Markham high school student turning accounting into a fun lesson with cartoon videos

MARKHAM, ONT. – For most high school students, the thought of learning accounting might sound as exciting as watching paint dry. But Holly Zhang, a student from Markville Secondary School, is changing that perception with her new cartoon video series on the subject.

“Accounting has a reputation for being dull and dry, at least in my school,” Holly admits. “But as I learned more about it through preparing for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) competition, I realized that accounting is really the language of business. It tells the story of a business through its numbers.”

Inspired by this revelation and the need to make the topic more engaging for her peers, Holly created over 15 cartoon videos on accounting this summer. Her goal is to turn what many see as a boring subject into something fun and accessible.

Her videos, which range from explaining financial statements to breaking down the basics of budgeting, have been well-received by students.

“I’ve had some people say my videos made accounting less intimidating and more approachable,” she shares, “and my school’s business department is now using them as a resource!”

But Holly’s efforts go beyond just making accounting less boring. She’s passionate about promoting financial literacy among young people, believing it’s crucial for their future success.

“Most high school students don’t have much money yet, but financial literacy is about preparing for the future,” Holly explains. “It’s about feeling confident in your decisions — whether it’s choosing which university to attend or figuring out how to manage a TFSA. We need to know what kind of financial independence we’re stepping into as we turn 18.”

Holly’s commitment to financial education extends beyond her videos. She's also partnered with Angus Glen Public Library to teach personal finance to middle schoolers and has hosted workshops on home ownership and credit at her school. Up to now, her resources have reached over 800 students worldwide.

“I want to help demystify the stigma around accounting,” she says. “As costs of living continue to rise, it is imperative for the youth to understand how to make informed financial decisions so that they can lead as stable lives as possible.”

For Holly, this journey isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowerment. By understanding financial concepts, she feels better prepared for life after high school, from managing university tuition to gaining control over her future.

Scarlett Liu is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with the Markham Economist & Sun in Markham, Ontario. Title image courtesy Local Journalism Initiative ("Markham high school student Holly Zhang makes accounting fun with cartoon video series.")