeling to see the smiles on the girls’ faces.

Ms. Megan Canino and her Smart Girls group welcomed me into their clubroom and I talked to them about the importance of the sisterhood within Smart Girls, self-confidence and to always dream big.  The question and answer session was filled with inquiries about being Miss D.C. International, the International Pageant system and what it takes to be a ”queen.”  I ensured them that being a great role model and respecting others confirms all girls are princesses and turn into queens.

My interactions with the Smart Girls continues to inspire and motivate me to be a stronger role model.  Since my appearance at the Aberdeen club, I have received “thank you” e-mails from the girls and appreciation from their parents on social media.  I feel blessed by God to be placed in a role, in which I can make a positive impression in young people's lives.

Thank you again to Ms. Ashley Choate, Ms. Megan Canino and Mr. Marcus Robins from the Boys & Girls Club of Harford County for your continued support and friendship.

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

The program, SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to17. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential. The SMART Girls program is sponsored by Tupperware Brands.