When I say Rock The Street, Wall Street changed my life, I am not exaggerating.

Going into my senior year, I knew very little about finance, or the economics field in general. I hated math, and my course in macroeconomics was proving to be very confusing, so when my friend approached me, looking for someone to go through the Rock the Street, Wall Street program with her, I was hesitant at first.

I did not want to give up my time to learn about a career I had no intentions to go into, or to spend even more time on a subject I did not like. Luckily, she wore me down, and I am so glad I am a graduate of this program.
Now I am confident enough to make my own financial decisions, and to speak knowingly about the world of finance.

Abby (Left), with her classmates meeting the CEO of Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Barry Stowe.

I am looking to get a liberal arts degree, most likely in history, and before this program I just did not see how finance would ever be important in my life, but the women in RTSWS showed me that understanding finance and economics is so much more than trading the stock market. A solid understanding of finance means I know what I am getting into when I take out a loan with a fixed rate, or my stockbroker wants to “sell short.”

“If you are successful, it is because somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a life or an idea that started you in the right direction.” – Melinda Gates

I recommend this program to almost everyone I meet. It is so important for high school girls to know what it is to be financially independent and that they can succeed in a male dominated career. I have met so many inspiring women through RTSWS, and created a solid network of professional women that I can lean on as I begin my professional journey.

Abby with her classmates, (including the one who wore her down), giving their presentation on Krispy Kreme v Dunkin Donuts – Which stock should their client, Jane, invest in?

Abby with her RTSWS mentor, Bree Cordes from Jackson National Life Insurance Company

This is a testimonial written by RTSWS graduate, Abby Baker.