FERNANDO CORRAL

Poverty and education are two of the most prevailing systemic problems in the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, I have been blessed enough to have a good education, and have been raised in a household where all of my needs are met. As a kid who was entranced with tennis early in life, I held a racket in my hand as early as I can remember. I’m also aware that tennis, in most places, is associated with economic privilege, so access to the elite sport is limited.  

 

Growing up, I spent almost 5 hours of my day in the tennis club “La Bocha”, however, “La Bocha '' wasn't your typical tennis setting. Quite the opposite, the courts were located in a “barrio” where most of the players were from. Introduced as a 4 year-old to the harsh reality of poverty in La Hispaniola I always wanted to be part of the change. 

 

As I have grown older I’ve realized the importance of not only making money, but managing it. Many young people in the D.R. stay in survival mode because they haven’t been given the opportunity to learn basic financial principles and skills that would enable them to save-- therefore leading to more financial independence. While I understand the barriers to saving when essential needs aren’t being met, what might it mean to incentivize savings, so that saving enables financial gain and expanded opportunities?

 

Using my resources, connections and knowledge I believe I can truly change the lives of many of my peers who I have grown to call family by teaching them about personal finance and how to effectively manage their money. I created LetsAceFinance.org where me and peers collectively strive to create opportunities and knowledge for local tennis players in the Dominican Republic.