Meet the Princeton University graduate who turned her scholarship success into a profitable business. A recent Princeton University graduate not only graduated debt-free, but she also turned her scholarship success into a profitable business.
Her experience demonstrates the value of prudence and tenacity in today’s unsettling world.
She is 22-year-old Gabriella Carter. CNBC Make It published her story as part of the Millennial Money series.
Her journey started when she realized the staggering cost of college education, a reality that many young adults today also face.
She made the difficult decision to act on her own when faced with the daunting prospect of student loans.
Gabriella set out on a mission that was anything but simple—looking for scholarships. She applied to over 100 different programmes with unyielding tenacity, receiving rejection after rejection.
Also read: How to apply for fully funded Fulbright Scholarship 2024?
Nevertheless, she persisted, took advice from each failure, and eventually won 35 different scholarships totaling an astounding $2 million.
She was able to graduate from Princeton University in 2022 with over $100,000 in savings and no debt.
But Gabriella’s story doesn’t end with her achievements in the classroom. She turned to social media after realizing the need to share her experience and assist others in navigating the world of scholarships.
As Gabriella shared advice, knowledge, and her own scholarship experiences online, her following grew quickly. She quickly realized that her expertise could be turned into a successful business after the profound impact.
Gabriella’s business venture, “Growing with Gabby,” was founded as a result of this realization.
The platform collaborates with companies to advertise scholarship opportunities and gives students looking for financial aid personalized coaching.
Her company generated a respectable $177,000 in revenue in 2022, and this year it is projected to be close to $300,000.
Gabriella is determined to achieve financial independence and an early retirement despite her youth. Her strategy is motivated by a wish to live a fulfilling life and be free to follow her passions without being restricted by a traditional 9–5 job.
The way Gabriella handles her money is evidence of her dedication. She prioritizes investing and saving, allocating $8,300 to her retirement investment accounts and high-yield savings accounts.
