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| home | join | contact | cle | sections | calendar | search | updated: April 2, 2009 | |
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Judge Rosenthal Gets High Marks From Teens
The M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program for teens, a joint venture of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts and the BBA is celebrating its fifth season, and still going strong. Taught in five sessions, the program enlists lawyer volunteers to teach high school students about budgeting, buying a car, using credit and credit cards responsibly, and the consequences of making poor choices. The final session includes a visit to Bankruptcy Court for a mock Section 341 meeting and an interactive discussion with a Bankruptcy Judge. Students at Worcester South High School sent Judge Joel Rosenthal a thick packet of handwritten thank you notes. The letters were so heartfelt that we couldn't resist sharing with you a few snippets: "I learned that just filing for bankruptcy is not that easy. Always pay credit card debts, and not at the minimum. Do not use one credit card to pay for another." "It was interesting to learn about the cars. Now when I grow up I'm going to buy a cheap car because just like the lawyer said, we are only going from point A to point B." "I will maintain a budget and make sure I put a little away each month for a rainy day." "I now understand the unnecessary mistakes we can make when it comes to debt and credit cards." "I've never been into a court room and hope I don't end up in your court room for bankruptcy. Now when I go to college next year, I will actually be thinking [about] becoming a lawyer. . ." "The only bankruptcy that I knew before was the one from Monopoly. I really enjoyed the examples of what would happen in a real life situation." "I learned about the different forms of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, which share similarities as well as differences. I also learned that such debts like student loans and taxes cannot be discharged or 'forgiven'." "I learned that it takes a long time to be as successful as you are as a judge. But it is worth it. I have always wanted to be a lawyer. . . The [courtroom visit] helped me see that it is something I can do." "Judge Rosenthal, you are a very welcoming and friendly person and I'm sure it would be cool to be like an intern to you." |
