How does the FBLA program prepare you to enter either college or a career?
I can honestly say that without FBLA, I would not be the person I am today. FBLA is an organization that transformed a shy, anti-social 9th grader, into an outgoing, friendly, and confident 12th grade FBLA President. When I think about the person I was just a few years ago, I can’t imagine how that person could have possibly survived going through life. This organization has taught me skills that are essential to starting any career. I’ve also learned the meaning of hard work, and how to devote my time and effort towards helping others.
What academic subjects are important to your success in FBLA?
One of the most important subjects to my success in FBLA is business, and I have taken plenty of business classes throughout my years in high school. They have taught me all of the ins and outs of the art of business, which is something that FBLA revolves around. Even though FBLA is a business oriented organization, I have personally competed in computer based competitions. Most of my computer knowledge is self-taught, however I am currently enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles. This is the first year the class has been offered and I am excited to be in it, and to be learning more skills to help me be event more successful in FBLA.
How do your FBLA courses and activities differ from your traditional high school courses and activities? Do you apply the theory you learned in your high school math and science courses?
The FBLA classes and activities I am a part of are more business and computer oriented obviously, but the difference is more than just subject matter. The classes and activities I complete for FBLA directly lead to my success within the organization. If I am competing in a marketing event, I simply take a marketing class, if I compete in accounting, I take an accounting class, and every class has a clear purpose and value. The communication skills I learn in English and social studies classes have helped me in almost every business class I have taken, especially marketing.
What is the most exciting thing you have learned or have done in your CTE program?
This is a very hard question to answer, because my whole experience within this organization the past four years is truly invaluable. The people I’ve met and worked with through the years are amazing, and I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet some of the best and brightest students in the world. However, if I were forced to pick one specific memory as most exciting, I would probably have to say the first time I attended the State Leadership Conference. I was only a freshman at the time, and going to the conference completely blew my mind. I had no idea what the organization was at the time, and walking into a FBLA event on that scale, was honestly jaw dropping. It was the most important point in my FBLA career as well, because it was at that conference that I realized I needed to do everything I could in FBLA, and to start becoming more involved.
How did you fit both your academic and FBLA courses into your schedule?
Fitting both my academic and FBLA courses into my schedule was a little overwhelming at first, and required a lot of extra effort. After a while it became easier, I just had to continue to work hard and remember what it was I was working for.
What would you tell incoming freshman about FBLA?
Anytime I talk to a freshman or first year FBLA member I say the same thing, “Do everything you can and enjoy every second of it." It’s really the only thing I can say, I can’t tell them what to do or how to do it, because everyone will have a unique experience, and learning and failing are a part of the experience. The only thing they need to know is that they will regret any opportunity they don’t take, and that they will do anything to relive the amazing memories they make, because I know I would.