UHV student counsels financial responsibility with other freshmen
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| Josh Garrett |
University of Houston-Victoria junior Josh Garrett might be working toward his own education, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help others along the way.
As spokesman for TDECU’s Young and Free Texas program, Garrett talks to people ages 18 to 25 about financial responsibility and how to avoid common pitfalls.
"It's an introduction into financial wisdom without making it seem like such a burden," he said, explaining his work includes social networking, blog posts, making videos and the like. “A huge part of it is entertainment. I love it.”
Garrett noted he’s picked up a tip or two during his time on the job. His best advice? Learn from others’ mistakes before you make them yourself. If a friend purchases a vehicle with a credit card or takes out an unnecessary loan, for instance, take note.
“It all makes a difference,” he said.
The communication major said he hopes to become a speech professor and might someday venture into acting and other activities. It’s important to get his educational foundation, however.
"I've always heard that when you make the decision to go to school, you should get in all of the education you’re ever going to want," Garrett explained. “There are a lot of things I want to try, but I want to make sure I have my education as a backup first.”
Garrett, whose father served in the Army, lived in Germany for the first years of his life. He moved to Victoria at age 8 and graduated from Memorial High School in 2007. In his free time, he enjoys playing “Dungeons and Dragons” and video games. He also busies himself watching TV and movies, as well as making and editing films.
"I'm interested in anything that gets people going - entertainment, news, anything that involves people," he said.
Between his full-time job and a full course load, Garrett admits it isn’t always easy. But, although things might be stressful at times, he said he wouldn’t change a thing.
"I like taking classes, and I like what I’m learning," he said. "I'm also making a living making videos. And I couldn't ask for anything better than that."
The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler or call 361-570-4350.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
