Alonzo Lozada – undergraduate student double major in accounting and financial planning
Where are you from? Why did you choose to attend FSU Panama City?
I am from Panama City Beach, FL. I chose to attend FSU Panama City because it is where I live closest, and I wanted more of a smaller student-to-teacher ratio when it came to learning and seeking help if needed.
What inspired you to pursue two degree programs (Financial Planning and Accounting)?
I was originally in Business Administration when I chose that I wanted to learn about accounting, and as the semesters went by, I realized during my last semesters I would only have to take 2 to 3 classes because of the accounting sequence at FSU Panama City. I was excited at first because it meant more free time for me, however, I ultimately decided that if I was going to be taking classes I might as well do another workload for a different major instead of minoring in something. So, I was very grateful to see the Financial Planning bachelor's degree and that is when I spoke to my counselor, Kyle Rudrow, who helped me figure out all the details since it is a fairly new program here at FSU Panama City.
Double Major in accounting and financial planning,
Alonzo Lozada
What has your experience been so far in the Financial Planning program?
Financial Planning has been very rewarding as an addition to my accounting major. Since they both are very similar in many ways it made for an easy transition. I have really enjoyed working with the professors and counselors who were/are very helpful through this new program.
What aspect of your area of study do you find most fascinating?
The most fascinating part of both Accounting and Financial Planning to me comes from the people helping aspect, and learning how to help people succeed as I succeed as well. I also enjoy the behavioral concepts in Financial Planning, and seeing how people interact with their finances.
Who are the faculty or staff members that have helped or inspired you?
There are many faculty and staff who have helped me along the way, whether as an instructor, advice givers, or just to lend a hand in helping me along my majors. I do want to give a special recognition to those who have helped me tremendously such as Dr. Joseph Krupka, Dr. Wendy Ritz, Mr. Kyle Rudrow, Dr. Diana Simpson, and Mrs. Dana Smith.
What do you like to do when you’re not doing school work?
I just recently went on a small case business competition with a team, which consisted of my professors Dr. Krupa and Dr. Ritz, and other colleagues which I recommend any student to do in their field of study. However, when I do get a free chance to unwind and clear my mind from school work, I do enjoy going on trail hikes, shopping, advancing my skincare routine, watching movies, spending quality time with my best friends, and most importantly listening to music.
After you graduate, what are your plans?
I still have one more year after this, so my plan tends to change, but once I graduate I plan to take my CPA and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) licenses since I do not need to go get a master's degree as I am gaining enough credits to satisfy the licensing requirements. However, that being said, if I did decide to obtain a master's degree, I would get it in another area of study from my current majors.
What advice do you have for fellow students?
I am not much of an advice giver because each individual is unique in their own way, and how they perceive their lives and the world around them is vastly different from mine. However, I would say if you are ever struggling or feel like you are burnt out just close everything and give yourself a day, two days, or even the week to realign yourself. It is better (in my opinion) to gather your thoughts and take care of yourself and tackle the task at hand than to burn yourself out and give work back that is not a good reflection of what you are capable of. Lastly, have fun and enjoy your time at college while you are young because one thing that you cannot buy no matter how wealthy you are is time and youth so take charge and cease your present and future.