Nikki Foley:
College is often talked about as an educational or emotional decision. Is this the right school for my major? What are the dorms like? What did it feel like to walk across campus? Do I feel like I belong?

But for families, it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make. And yet, many students arrive on campus without fully understanding the cost, the sacrifices, or the long-term impact tied to the experience.

So what changes when students are part of that conversation? Does it shape the way they approach school, community, internships, work, or even their future career goals?

Today, we’re talking with graduating college senior Isabelle Adams about the student perspective on financial awareness, campus involvement, and what it looks like to truly begin with the end in mind.

Welcome to Paladin Financial Talk. I’m your host, Nikki Foley, and I’m joined by featured guest Isabelle Adams, a recent graduate of Creighton University.

Welcome, Isabelle.

Isabelle Adams:
Thank you so much for having me.

Nikki Foley:
It’s fantastic to have you. You’re actually the first guest in our new series focused on family and education.

This series explores how families navigate education, financial decisions, leadership development, and preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Through conversations with students, educators, parents, and professionals, we’ll examine how money, identity, opportunity, and life skills all interact throughout the college journey and beyond.

So Isabelle, we’re excited to have you kick off the series.

First of all, congratulations on graduating. I imagine that feels both exciting and maybe a little nerve-wracking.

Isabelle Adams:
Yes, definitely both. It’s exciting but also nerve-wracking stepping into a new chapter of life.

Nikki Foley:
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what this next chapter looks like for you.

Isabelle Adams:
My name is Isabelle Adams, and I’m graduating from Creighton University with majors in marketing and graphic design through the Heider College of Business.

I’m originally from Stillwater, Minnesota, so I was about five and a half hours away from home during school. I graduated in three years instead of four, and I’ve always wanted to work in marketing because my mom works in marketing, too.

I became really involved with the athletic department during my freshman year and immediately realized I loved that environment. That pushed me toward wanting a career in sports.

I recently accepted my first full-time role with LOVB Nebraska, which is a professional volleyball organization in Nebraska, and I’ll be starting there in June.

Nikki Foley:
That has to feel incredible — not only following your major but also stepping directly into an industry you’re passionate about.

Isabelle Adams:
Yes, I feel very lucky in that aspect. I’m super excited.

Nikki Foley:
Let’s rewind to when you were first applying for colleges. How much did you really understand about the financial commitment you were making?

Isabelle Adams:
Honestly, finances weren’t at the forefront of my mind in high school.

I knew I would probably need loans to help pay for college, but I didn’t really understand what that meant or what repayment would actually look like.

When I was choosing schools, I looked at the cost numbers, but emotionally I was much more focused on things like:

• Where would I fit in?
• What city did I want to live in?
• What major opportunities were available?
• What kind of people would I be surrounded by?

My parents balanced each other really well during that process. My dad focused heavily on the financial side and scholarships, while my mom focused more on whether I’d genuinely love where I was living and learning.

So finances were part of the conversation, but definitely not the primary thing on my mind.

Nikki Foley:
One thing you mentioned earlier is that you graduated in three years instead of four. Looking back, that became a major financial decision even if it didn’t start that way.

Tell us more about how you accomplished that.

Isabelle Adams:
In high school, I took PSEO courses because I was a high achiever academically. At the time, I didn’t really understand that those credits would save me money later.

When I got to college, I realized I already had a large number of credits completed. During my first year, after seeing what college actually cost, I started thinking differently.

I realized I didn’t necessarily need a full four years to complete my degree. Instead, I took summer and winter courses to accelerate things.

Those classes still cost money, but compared to paying for another full year of tuition, rent, meal plans, and living expenses, graduating early made much more financial sense.

Nikki Foley:
It sounds like your “aha moment” around the financial reality came after your first year.

Isabelle Adams:
Definitely. My first semester had a little more support financially, but once I started seeing loans and understanding repayment, it became very real.

That’s when I started thinking more strategically about how I could reduce costs while still maximizing my college experience.

Nikki Foley:
What would you say your parents did well in helping involve you in conversations around budgeting and college costs? And where do you wish there had been more guidance?

Isabelle Adams:
I’m the oldest child, so I think my parents were learning alongside me.

They were very open and honest about what they would help cover and what I would be responsible for. They helped with living expenses like food and gas, while I handled tuition and housing.

That transparency helped a lot.

I do wish I had understood earlier how all the little expenses add up — not just tuition, but housing costs, city expenses, meal plans, and everything else that comes with college life.

My dad was very focused on scholarships and reducing costs. My mom was focused on making sure I’d thrive personally and socially.

Looking back, I think having both perspectives was incredibly valuable.

Nikki Foley:
How did all the pieces eventually come together financially over these three years?

Isabelle Adams:
There are honestly so many resources available once you get to college.

One of the biggest things that helped me was being a federal work-study student through FAFSA. I worked multiple work-study jobs, which helped offset tuition costs.

I also found additional scholarships through clubs, organizations, and campus involvement. Beyond that, I worked additional jobs outside of work-study as well.

What’s interesting is that my tuition effectively became less expensive each year because I learned how to take advantage of more opportunities and resources.

Nikki Foley:
That leads perfectly into something I wanted to ask you.

Do you think there’s a connection between financial awareness and campus involvement — things like sororities, athletics, internships, clubs, leadership opportunities, and work experiences?

Isabelle Adams:
Absolutely.

Looking back now as a senior, I realize the return on investment from college is so much bigger than tuition alone.

Your tuition isn’t just paying for classes. It’s paying for opportunities, relationships, networking, experiences, mentors, internships, and professional growth.

But those opportunities don’t simply fall into your lap. You have to actively seek them out.

I got involved with my sorority, the athletic department, student organizations, and marketing groups because I was genuinely interested in them. But those experiences ended up helping financially too — through scholarships, work-study opportunities, leadership positions, and networking.

Everything is interconnected.

Nikki Foley:
You’ve done a fantastic job explaining how involvement and financial growth really weave together.

How do you think those experiences now carry into your professional career?

Isabelle Adams:
Networking has been everything.

The job market is difficult right now, and the fact that I have a full-time role immediately after graduation honestly makes the investment feel worth it.

And that opportunity came directly from the networking and involvement I pursued throughout college.

I worked in a student-run marketing agency, served as Vice President of Marketing in my sorority, and worked as a lead marketing intern in the athletic department.

Those experiences helped me meet people, build skills, and create connections.

A degree alone often isn’t enough anymore. It’s the experiences and relationships that help open doors.

Nikki Foley:
You’re also choosing to stay in Omaha rather than immediately moving home to Minnesota, which is another financial decision in itself.

Isabelle Adams:
Definitely.

Originally, my plan was to move back home and save money. But because I want to work in sports, and because I had built such a strong network in Omaha, staying here made more sense professionally.

The opportunity kind of fell into place because of the relationships I built during college.

It’s intimidating financially, but I’m staying in my current college house for lower rent, and Omaha is a relatively affordable city for young professionals.

Long-term, I do want to end up back in Minnesota, but this was the right step for my career.

Nikki Foley:
Do you think students appreciate college differently once they understand the actual cost and investment involved?

Isabelle Adams:
Totally.

When I first started college, I honestly wasn’t even sure I was going to enjoy it.

Now, looking back, I wouldn’t trade the last three years for anything.

I studied abroad, developed leadership skills, built incredible friendships, discovered career opportunities, and learned how to navigate life independently.

The college environment is such a unique bubble filled with opportunities. You have access to mentors, organizations, networking, career centers, internships, gyms, meal plans — so many resources all in one place.

You really have to maximize that environment while you’re in it.

Nikki Foley:
If you could give one piece of advice to parents preparing their children for college, what would it be?

Isabelle Adams:
Understand that college is so much more than just tuition and classes.

Students are investing in friendships, experiences, leadership opportunities, networking, independence, and personal growth.

Encourage your student to get involved, explore opportunities, and immerse themselves in the experience.

And also help them understand everyday financial decisions — things like budgeting, meal plans, spending habits, and balancing experiences with responsibility.

Nikki Foley:
What I hear you saying is that while there’s absolutely a financial lens to college, the value goes far beyond education alone.

You’re investing in becoming a well-rounded human being.

Isabelle Adams:
Exactly. The personal growth and life experiences are invaluable.

Living independently, building relationships, navigating challenges — those are things that shape who you become.

Nikki Foley:
Do you have any recommended resources for students or parents beginning this process?

Isabelle Adams:
Absolutely. Every university has different resources, but one thing I’d encourage students to do immediately is connect with their school’s career center.

I met with career advisors who helped identify my strengths, discuss career paths, and connect me with opportunities.

And beyond that, simply getting involved in organizations you genuinely care about can take you incredibly far.

Nikki Foley:
One thing I found interesting in what you described is that many of the things families budget separately for — gyms, food, networking opportunities, professional development — are actually built into the college experience already.

That’s an important perspective for families evaluating the overall investment.

Isabelle Adams:
Exactly. And take advantage of student discounts while you can, too. I’m definitely going to miss those after graduation.

Nikki Foley:
You’ve done an incredible job sharing both the financial perspective and the personal growth perspective of college life.

As we wrap up, one resource we’re making available for listeners is a downloadable checklist titled:
“What Issues Do I Need to Consider as My Child Becomes Independent?”

It includes important topics families often overlook — things like healthcare access, financial permissions, emergency planning, and legal considerations once a child turns 18.

That download is available at paladinfinancialtalk.com.

Isabelle, any final thoughts before we close?

Isabelle Adams:
I’d just say that while college may not be the path for everyone, if you do choose to go, there truly is a world of opportunity inside of it.

For me personally, it was absolutely worth it.

Nikki Foley:
You’ve done such a wonderful job explaining that the value of college extends far beyond the classroom — through experiences, personal growth, financial awareness, and community.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Isabelle.

And for everyone listening, if this conversation resonated with you or sparked questions about preparing financially for education and independence, the Paladin Financial team offers complimentary 15-minute no-obligation conversations.

You can visit paladinfinancial.com to learn more or book a conversation with one of our advisors.

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for additional resources and future episodes.

And again, be sure to download our free checklist:
“What Issues Do I Need to Consider as My Child Becomes Independent?”

Thanks again for listening, and we’ll see you next time on Paladin Financial Talk.