The start of the 2025-2026 school year is also the start of a brand new elective course available for all students at Ridgeview High school. Ridgeview has a new Personal finance class available as an elective for all students who would wish to enroll. The class is being offered in an effort to help educate students on financial literacy, which includes lessons on personal finance and budgeting. Along with the new class, comes a brand new teacher for both Ridgeview staff and students to welcome.

Teaching the finance class is Mia Polston. Who along with teaching the finance class also leads Ridgeview’s Virtual Enterprise program. Teaching these two classes has led to issues involving classroom use. While Virtual Enterprise takes place in room 1217, Personal Finance is instructed in room 902. Although this might seem a debilitating issue, Polston has learned to adjust and adapt to the issue. “You know, it was challenging at first, but I think I’ve gotten the hang of it,” answers Polston when asked about the effects of the room issue.

 While Polston isn’t new to finance, she is new to teaching and the Ridgeview staff. This fresh face on campus has also brought a fresh perspective and atmosphere to her classes. “I think it’s pretty fun because we get to know a new person and get to learn in a different way.” says Stacy Fordcye. “She actually walks us through it every step of the way, and even if we’re confused she’ll stick with us,”she adds.

Although Polston is new to the campus, she is already starting to feel comfortable and at home here at Ridgeview. “I love the campus. You know, I never wore purple before this, but it’s growing on me. I’m starting to love it and feel like it’s home,” Polston expressed.

Personal finance aims to educate students on finance as well as personal budgeting. This aim aligns with what many students hope to get out of taking the class. With the most common hope being that they will learn how to spend their money wisely. “I thought that it would be beneficial for me and my future because I’m pretty bad with money, so I really needed this class,” expressed Ethan Rodriguez.

Both Polston and her students share the sentiment that the finance class grows into something that students look forward to taking, not just as an elective class but as a necessity. “I hope this class is something that many students at Ridgeview look forward to taking. I know finances is probably not the most fun subject to learn as an elective class, but it is a necessity,” states Polston.