Affording Freedom FAHMIDA SHEULY
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ver since I was eight years old in a little village in Bangladesh, I recognized that money could afford me freedom. I earned money from foot races and by taking academic tests and earning scholarships. We were not affluent growing up and if I wanted things, I wanted to earn them. One of my superpowers is creatively finding ways to earn money. When my family moved to NYC in my teens, I tutored my neighbors’ kids to support my hobbies and special extra-curricular interests. As soon as I turned 18, I told my parents that I wanted to be responsible for all my bills. I wanted my bills forwarded to my college address. It required working hard to earn scholarships, coordinate financial aid, and work study, while also working at the mall/restaurants. Not taking support from my family meant I got to choose my major and classes. Money allowed me to decide my own fate. Being financially responsible gave me the ability to move cross country to attend school in California. It afforded me the privilege of not being beholden to my husband to finance my life after I got married. I often hear stories of women who feel they cannot leave an unhealthy situation because they aren’t financially self-sufficient. When my marriage collapsed and it was time for me to leave, there was no question that I could afford to do that. I am grateful for my money management skills. At no point in time have I had to stay stuck in a relationship that wasn’t good for me.
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As a matter of fact, I financed my own two-week trip to Hawaii after my divorce. Taking solo vacations has been something that is important to me and vital to my self-care. I have had a six figure salary since I was 29 years old, but didn’t only have one high-paying job. I have waited tables, tutored, started side hustles, moderated extra-curricular activities where I teach, and have even become a
