It’s pretty insane that Up to Us concludes in two days. By the first minute of Saturday PST (we won’t be late with the final reports!) our efforts for this year’s competition will have ceased. But will our efforts stop to raise awareness about the national debt? Nah! When all is said and done, I hope we’ve had even a small part in starting the conversation of the issue that is the national debt on our campus. With the campaign coming to a close I’m confident that we’ve started a movement and I hope that I can be a part of the continuity of the movement.

I joined the UMiami team as a way to help out some of my co-workers and peers. I had little knowledge about the national debt and had somewhat doubted the impact that we could make on our campus. But as I watched the webinars, brainstormed with my four other core members, and saw our efforts manifest in a great campaign, I felt like a brunette Leslie Knope. Before we entered the Up to Us competition, my impression was that the national debt was a problem for my friends majoring in economics, finance, and politics to solve. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Discussing our goals and encouraging my friends and classmates to take the pledge really allowed me to reflect. Looking back on this competition, I am #blessed that I was able to become so much closer to my core team members, even if we had to “take the plunge” and deal with some conflicts. I was able to explore something that I knew little about and develop my outlook on my own personal finances (and the finances of the three clubs I am the treasurer for – much numbers, many math). I am grateful that I took on this challenging role as a core team member and eager to see the results of the competition. I hope my fellow ‘Canes know that it’s Up to UMiami and my fellow collegians know it’s Up to Us.